GREGORIS RENTIS.
Spark & Riot
〰️
Spark & Riot 〰️
about
Raised between the limestone hills of Athens and the tourist-stacked beaches of Rhodes Island, Gregoris's upbringing instilled in him a profound connection to contrasting landscapes. His academic journey led him to Imperial College London, where he diligently pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering, mastering the art of precision and innovation.
However, his passion for creative expression could not be contained within the realm of engineering alone. Venturing across continents, he found himself in the luminous embrace of Los Angeles, a city renowned for nurturing artistic endeavors. Here, Gregoris embarked on a transformative path, enrolling at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts to obtain his MFA in Film Directing. This educational odyssey not only honed his technical prowess but also ignited the flames of his cinematic vision.
Gregoris's talent took flight with his graduation short film, "Sundown," a mesmerizing creation that graced the screens of the Rotterdam Film Festival. This marked the inception of his journey as a director, one adorned with laurels in the form of awards for his exceptional work in commercials and music videos. In the tapestry of the Greek film industry, he rapidly ascended to the echelons of the most coveted directors.
His debut documentary feature, "Dogwatch," delves into the enigmatic lives of mercenaries safeguarding vessels from marauding pirates along the Somali coastline. Unveiled amidst the discerning audience of the Visions Du Réel in 2022, the film garnered resounding acclaim, a testament to his ability to draw audiences into captivating realms of reality.
Guided by a profound understanding of reality, Gregoris's artistic expedition ventures into stylized dimensions, evoking emotions that resonate deeply. His work dances on the edge of the surreal, often embracing the absurdity of existence itself. This fusion of reality and imagination marks him as a luminary of contemporary filmmaking, capturing the essence of existence through lenses that blend the tangible with the ethereal.
awards
New York Festivals Advertising Awards: Shortlisted
Ermis Production Awards: Grand Ermis Production and an Epica award
Les Arcs Film Festival: TitraFilm Award / Work in Progress
Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival: Silver Award
Drama Short Film Festival: Grand Winner