I first met Literature Nobel Prize Gabriel García Márquez in December 2006, during a party organised by the renowned International Film School in San Antonio de los Banos and the ICAIC, (Instituto Cubano del Arte e Industria Cinematograficos). Being one of the school’s founder, Mr. García Márquez was present with his wife Mercedes. I was there with British actor Ralph Fiennes whom I had invited to visit the school and just before lunch was served, we were taken to a different room and accommodated by a long table. I sat next to British director Stephen Frears who was there for the prestigious Havana International Film Festival taking place that week and the conversation just took off. I told Gabriel my son’s second name was Gabriel and if it would be alright if I called him so.
He was happy. And there I was, in deep conversation with one of the greatest! My favourite writer! Talking about mundane things such as the time he and Dona Mercedes spent time in London where they had bought an apartment in Knightbridge, the life in Aracataca, the little Colombian town where he was born, and that he was in production of “Love in times of cholera”. Dona Mercedes and her husband made me laugh and I made them laugh. Occasionally I translated things here and there to Stephen who was perhaps wondering about this thing called Latin Connection!! I still remember the respect and admiration Mr. García Márquez exhaled and I remembered thinking how happy I was to have met him in person. Then we parted. Briefly though. We were to meet again later in the evening or the following day, I cannot recall now. And this time was even funnier. The place was full of well-known and not well- known people (like me!) we had sang happy birthday to Ralph who had an early celebration cake, mojitos were passing in all directions and music was playing. I remember a photographer came and started taking some photos and suggested Mr. Gabriel García Márquez and I took one together. At that precisely moment he pulled me closer, looked at me and said, “You have the face of a woman who is very rich therefore this picture will cost you a lot”. I burst into laughter!
Gabriel García Márquez, had gifted me with one of my most treasured memories, and I love it!!!
I am Elena Georgiou. I have studied interior architecture, photography, and now archaeology/history. Photography is what has won me over. Through my lens, I explore the beauty and complexity of human emotions, identity, and the natural world. I strive to capture evocative compositions that invite viewers into a world rich in texture, color, and meaning. The final result often blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, offering a poetic interpretation of everyday scenes. I like to use light and shadow to create a sense of depth and mystery in my compositions, illuminating complex textures and subtle expressions. Through this technique, I capture the emotional depth in human faces, creating poetic images that evoke a strong emotional response. Each photograph becomes a visual story, inviting viewers to delve into the layers of meaning embedded in the frame.
-What inspired you to become a Photographer?
I was inspired to become a photographer by the desire to capture the world’s intricate beauty and the powerful emotions that shape the human experience. My studies in interior architecture and archaeology/history deepened my appreciation for patterns, textures, and the stories embedded in both spaces and objects. Photography became my chosen medium because it allows me to explore and express these layers visually. The way light can transform a simple scene into something profound and how a captured moment can evoke universal emotions fascinated me. I wanted to share these discoveries with others, inviting them to see the world through my lens and find meaning in the overlooked details of everyday life.
-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in the society?
Yes, of course I believe cinema can bring change to society. Films have a unique power to tell compelling stories that can shape perceptions, challenge stereotypes, and inspire empathy. They offer windows into different cultures, experiences, and viewpoints, fostering understanding and dialogue. By creating emotionally resonant narratives, cinema can raise awareness about social issues, inspire activism, and challenge the status quo. Furthermore, film is a highly accessible medium that can reach and influence a broad audience, creating a shared experience that brings people together. Whether highlighting injustices or showcasing positive change, cinema has the potential to encourage viewers to reflect on their beliefs and inspire them to take meaningful action.
-What would you change in the world?
if I could change one thing in the world, it would be to cultivate greater empathy and understanding among people. Many global challenges, from conflicts to inequality, stem from a lack of empathy and unwillingness to understand diverse perspectives. By fostering a culture of empathy, we could work towards reducing prejudices, embracing diversity, and creating more inclusive communities. It would empower us to approach challenges like climate change, social injustice, and economic disparity with a collaborative spirit and a shared commitment to meaningful solutions. Ultimately, building a more compassionate and understanding world would enable us to nurture a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive
-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?
In the next 100 years, the film industry will likely evolve dramatically, shaped by technological advancements, shifts in audience preferences, and global societal changes.
Immersive Technologies: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) could significantly enhance the cinematic experience, creating deeply immersive worlds where viewers participate in stories rather than passively watch them.
Artificial Intelligence: AI could assist in scriptwriting, special effects, and even performance enhancement, offering filmmakers new creative tools and expanding the boundaries of storytelling.
Global Collaboration: With digital platforms breaking down geographical barriers, film production will likely see more international collaborations, resulting in more diverse narratives that resonate across cultures.
Personalized Content: Advances in data analytics might enable filmmakers to create hyper-personalized content that caters to individual tastes and preferences, offering unique experiences for each viewer.
Social Impact: Films will continue to play a crucial role in raising awareness about social issues, as well as shaping conversations and inspiring action. Overall, the film industry will continue to harness new technologies while maintaining its core purpose: telling compelling stories that connect with people on a deep, emotional level.