Works in Progress, International Works in Progress
Late Shift (a.k.a. Kindness)
A single mother from Romania with a history of activism struggles to fit into Greek society. After being unfairly fired from her job her activist instincts kick back in, and her quest for justice clashes with her need to belong.
Elena, a single mother from Romania, scrapes by as a metro cleaner in Athens. She shares a cramped apartment with her nine-year-old son, Luca, and her controlling mother, Ada, clinging to the hope that Greek citizenship is her ticket out of a life defined by struggle. But when her corrupt employer fires her, Elena’s world tilts. Desperate for justice, she reaches out to Yota, a charismatic union lawyer. What begins as a plea for help evolves into a close bond that stirs something deep within Elena—long-buried emotions flare to life, and their connection slowly ignites into a blazing romance. Yota rekindles Elena’s activism and her longing to build a family for Luca. However, Elena's relentless quest for justice will alienate her family and push Yota away. Elena fights to belong on her own terms, no matter the cost.
Keywords: migration, belonging, activism
Director's note:
Set in 2013, "Late Shift" shines a light on the stories of migrant women in Athens, whose lives went undocumented and unnoticed, deemed too insignificant to arrest attention within a city under the chokehold of austerity, and on the eve of the European refugee crisis. A social drama about Elena, a single mother and former activist struggling to fit in. After being unjustly dismissed from her job, her activist spirit reawakens, forcing her to navigate a battle between her longing for acceptance and her commitment to doing what's right. Written whilst living away from Greece and filmed upon returning to the country after 20 years living abroad, this film explores the contradictions inherent in our attempts to belong - to a family, a city, and a nation. A reflection on the intricate factors that shape our identities, this film is informed by my own family’s experiences of displacement, their struggle to belong in Greece, and my mother’s experience as an exile with a young child.
Producer's note:
Of the main reasons I have decided to work closely with Stefanos, is the fact that he is the rare case of a visual artist whose work is focusing on social and political issues. Issues that, amidst the international success of the Weird Wave trend, have been neglected and rarely addressed in contemporary Greek cinema. I have always believed that for the people that are actually living in Greece, and not just visiting for their sunny summer holidays, their reality is really harsh. The financial difficulties, the social injustice and discrimination towards weaker people, and the corruption throughout the social sector, create an interesting and multidimensional background for compelling – if not always feel-good – human stories. So, when Stefanos first pitched his script to me, the story of a young single mother, a strong main character with an even stronger will, moved me and I felt the urge to put my best efforts to find its way to the big screen.
Stefanos Tsivopoulos is a Greek film director, screenwriter, and video artist who has directed over 30 short and medium-length films in various countries. His films have garnered international recognition, being showcased at prestigious art institutions and film festivals, including Tate Modern in London, Centre Pompidou in Paris, BFI London, and the Thessaloniki, Athens, and Syros Film Festivals in Greece. “Late Shift” is his debut feature film.
Nikos Smpiliris (producer, member of the EFA) started his career in film business as an arthouse distributor before turning to film production in 2012, when he collaborated with Athina Rachel Tsangari at HAOS FILM.He has produced titles like C. Nikou debut APPLES and the short film PIGEONS ARE DYING… by S. Markoulakis that were received with critical acclaim and screened in many major festivals. He has also collaborated with established Greek directors.