The Crisis and the real People

January 11, 2012 by Lazarus

"I made the film after seeing so much negative press about Greece and the crisis. I have many Greek friends from the Hellenic Society at Keele University (where I studied for an MA)," Ray Wilkes told us in an email "I have kept in touch with my Greek friends and been quite worried about them. So I decided to visit for myself at Christmas and help where I could by making a short film."

"I wanted to film what I saw and was overwhelmed by the good nature of the Greek people and wanted to capture this on film," says Ray Wilkes. "I saw another side to life - the Greek people were quite simply overwhelmingly helpful and courteous - a far cry from the propaganda we see on TV which damages tourism. I saw lively street scenes, entertainers, students offering free hugs to passers by. When I asked them as to why they were doing it they said to help with the crisis. I also wanted to promote the monuments so I filmed the Acropolis and the new metro system."

Ray Wilkes has showcased his films at film festivals in the UK and was awarded Best Director at Portobello Film Festival London, for a film made with Davidsonson Garrett, a poet from New York City. Portobello is the biggest indie film festival in the EU showcasing 700 films each time. Ray Wilke's winning film was made with a budget of £30!

"In the end I made this to what little I could to try and help the Greek people - I have many Greek friends on Facebook and they're sharing it where they can - but this is not enough - we need a campaign," said Ray

"Hope this helps - I am free to answer any questions should you need any further information."

Well, thank you Ray. Thank you for taking the initiative to share with the world what you saw, what you felt. The least I can do from my part is help you reach a wider audience. And while we have never met, you now have one more Greek friend at the other side of the Atlantic.

Ray Wilkes and the Flashgun Films project can be found on Twitter and the YouTube channel.