The Artistic Director, Eleni Vlassi, raises the curtain of the “10th InternationalDocumentary Festival of Ierapetra & Awards” and of the “4th International Film Festival of Crete & Awards” and proclaims live on stage the Opening of the Festivals, along with the distinguished and popular Greek actor Michalis Aerakis,official guests, cultural ambassadors from around the world and professionals fromthe national and international art scene.Tribute to one of the most significant Greek composers, Υiannis Markopoulos,the musician from Ierapetra who drew inspiration from the Libyan Sea and left anindelible mark on his homeland.

• The distinguished Cretan musician Yiorgos Panteris, in a program of selected songs by Υiannis Markopoulos, enriched with Cretan colorsounds. Vocals & Lute:Georgos Panteris. Lyre: Aristomenis Michalakis. Guitar: Apostolis Giaslakiotis. Percussion: Nikos Kalathakis.

• Cretan traditional dances by the Children’s Section of the Dimitris Kaparakis Schools. Accompanied by the group Stefanakides.

• Presentation of Jury Members & Festivals’ Program.• Presentation of Jury Members & Festivals’ Program.

• Honorary screening of the documentary film “Malanas, the Untold Story ofAlexander” by Eleni Vlassi, which competed for the “Iris” Awards of the Greek Academyof Cinema. A magical journey into a unique Himalayan community, reminiscent of Ancient Greece. Narration: Christos Solomos.

The Opening Ceremony is presented by the Director of the Lasithi Music High School, Marianna Haita and the actor / director / scriptwriter Christos Solomos.