Aligned
Director: Apollo Bakopoulos
Greece, United States, 2022, 78 min
Shooting Format:Digital 35mm Alexa
Festival Year:2023
Category:Narrative Feature
WINNER: Best Producer
Cast:Panos Malakos, Dimitris Fritzelas, Mantalena Papadatou, Nick Atckinson
Crew:Writer: Apollo Bakopoulos. Producer: Apollo Bakopoulos. Co-Producer New York: Jennifer DeLia
Email:apollonewyorkfilms@gmail.com
Synopsis
Aligned is an intimate exploration of self-discovery, love, desire and pain. Set against a backdrop of beautiful music, dance and photography. Two male dancers with shared cultural heritage, though worlds apart, find a deep unexpected connection. This intimate tale reveals the beauty that lies within us all and the transformative power of self-love.
Trailer
About the director
Apollo Bakopoulos Born in Hellas on June 29th, 1983, is a New York based film director, producer, and screenwriter. He has dedicated his life to the art of filmmaking. After completing his studies at the “Eicar International Film School of Paris“ (2005) and the London Film Academy (2008), Apollo moved to London where he worked as a cinematographer/camera operator for three years. His work has since taken him around the world, creating spots, commercials and 16mm short films in multiple international locations such as London, Paris, New York and Hawaii.
He has collaborated with award-winning artists such as Dan Kneece best known for his work on “Mulholland Drive“ and “Blue Velvet“. Currently he is producing a documentary that explores topics of identity, equality and freedom of expression featuring Patricia Fields of “Sex and the City“. (2022)
Themes of transformation, sensuality, and visual beauty are often seen in Apollo's work. He encourages self-expression and creativity, breaking psychological and artistic boundaries to empower individuals embrace their unique identities, fostering personal growth and societal progress. His most recent accomplishment is “Aligned“ - his debut feature film - (2022)
Filmmaker's note
I wanted to create a story about intimacy and connection between two people regardless of their sexual preference, background and identity. How can two people have an emotional bond and be in a partnership that embraces the authentic soul beyond sexual involvement.I wanted the characters to explore and create a new experience around intimacy through dance rooted in innocence and playfulness.
As for Aeneas this meant confronting his self judgment and fears of not being good enough and being unlovable and to choose a new brave and vulnerable narrative. Self love is the only way out of the profound emptiness down deep inside our soul, which is impossible to satisfy.
Aeneas' story invites you to ask yourself who you would be if you didn't have those fears.
To capture this atmosphere of freedom, I drew on my own experiences growing up in Greece as well as its history, landscapes and mythology.
The setting of Greece and New York creates a unique blend of old and new, allowing us to capture an atmosphere of self expression and liberation through dance. The historic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and 'Top of the Rock' - and stunning views of both countries created an atmosphere the feeling of Eros, the presence of something that has existed for eternity.
As I experienced Greece through new eyes, I felt inspired to write and hoped to tell this story authentically.
Notes
THIS FILM IS AVAILABLE ONLY IN OUR THEATER. IT IS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE AS PER THE FILMMAKER'S REQUEST.