Interview: Fanis Topsachalidis - Director of "Slingshot"

ROFFEKE: How did the economic crisis personally affect you? In other words, how much of "Slingshot" is autobiographical? How much of the story is your personal story?

FANIS: The financial crisis in Greece has radically changed the lives of many people, including mine of course. People of my age grew up differently, we grew up in prosperity and all of sudden in just few years this austerity has changed everything around us. This movie is absolutely personal and we could say that it came out through me, through my soul. We are trapped in that system..... and the only hope, as trite as it may sound is our children...our future!

ROFFEKE: There is a scene where what look like certificates are placed on a grave by the main character. Is a university education still relevant in today's turbulent times?

FANIS: Education has always been important while it doesn't offer only the opportunity for academic education but tries to make better people for our society. In our days that the majority of people are
unemployed, unfortunately the degrees are nothing more but frames on the walls. The hero of my movie puts his diplomas on his father's grave to honor him for all the things that he had offered him. Some years ago, having a university degree meant you could find a job and have a bright future.... Now things have changed... Unfortunately to the worst.

ROFFEKE: In your life, how have you (a) bowed to the system (b) gone against the system?

FANIS: My only escape is through art. It's a big word to say that someone goes against the system. It's complicated and everyone has his point of view. We've got to keep the child in us alive but if necessary have a slingshot in our pockets as the "wolves" are coming closer and closer. This particular time I would say that I go
against the system as I still believe in romance and good heart.

ROFFEKE: How have you kept the child in you alive?

FANIS: In order to survive in this crisis, my way of life keeps the child deep deep inside me. Nevertheless I feel like a child when I do, things that I love, with all my heart without having in mind any reward for what I offer. Yet, when we dream for a better world, means the child in us is still alive...

ROFFEKE: Which band sung the famous Greek rock song mentioned by the main character?

FANIS: The band called " Trypes ". It's one of the most important rock bands in Greece. Their songs touch most people of my age. I give you the link to the specific song: https://youtu.be/3mpBT3-ob6k

ROFFEKE: Favourite movie by a female director?

FANIS: My first thought would definitely be Tonie Erdmann by Maren Ade.

Greetings from Greece.

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"Slingshot" touches on SDG 10: "Reduce inequalities within and among countries"

And specifically, indicator 5: "Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulations"

Further reading: "The US Financial Crisis, Post-2015 Development Agenda, and Human Rights"