The 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival: “Where Are They”: Missing After the 1974 Turkish Invasion of Cyprus

The 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival wrapped up today 16March2025.

“Where Are They” is a Greek documentary revealing the ongoing attempts to locate 1,619 Greek Cypriots “missing” immediately after the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The missing are soldiers never registered as Prisoners of War or were civilians. Most of the missing are men but 116 women and 32 children are included. Occasionally remains are recovered but as relatives of the missing make abundantly clear time is running out and memories fade. One relative who lost his mother, father and young brother laments the failure to locate remains and the forgetting of the missing is an insult to history. Maria Kalmpourtzi the President of the Panhellenic Committee of Parents and Relatives of Unregistered Prisoners of War and Missing Persons in Cyprus terms “missing persons” as an insult to humanity and is critical of the Greek Government for not being more aggressive in pursuing the cause.

The Turks displayed unbridled barbarity in torturing, raping and executing Greek Cypriots. As with Russian kidnapping of Ukrainian children Turks kidnapped young children for adoption. One Greek Cypriot whose baby was shot in the leg by a Turkish soldier and told he would be taken to a hospital for surgery and then returned to her never returned being adopted by a doctor at the hospital and taken to Ankara where he now works as a physician.

There are sources in the American intelligence community working with the Israeli Mossad who claim some of the missing soldiers were used in medical experiments in Turkey or kidnapped to work on “heroin plantations” for Turkish drug kingpins.

The documentary is a reminder casualties of war are not only soldiers but civilians. And the casualties are not only the dead and the wounded but families of the missing. The question is are they really missing or is it the lack of will and effort causing them to be missing.

Unfortunately the documentary does not give any background about the history of Cyprus and the events leading to the 1974 Turkish invasion presupposing the audience is exclusively Greek or has knowledge of the 1974 invasion. If you know nothing about Cyprus it would be hard to put the documentary into a proper context which is a great shame.

Directed by Nikos Aslanidis.

RKS 2025 Documentary Film Rating 58/100.

27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival: “Children of the Dust”: Great Expectations of a Vietnamese Amerasian Cultural Orphan

The 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival runs until 16March2025.

Ngo Thanh Sang is one of thousands of Amerasian children left behind in Vietnam as South Vietnam finally collapsed in 1975 with Americans beating a hasty retreat. Sang’s father was an American soldier in Vietnam serving a 1966—67 tour of duty. The result of his relationship with a South Vietnamese woman was the birth of Sang. A moment of pleasure became a lifetime of suffering for Sang.

Through a DNA matching programme Sang locates his father in the United States. He must decide to take advantage of an American reunification programme covering his costs of travel so he can relocate there but his move must be permanent and will not include his grandchild and daughter, at least initially.

Amerasian children in Vietnam suffered hardship and prejudice. Sang’s mother and extended family “could not afford” to raise him resulting in his working in a poultry farm where he was beaten. Sang is illiterate. He works at construction sites and lives in very modest accommodations with his wife caring for his grandchild abandoned by his drug addict daughter.

A long distance over the phone relationship is established with his gravely ill father, his two brothers and sisters and appears warm. As Sang has experienced dysfunctionality in Vietnam when he travels alone to the United States he walks into the dysfunctional family of his father. His father is divorced having taken up with another woman leaving his wife and children behind. His daughter complains about the lack of affection of her father and the father complains of his abandoned childhood.

Not speaking English Sang feels lonely and confused about his choice. He had such great expectations to finally meet his father but as in Vietnam and in the United States he is “caught in the middle” and not entirely accepted by both cultures.

Sang muses about returning home thinking that he feels as if he in the same place whether in Vietnam or the United States. His only home is his family which by embracing it is the only way he can move forward. Which family is he referring to or is he referring to both and will he return to Vietnam?

A Vietnamese, Polish, Swedish, Czech Republic and Qatar production directed by Weronika Mliczewska.

RKS 2025 Documentary Film Rating 82/100. World premier was at the 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival.

