The 2nd CinePi Short Film Festival concluded with great success, attracting strong public interest and confirming its growing status as an emerging platform for student and independent cinema. Organized by the University of Piraeus Film Club, the three-day festival featured film screenings, creative encounters, and engaging discussions celebrating the art of cinema.
The festival opened on Thursday, 23 April, at Cineak Cinema with a tribute to acclaimed filmmaker Thanos Anastopoulos. Audiences watched his films The Viewer (Theatis) and Correction (Diorthosi), followed by a discussion with the director himself. The session offered participants valuable insight into his work and artistic journey, while the audience responded enthusiastically through active participation and thoughtful dialogue. παρευρισκόμενους. 
The second day focused on international short films, highlighting the festival's global outlook. The programme presented a broad range of themes and cinematic approaches, offering audiences a rich and diverse viewing experience while reinforcing the event's intercultural character.
The festival concluded on Saturday, 25 April, at the University of Piraeus with a full day dedicated to the participating filmmakers. Screenings were followed by discussions with the directors, creating opportunities for direct interaction and a meaningful exchange of ideas between filmmakers and audiences.
The closing ceremony culminated in the presentation of the festival awards, with audiences selecting their favourite films. The Golden Reel Award went to The Trial, directed by Michalis Katarachias, an adaptation of Franz Kafka's novel presented in the traditional Greek shadow theatre style (Karagiozis). The Silver Reel Award was presented to Murphy Lawden in: The Case of the Untamed Story, a metafictional noir drama featuring an unexpected ending. The awards were accompanied by honorary distinctions, while the Golden Reel-winning film will be screened at a future event organized by the Film Club.
The festival remained true to its non-profit and open-access philosophy, offering free admission to audiences and free participation for filmmakers. This approach contributed to strong attendance and fostered a vibrant community of cinema enthusiasts and emerging creators. Through its ongoing activities, CinePi seeks to strengthen students' engagement with cinema while providing a platform for new filmmakers. This year's edition further confirmed the festival's steady growth and its establishment as a distinctive cultural event.
Photos by Marina Dermentzopoulou