The story of the renowned charcoal makers from Ikaria island, who traveled throughout Greece and Asia Minor to make charcoal. Elderly charcoal burners, aged between 70 and 104, describe the era and its hardships. Simultaneously, the women who stayed behind on the island, recount the events from their perspective. Descendants in Chalkida and Alonissos islands share the memories of their generation and the relocation of their ancestors. We speak with historian Themistocles Katsaros and convey the true sense of the charcoal sites with excerpts from the 1977 film "The Charcoal Burners" by Alinda Dimitriou. Finally, we observe the entire process of charcoal production by constructing a traditional kiln. These are testimonies from a bygone era when charcoal was the driving force of industry—and not just industry—against the backdrop of the history of Greece through the years.

Manos Arvanitakis is a graduate of the Leica Academy photography school. He has attended seminars at the Film School of the Czech Republic (FAMU Academy), film seminars within the CinemaDaMare festival in Italy, participated in a Master Class with Theo Angelopoulos, and a workshop at the National Theatre on 'Technology in Theatre.' He has made short films and video art, with participations and distinctions at Greek and international film festivals. In 2010, his short film “Sea Happens” participated in the Cannes Film Festival, at the Short Film Corner, receiving great reviews and invitations to international festivals. Since 2001, he has worked as a cinematographer, director, and assistant director alongside well-known Greek directors. He has also participated in numerous theatrical, dance, and musical performances, using new media (projection mapping) to present works at the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, the Onassis Cultural Centre, the Herodes Atticus Theatre, and other venues. After completing his latest short film “Pasa Anasa,” he is in the process of shooting the documentary “The Charcoal Makers of Ikaria Island”. At the same time, he is working on the script for his first feature film.

2024-DocFest, Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival