Feminism is a Family Affair: An Interview with Giorgos Arvanitis

In the life of cinematographer Giorgos Arvanitis, women seem to play a significant role, either through their presence or their absence. His mother, Penelope, was absent for a long time due to circumstances. His first photographs featured his mother and sister. His transition from the security of Finos Film to freelance work came through a film by the pioneering female director Tonia Marketaki.
(You can learn more about these moments in the book “Giorgos Arvanitis: A Life in Light” by Elisavet Chronopoulou, available at the bookstore of the 12th Chania Film Festival from October 16 to 27, and later in bookstores nationwide and online.)

On the occasion of his exhibition titled “Women” at the 12th Chania Film Festival, we had the honor of asking him about the role of women in cinema. However, this interview revealed much more than we anticipated, as Mr. Arvanitis generously shared his personal and professional wisdom. Through our brief conversation, we learned about other women in his life and his views on the relationships between men and women.

This interview could be summed up in one sentence:
Feminism is a family affair.
We sincerely thank him for his generosity and the deeply personal experiences he shared with us.

Question 1: Why did you choose “women” as the theme for your exhibition?
It wasn’t exactly my idea. Some friends from Katerini suggested I put together an exhibition, so I started looking for photographs I found interesting. I realized that since the birth of my first child, I began seeing women differently. To me, women are sacred; they bring life. When I returned from Ethiopia after a traumatic experience filming people dying of starvation, I arrived in Greece to find myself in the maternity ward, where my first child was being born. The moment I held the baby’s head, then its shoulder, and finally held it in my arms for the first time, I was completely transformed. My wife became even more sacred in my eyes. Since then, I cannot see women in any other way.

Question 2: Do you think cinema’s stance toward women and women’s issues has changed since you started your career?
Yes, I think things have changed, but not as much as they should. Today, it’s inconceivable not to make films about important issues like femicide. Cinema must challenge you, wake you up—not just entertain you. Television may lull you to sleep, but cinema should awaken you. While women’s positions have improved, there are still inequalities, especially in the workplace, where women in some cases earn less than men. However, women have achieved significant milestones. I remember a flight from Paris to Tunisia where both pilots were women. That’s proof that women can do anything.

Question 3: How was your experience working with women in cinema?
My collaboration with women has always been exceptional. I’ve worked with many women, not only actresses but also other professionals in the field. I’ve always treated them with great love and respect. Actors are some of the most insecure people you’ll meet. I always tried to support them, to help them feel comfortable. Working with Bibi Andersson, Bergman’s leading actress, was an incredible experience. She taught me so much—not only as an actress but also as a person. Women hold a special place in my life.

Question 4: Does the so-called “female gaze” exist in cinema?
There aren’t many female cinematographers in Greece. In France, there are quite a few, but here, only two or three. I don’t think anyone has stopped women from becoming cinematographers; they just have to pursue it. You can’t start by saying, “I’m a woman. How will I be treated?” You have to dare and move forward. In my home, my wife and I always shared responsibilities. When she was away, I did everything—cooking, taking care of the kids. My children learned to cook from a young age. Many times, I would return from filming, and my son would have the table set. This collaboration starts at home. That’s where equality is born. Feminism, in my opinion, begins with the family.

We thank the Chania Film Festival for giving us the opportunity every year to meet important contributors—women and men—in the world of cinema.