Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Avgoustina Papadopoulou. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Avgoustina, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my latest short film called ‘Nihilism.’
‘Nihilism.’ is particularly meaningful to me because it addresses issues that deeply anger and concern me, especially given the current events unfolding around the world. Many young people, like myself, feel powerless as we witness the suffering of innocent children and civilians due to conflicts, often funded by powerful elites, through our screens. It’s frustrating and disheartening to see these events unfold and feel unable to express our anger or effect change.

Through Nihilism, I aimed to channel these feelings into art—the medium I know best. This film serves as a voice for those who feel voiceless, a way to raise awareness and express the collective frustration and sadness many of us feel. It portrays the harsh realities and senselessness of such violence, shedding light on the human cost of these conflicts.

The collaborative nature of this project made it even more special. We brought together our various artistic talents to express our shared perspective on these matters. This fusion of different art forms allowed us to create a powerful narrative that resonates on multiple levels. Nihilism will always be my favorite short film because it represents not just my voice, but the collective voice of a team committed to making a difference through art.

Avgoustina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a director and writer—a storyteller at heart. My journey began at a very young age when I discovered my passion for storytelling. With a vivid imagination, I spent my childhood writing stories, always knowing that I wanted to be part of the entertainment industry. My formal education in university helped me find my voice as a writer, and from there, I naturally progressed to directing.

What sets me apart is my commitment to creating stories with a purpose. I aim to tell and direct narratives from my unique perspective, hoping to help people realize or relate to various issues, whether they are internal struggles or global events. My goal has always been to use my craft to make a meaningful impact.

Currently, I am working under Cult Experiences, a production company based in Cyprus. Our company produces short and feature films, commercials, music videos and many others. Additionally, we host three annual film festivals in Cyprus: the Dance Film Festival, the Fashion Film Festival, and the Music Video Festival. These festivals provide local and international artists with a platform to express and showcase their work, encouraging them to create more and advance the art scene on our island.

I am most proud of the collaborative projects we undertake, which not only highlight our work but also elevate the talents of other young artists. By pushing the boundaries of creativity and providing opportunities for local talent, we strive to make a significant cultural impact in our community.

You can find more about us through our website www.cultexperiences.com

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I’ll be honest with you. When I was very very young, I was driven by the idea of “being famous” in an industry I hardly knew anything about. Like many, I was naive and wanted to be seen. But as I grew older, that driving force changed. I no longer feel the need to be “famous” or join an industry just to be recognized as a person.

My mission now is simple: I want to help. It might sound cliché, but it’s my honest truth. I want to express the emotions that people struggle to articulate. I want to raise awareness and concerns, to be a voice for those who often go unheard. I aim to be provocative yet informative, tackling the complex emotions and issues that society tends to overlook or suppress.

As humans, we’re complicated. We have feelings that go far beyond what society usually acknowledges. I want to break down the walls of these societal taboos and build my own platform to showcase these raw, real emotions. I want to challenge norms, provoke thought, and push boundaries.

This is what drives me as an artist. I want to do all that through my films, and I want to do it authentically.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that everyone needs to like me or my art. Growing up, this message was everywhere. From TV shows and movies to societal norms, the narrative was clear: being liked is everything. The ‘popular’ kids on screen always seemed to have it all, while the authentic, unique individuals were often portrayed as lost or struggling. The media bombarded us with this narrative, which was far from the truth. Unfortunately, my generation and I grew up internalizing this false lesson, making it difficult to express our true selves or create genuine art without worrying about fitting into societal norms or seeking universal approval.

I ‘unlearned’ this lesson by growing a thicker skin and being fortunate enough to live now in a society that is more awake than ever. As our generation progressed, the narrative began to change. More and more people are now able to express their unique identities and stand out from the crowd, which has given me the courage to do the same with my art. Embracing my true self, flaws and all, allowed me to create art that was genuine and liberated me from societal expectations.

In the end, unlearning this lesson not only helped me personally but also transformed my art. It gave me the courage to take risks, explore new ideas, and produce work that speaks from the heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cultexperiences.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avgoustina_p/?next=%2F
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avgoustina.papadopoulou/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avgoustina-papadopoulou-618b46156/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14184818/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1