RKS Literature: AN AMERICAN NON DP Feels Like a DP Living With Her Granny (Wally Lamb)

“Displaced persons. People we took in from Europe after the war. You’d think they’d be grateful. Wouldn’t you?”

I understood why they weren’t. A displaced person myself, I was not so much grateful to Grandma for her charity as disgusted by her liver spots and quiet belches, the way she could reach into her mouth and, with a gurgle, remove her top teeth.”

“She’s Come Undone”, Wally Lamb, 1992.

RKS Literature: Trying to Cope with a Parental Split (Wally Lamb)

“Daddy kept sneaking nervous peeks at me and at the rearview mirror. Behind us, the U-Haul trailer wobbled and swayed from side to side. In silence I waited impatiently for the tragic highway accident that would paralyze me but wrench both my parents back to their senses. I pictured the three of us back home on Bobolink Drive, Daddy pushing my wheelchair solemnly up the front walk, eternally grateful for my forgiveness. At the doorway Ma would smile sadly, her hair was clean and lustrous as a Breck-shampoo girl’s.”

“She’s Come Undone”, Wally Lamb, 1992.

RKS 2025 CANADIAN Documentary Film: “Le Plein Potentiel” (Your Higher Self)

From Quebec the documentary “Le Plein Potentiel” a glimpse at the practice and business of “life coaching”.

Having worked in the corporate sector for many years I am no stranger to “life coaching” where at one point it was a hot trend enabling executives to move up the ladder by being able to manipulate the rungs in the ladder. Selfish to the core.

“Le Plein Potential” is an enabling voyage where we witness over a dozen actual coaching sessions including training sessions for coaches.

If any documentary can be neutral here is a good attempt.

What is the coaching witnessed here? It is extremely individualistic as the constant words purloined by these coaches is “you” and “yourself”. How powerful you can be. Letting your deeper self emerge. Your inner journey. It’s up to you. Your inner strength. Embracing your kindness. Defining your life. Be more yourself. Being the king of your life. Your genuine self. The real you.

It is as if coaching has replaced religion and morals excising the collective and glorifying individuality as the superpower and goal of all human beings.

The documentary commences with some “earnest” one on one coaching, moves to group coaching espousing the party line of individuality and becomes increasingly bizarre and commercial. Like mindfulness so earnest initially and hyper commercialized as it evolves.

The filmmaking and cinematography gears into creative and strange as the coaching sessions become increasingly bizarre and commercialized. Yes Zoom calls with some billboard advertised life transformation coach in Asia that no doubt accepts major credit cards or a slick social media type with highly rehearsed infomercial type messages.

While watching I wrote numerous short descriptive notes and perhaps you will share some of them;

  • Earnest
  • Helpful
  • Encouraging
  • Manipulative
  • Deceptive
  • Commercial
  • Evangelical
  • Dangerous
  • Surreal
  • Cult like
  • Smooth talkers
  • Chumps
  • Exploitation of the vulnerable
  • Charlatans
  • Nonsensical
  • Flaky

On the other hand you are welcome to say educational and wonderful?

I am left with a “Nightmare Alley” feeling.

If a documentary ignites so many thoughts in my view it is a mark of success.

The trailer can be watched here https://vimeo.com/1024840691

In French and English with English subtitles.

A film by Annie St-Pierre.

RKS 2025 Documentary Film Rating 86/100.

King Charles III Launches Out at President Trump Over Canada Threats: Commonwealth Members Will Attack to Defend Canada: Newcastle Upon Brine: 13March2025: Spoof News Services

King Charles launched out at President Trump of the United States this afternoon in a televised statement broadcast on both the BBC and CBC.

Speculation is Charles has been humbled by Canadians referring to him as “Bonnie Chicken Charlie” for exhibiting silence of cowardice, relying on the shield of diplomacy, against the continual threats of President Trump and his minions to physically annex Canada after its economic destruction by “those beautiful tariffs”.

