At Alexander Greek School, we know learning goes beyond the classroom. Yesterday, our students experienced a special Worlds Apart Greek Film Screening, part of our immersive out-of-class activities. These events are designed to introduce learners to Greek culture in interactive and engaging ways.
Why Out-of-Class Activities Are Important
Out-of-class activities help students connect theory to practice. For instance, they:
-
Apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
-
Engage directly with Greek language and culture.
-
Build friendships and a sense of community with classmates.
-
Develop critical thinking through discussions and analysis.
As a result, these experiences make learning more memorable and meaningful.
Screening of Worlds Apart (Ένας Άλλος Κόσμος)
Worlds Apart is a modern Greek drama written and directed by Christoforos Papakaliatis. The film interweaves three romantic stories set during Greece’s economic crisis. Each story highlights personal and social challenges, illustrating how love, family, and resilience prevail even in difficult times.
Papakaliatis is one of Greece’s most respected contemporary filmmakers, known for his ability to blend emotional storytelling with social commentary. He also stars in the film alongside a cast of prominent Greek actors, delivering performances that resonate with authenticity.
During the screening, students explored the film’s narrative structure, cinematography, and cultural references. Panagiotis Dendramis provided expert commentary on the storytelling techniques, the socio-economic context of the film, and Papakaliatis’ directorial choices. This guidance allowed students to understand the deeper cultural and cinematic significance of the film.
Meet Panagiotis Dendramis: Our Expert Guide
We proudly work with Panagiotis Dendramis, PhD, who leads these film events. Born in Athens in 1979, he first studied Psychology at the University of Athens. Later, he pursued his passion for cinema at Stavrakos Film School and earned a postgraduate degree in History and Theory of Cinema from the University of Crete.
Panagiotis has worked as an assistant director, cameraman, editor, and production assistant. His short film The Room was selected for the Drama Short Film Festival in 2009. Additionally, he teaches cinema history and conducts research on Greek film education.
His PhD explored private film education in Greece, highlighting the key role of private initiatives in training professionals from the late 19th century to the early 1990s. His book, published by ΑΙΓΟΚΕΡΩΣ, documents these schools and their cultural impact. Read more about Panagiotis here.
Coffee, Biscuits, and a Cozy Autumn Experience
What could be better than welcoming autumn in Athens with a cultural activity, freshly brewed coffee, and traditional Greek biscuits? Students enjoyed Nespresso coffee from our open kitchen, the warm aroma filling the room and creating a relaxing, inviting atmosphere.
Alongside the coffee, we offered a curated selection of Greek biscuits from Alatini, Papadopoulou, and Violanta. The assortment included buttery classics, chocolate-dipped delights, and almond-based treats.
Savoring these treats while discussing the film, students experienced a truly cozy and aesthetic moment, combining cultural enrichment with sensory pleasure. This unique blend of cinema, conversation, and seasonal ambiance made the screening of Worlds Apart an unforgettable experience. #Alatini #Papadopoulou #Violanta
Part of Our Morning Programs
The Worlds Apart screening is just one highlight of our Morning Programs, which combine 20 hours of group lessons per week with 6 hours of out-of-class activities, including cultural presentations, film screenings, museum visits, Greek dining experiences, and dance lessons. Students also enjoy free access to our library, kitchen, internet, and educational materials—making learning Greek a fully immersive cultural experience.
