‘Bearcave’ Offers ‘Unseen Perspective’ on Queer Women in Rural Greece

A mystical cave, a nettle pie and an unexpected betrayal spur a romantic adventure between two childhood friends in “Bearcave,” the feature-length debut of co-writers and -directors Stergios Dinopoulos and Krysianna Papadakis.

Starring newcomers Xara Kyriazi and Pamela Oikonomaki, the film, which is currently in post-production, won the top prize this week in the Works in Progress section of the Thessaloniki Film Festival’s industry program. It’s produced by Dinopoulos, Papadakis, Arsinoi Pilou and Thanasis Michalopoulos of Greece’s Pameligo Collective, and Emily Sky Hickin of Pucci Productions.

“Bearcave” is based on Dinopoulos and Papadakis’ 2023 short film of the same name, which won the Golden Dionysus for best film at Greece’s Drama Short Film Festival and also played at the Athens Intl. Film Festival and BFI Flare.

The film follows Argiro (Kyriazi), described by the filmmakers as a “badass farmer,” and her best friend Anneta (Oikonomaki), a manicurist and local “It” girl living in a remote mountain village in northern Greece. Before Anneta starts a new life in the city with her cop boyfriend, they embark on a hike to a mysterious, mystical bear cave — a piece of folklore history that’s captivated them since childhood.

The decision to find the cave gives rise to an unexpected series of betrayals, challenging the foundations of their lifelong friendship. As the stakes are raised and their true feelings are uncovered, Argiro and Anneta must grapple with the question of whether they’ll end up together.

According to the filmmakers, “Bearcave” “shows an unseen perspective into the lives of two young queer women in Greece. It explores their relationship through the lens of youth, light and humor, in contrast to the darkness and suffering in the lives of rural queer people we have come to expect.”

The film is a collaboration born out of the friendship between Dinopoulos and…