King Charles statement is as follows; “Good afternoon most loyal subjects. Canada has been threatened by numerous threats of President Donald Trump and his gang of brash, crude and highly lippy bullies.

These statements constitute not only a low brow threat to Canadians but an insult to my royalness and to the Commonwealth grouping of 56 states an international force to be reckoned with.

Attack one member Donald and we retaliate and we don’t mean prohibiting imports of American watery beer and that vile bourbon. Angry kilted men are a force to be reckoned with particularly with those bagpipes a blaring.

My seriousness about this schoolyard bullying has prompted me to make a personal donation of 16 Harrier jets, currently decommissioned by the Royal Airforce, to member state Botswana. We have a few used tanks we will include. I have asked all member states in Africa and Asia to increase their defence budget by 237,000 British Pounds.

As you know, or most likely don’t know as shown by your misunderstanding and manipulation of the 1908 Treaty between Canada and the United States, the Treaty of Paris signed between The United States and Britain in 1793 established boundaries at a whim. Some Yank simply took a ruler and cut off our colonies from the mothership, England. Remove that carve out of the United States and by God what a beautiful commonwealth we would have. Just imagine instead of your population bowing at the feet of actors, hip hoppers and overpaid athletes they could admire a real king! Donald you rule by a dubious set of executive orders. I rule by divine order. You have been warned and I am sure your citizens will be happier being a member of the Commonwealth!”

RKS 2025 Documentary Film: “A Fly on the Wall”: Caution You May be Swatted and Squished!

Assuming you were terminally ill and suffering. Would you fight and suffer until the end or turn to medically assisted in dying (MAID)?

Sixty-year-old Chika Kapadia is in the last stages of an aggressive terminal cancer. He has requested his long-time friend and filmmaker Shonali Bose to film him in Geneva to the point he ingests “the final dose” and his head drops and he quietly dies. Reluctantly Bose agrees.

A date is set for “the big sleep” at Dignitas in Geneva that performs MAID. And the countdown begins. Dignitas permits non residents of Switzerland to avail themselves of MAID.

Chika appears robust, is walking, chatting away and seemingly in good spirits. He is a likeable chap, a former electrical engineer, stand up comedian and beach bum. Are we missing something here or is Chika Captain Courageous?

Each day that passes you’ll see brief handwritten notes on the screen from Chika revealing his thoughts about his impending death and MAID. Pay attention.

A titanic struggle ensues between Chika, Bose and Chika’s family. Initially the family is on board with the filming but how far the film should go is in dispute. To the final bitter end (and the “final prescription” is bitter). Or should it cease when the final dose is swallowed and before his head drops signaling unconsciousness or somewhere in between or perhaps not at all. Will Chika take this final road? How does this effect the longstanding friendship between Bose and Chika?

At one point Chika, heavily involved in directing the director Bose as to the various shots to be taken, instructs her to be “a fly on the wall” meaning remain still and leave after he takes the final dose. Bose has difficulties processing her role as friend and that of filmmaker.

As time ticks on as a viewer you may have conflicting points of view. Do it and God bless! NO as he looks as if he has remaining vitality!

Can Bose finish her “production”?

This story becomes intense veering between realistic and surreal.

The day arrives, a day that Chika had cancelled previously.

Can he go through with it? How far in filming can Bose go if he does.

Disturbing, tense, surreal, graphic, ghoulish, immoral, of poor taste, sensational, didactic, cruel or rattling. Take your choice(s).

Flies on walls are often fly swatted. As a viewer you are the fly here whether you want to be or not. At any point you can fly away.

This 82-minute Indian documentary was filmed by Shonali Bose and Nilesh Maniyar.

RKS 2025 Documentary Film Rating 82/100.

Canadian Province of British Columbia Yanks ALL AMERICAN ALCOHOL OFF THE SHELVES

British Columbia originally pulled all American Red State (Republican) American alcohol off liquor stores in British Columbia.

On 10March2025 the pull now applies to all American alcohol.

