Inspired by the travels of Chiarman Clift, George Johnston and Leonard Cohen, Oliver Altermatt travelled to Hydra in the summer of 2024 to launch Faces of Hydra, a social documentary photography project.

This effort explores and depicts the life of the inhabitants of Hydra, capturing the unique character of the island and its untold stories.

This youth-focused Hydra workshop explores how AI can support the pre-production phase of filmmaking - helping create storyboards, mood boards, and visual concepts. Focusing on skills for the immersive technologies, students learn how to use AI tools to spark ideas, refine aesthetics, and speed up the creative process, allowing filmmakers to focus on story and emotion.

Five film grants, aimed at empowering emerging filmmakers and advancing bold, original storytelling across documentary and narrative genres. These grants will provide crucial funding and mentorship opportunities to creators with compelling visions and underrepresented voices.

ArtCinema will produce with - Greek filmmaker and composer Antonis Sotoripoulos - a short documentary on the making of Boy on a Dolphin, offering intimate perspectives and reflections on what the 1957 classic - and Sophia Loren’s presence - meant to the people of Hydra. This tribute captures how Loren’s 39 days on the island left a profound and mutual impact. It was during this time that she famously fell in love with producer Carlo Ponti, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership - and a cinematic legacy.

Hydra local, Panagiotis Rappas is a world renowned animator, story artist, scriptwriter, and director. ArtCinema has invited him to do devise a shorts filmmaking program for the children of Hydra.

Rappas specializes in the development of content for animation projects, his animated films won many awards and recognition around the Globe. He did Stage Design for Theatre plays and Illustrated many Children Books.

We’re excited to offer 10 talented filmmakers a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and investors in an exclusive matchmaking session. In addition, this will cover the cost of those creatives attending the event, ensuring that artists can focus on making valuable connections, receiving feedback, and exploring potential collaborations to bring their projects to life.

We’re delighted to welcome acclaimed French photographer Brigitte Lacombe to the ArtCinema Hydra family. Renowned for her iconic portraits of actors, artists, and filmmakers, Brigitte brings with her a deep love of cinema, animals, and her own beloved studio cat. Brigitte, along with her filmmaker sister Marian Lacombe will help shape a heartfelt project to raise funds for a much-needed veterinary clinic on the island, along with a surprise guest.

Together, we plan to launch a striking portrait series featuring artists and their animals, reviving the timeless spirit of images of notables with cats.

Our guests are invited to discover the vibrant talent of Hydra’s local artists through exclusive private studio visits, curated and guided in collaboration with renowned local artist Dimitris Fousekis. These intimate experiences provide a rare and personal glimpse into the creative spaces and processes that shape the island’s distinctive artistic spirit.

Cinema & Souvlaki, held at Kamini Port, will draw in the local family community, filling the venue with energy and excitement. The event will feature a pop-up exhibition, along with an unforgettable open-air shorts program and feature screening that celebrates film while honoring a legendary figure. Guests will also enjoy the best souvlaki and refreshments, blending the festive Greek spirit of Panagiri tradition, offering a climactic farewell to the three-day festival.

Art Cinema is excited to announce the creation of a Hydra Animal Adoption Program - a heartfelt project inspired Art Cinema’s founder, Amanda Palmer, who adopted a port stray, Lilycat and supported her care for two years before moving to Hydra more permanently.

Whether you're a traveler who’s bonded with any kind of furry friend, during your stay or a supporter from afar, this program allows you to sponsor an animal’s care on this beautiful island. In return, you’ll receive regular updates, photos, and the joy of knowing you have a companion to return to every time you visit.

Our guests are invited to discover the vibrant talent of Hydra’s local artists through exclusive private studio visits, curated and guided in collaboration with renowned local artist Dimitris Fousekis. These intimate experiences provide a rare and personal glimpse into the creative spaces and processes that shape the island’s distinctive artistic spirit.