The “Nature – Culture – Life” Photography Festival, an initiative of the Rotary Interstate Committee (ICC) Greece-Romania, ended this Rotary year, leaving behind emotion, inspiration and a deep sense of contribution and unity.

60 photos… Two countries… A common message:

The unbreakable connection of nature with culture and our very lives. The need to protect the environment to preserve the future and the quality of life of future generations.

 

The Festival started in April with the photography competition, continued with the evaluation and selection of the works by the Jury and the public vote through social media, while the photos were exhibited at the Melanithros art space from 12 to 17 May.
Through the art workshops for children on May 16 and the theatre game for adults on May 17, art became a bridge of expression, creation, and awareness.
The curtain fell on May 22 with the theatrical performance “It Happened in Monterrey”, in a particularly moving evening, where we had the honour to attend and address the President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo.

 

The Festival was held under the auspices of the 2475 Rotary International Region and was warmly embraced by 25 Clubs, through the participation of photographers who sent their excellent creations, as well as by many Clubs in Romania, with 24 photos presented in the same exhibition. At the same time, 13 Clubs were co-organisers and valuable companions in this great effort.
The opening of the exhibition of the same name on May 5 at the Museum of Romanian Book and Exile in Craiova, Romania, where 37 photographs from Rotary Clubs of our Region were exhibited along with works by Romanian Rotarians, was also particularly moving. The exhibition will last until June 5, continuing to convey the message of cooperation and friendship between our peoples.
And the journey continues… The Photography Festival “Nature – Culture – Life” will continue in the new Rotary year, travelling to new cities in Greece and Romania, conveying everywhere the same message of hope, sensitivity and action.

 

It is with great pleasure that we announce that the proceeds of the Festival not only covered the travel and accommodation expenses of the five students from the Artistic High School of Komotini, but the positive balance will also be allocated to a second important project of contribution: the donation of a fully equipped uniform for volunteer firefighters.

 

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank:
  • The Governor Stefanos Anastasopoulos and the 2475 P.D.R. for their great and substantial support.
  • The President of the Organising Committee and member of the Transnational Committee Greece-Romania, Despina Katsochi, for her dedication and tireless effort.
  • The Evaluation Committee: Manolis Metzakis, President of Greek Photography and President of the World Art Union (GBU); Maro Kouri, distinguished photojournalist; and Takis Farmakis, both for his participation in the Committee and for his continuous and valuable support.
  • The members of the Transnational Committee Greece-Romania, Stratos Vlasakidis, Thanasis Katsikis, Tetis Rallis and Giorgos Stavropoulos, for their continuous support.
  • The 25 Clubs and 56 photographers — Rotarians and friends — who participated with a total of 146 photos,  giving us images full of emotion, beauty and hope.
  • The organizer Kifissia-Politeia Group and the co-organizers Athens, Athens-Armonia, Athens-Kolonaki, Athens-Lycabettus, Athens-Parthenon, Marousio, Voula, Dionysos, Corinth, Chalandri, Psychiko and E-Club, because without their support and cooperation this vision could not have become a reality.

 

Attached are photos from the opening, as well as the wonderful fairy tale created by the children, inspired by the photos of the exhibition and reminding us that hope for a better world is born through creation, love and care for nature.
The joint effort of all the Rotary Clubs proved once again that when we join forces with vision, sensitivity and selfless offering, we can create actions that leave not only a beautiful result, but a real imprint on life.

 

Art Workshop for children at the Melanithros art space, May 16

The children, inspired by the photographs of Greek and Romanian photographers, in the Photography Exhibition “Nature-Culture-Life” painted and wrote a tender fairy tale about the beauty of nature, the dangers that threaten it and the actions they take to save it

Authors children 6-9 years old: Elena, George, Eugenia, Elena, Katie, Dimitris

Coordination: Rot. Lisa Pentheroudaki, visual artist

The Magic Island

Once upon a time in a ship, there was the company of Elena, George, Eugenia, Elena, Kaiti and Dimitris. Where they were traveling they saw a group of flamingos. Next to it was a beautiful island with palm trees and beautiful flowers.

They told the captain to anchor on the island. The children came down happily and started playing hide and seek. They noticed three small ponds and colorful parrots were flying over them.

A small boat approached the island and the fisherman who was inside, left all the fish he had fished freely, but made a big mistake. He threw the cigarette he was smoking on land and started catching fire. Around them all the trees and plants were burned. Then they ran to the captain and begged him to bring them seeds to plant new trees, olives, cherries, oranges, lemon trees, apple trees and other seeds for watermelons, melons, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and much more

In a short time, the island came back to life and was filled with trees, animals, flowers and plants.

The sky became cloudy and thick drizzles fell on the sand. Then something magical happened! An almond tree bloomed and our history was written underneath it.

A wave took her and took her around the world

 

Link to more photos: Visit DropBox