Premier David Eby of British Columbia made the following statement, “Today, we are ordering the removal of all American beer, wine, spirits and refreshment beverages from the shelves at BCLIQUOR stores. The stores carry hundreds of types of U.S. alcohol that the BC Liquor Distribution Branch will also no longer be purchasing. 

“We are taking this action in response to escalating threats from south of the border. Most recently, U.S. President Donald Trump made new threats against Canada’s dairy and lumber industries – and there are reports he has been musing about redrawing the border. 

“Last week, we took ‘red state’ liquor off our shelves in a targeted move. In the face of ongoing threats, including to Canada’s dairy and lumber industries, we are expanding the list of targeted American products. 

“We have heard the voices of people in British Columbia who are justifiably upset by American threats – and want to see us take this step.

“While some of us may be disappointed at not being able to access some of our favourites, this is an excellent opportunity to sample Canadian products. I encourage those who enjoy Napa Valley wines to enjoy the many award winners from the Okanagan Valley. British Columbia distillers produce many distinguished spirits, while we also brew popular domestic and delicious craft beers. 

“We will be introducing legislation this week to address these unprecedented threats from the United States. 

“Let there be no mistake about the intent behind tariffs. President Trump wants to hurt Canada economically so he can annex Canada politically. As hard as it is to believe, our longtime friend and ally is behaving like a foe. Trump wants to force us into becoming the 51st state. That will never happen. We are proud Canadians. We will always be the true north, strong and free. Elbows up!”

Americans Held Hostage by Greenlander’s Barbarism: The American Full-Bodied People Society Speaks Up: Spoof News Services: Houston,Texas:11March2025

At a news conference today in Houston, Texas Mr. Tony Waddle of the American Full-Bodied People Society declared Americans are being held hostage by the decision of the government of Denmark to impose a 350% retaliatory tariff on the export of maigreism to the United States.

Maigreism is a key ingredient in American weight loss drugs. It is mined in abundance in Greenland and nowhere else.

Over 234,000 million American men, women, children and pet dogs are on these weight loss drugs.

Mr. Waddle stated, “Americans in the New Golden Age are entitled to eat to their heart’s content. It is all-American! It might even be in our Constitution. First the Canadian state of Ontario cut off all electricity to our country and now a barbarous act of placing a huge tariff on maigreism. We urge our President to order the Governor of Canada to reinstate electricity exports without tariffs and the King of Greenland to un-tariff maigresim!”

Spoof News Services attempted to solicit comments from tariff czar Bill Slugnick but was informed by a spokesperson he was too busy to respond to our queries as he as planning the invasion of Greenland.

27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival: “Biko and His Balkan Orchestra”: Sometimes Very Good Things Happen to Those Who Wait

Biko Agusev resides in the Republic of North Macedonian town of Strumica 53 kms from the Greek border. His “clan”, as Biko refers to, has been playing music for generations. His band is preparing to perform at the Naousa Carnival a pre-Lent Mardi Gras type of festival occurring annually in the city of Naousa, Greece between 20February-2 March.

We are tempted, or teased if you wish, at the outset of the documentary with a rough cut of his music with a snippet of a rehearsal in a school gymnasium and the music is intriguing. But then we are bogged down in a slow pace with Biko’s walk around his quarter with friends, his preparation for the trip and performance and his journey to his annual gig at a restaurant in Naousa all of minimal interest.

The “action” heats up and it fact it sizzles once Biko and his “orchestra” arrive in Naousa where his band is a known commodity. They perform on the pavement outside the restaurant to a crowd in the frenzy of a carnival.

Their style is difficult to categorize but there are influences one might categorize as Turkish, Greek, big band, New Orleans jazz, Mariachi and war movie soundtrack. Whatever the style is it is wild and infectious. As a bonus we are treated to the street music of a Patanida Parade the day after Biko’s performance and Biko and his Balkan Orchestra join in playing slower and more traditional music.

Very good things happen here for those who wait!

This 75-minute Greek documentary is directed by Anna Antonopoulou and Giorgos Spyridis.

RKS 2025 Documentary Film Rating 82/100.