Greeks take great pride in their open-air cinemas—and rightly so. There’s a certain charm in those Athenian garden theaters that bloom  like quiet sanctuaries among the capital’s concrete blocks. It’s not just about the films; it’s about the nostalgia, the escape, and the unmistakable feeling that for a couple of hours, everyday worries dissolve into the flickering light of the big screen. It’s no surprise that open-air cinema is a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors.

And just when you think this cinematic experience can’t get any more enchanting, photos of Cine Kalisperitis begin to circulate online —showing audiences watching classic films seated on the beaches, piers, and courtyards of Kimolos, one of the most unspoiled gems of the Cyclades.

Just Like the Old Days

Cine Kalisperitis is a mobile open-air cinema project by the volunteer group Kimolistes, named after the island where it was born. What makes it unique? Its screening location is never the same. Like the village projectionists of yesteryear, the team sets up their screen in a different spot each time—showcasing the stunning natural and cultural beauty of Kimolos.

From the soft sands of Aliki and Mavrospilia beaches to the cobbled courtyards of island churches to even within the medieval castle of kimolos, Cine Kalisperitis creates a magical cinematic journey. The setting varies, but the elements remain: starry skies, the glow of lanterns and torches, and the sea-scented breeze of the Aegean.

A Labor of Love

“It’s a demanding process,” explains Fotis Marinakis, a core volunteer with Kimolistes, speaking to TO BHMA International edition. “Preparations often start in the morning—or even the day before. We’re usually just three or four people, sometimes even two.”

They choose different locations each season to keep things fresh for both the audience and themselves. “We don’t want to get bored either,” he says with a smile. “Each year, we try to discover new places to host our screenings—at least a few new beaches.”

Though screenings typically take place once or twice a week, everything depends on the weather. Announcements are made through posters around the island, via social media, and on the official website shortly before each event. And the turnout? Remarkable. “We’ve had people come to the island just for the screenings,” says Marinakis. One elderly woman, who rarely left her home, attended for the first time last year—11 years after Cine Kalisperitis began—and left in tears. “She cried at the end of the film. That touched us all.”

Some, like the man who insisted he would come to see Yparho—a 2024 biographical drama chronicling the life of Stelios Kazantzidis—“no matter where you screen it, ” capture the deep emotional bond Cine Kalisperitis has cultivated over the years.

@caldarozzicarolina Η πιο μαγική βραδιά. 🧿🐚🇬🇷 #kimolos #kimolistes #fyp #forupage #openaircinema #cinekalisperitis #goupakarra ♬ Maestro In Blue – Kostas Christides

The Power of Cinema and Community

Cine Kalisperitis thrives on community and collaboration. “We’re not alone,” Marinakis emphasizes. “We’ve had support from local professionals, the Municipality of Kimolos, the South Aegean Region, and sponsors—even big companies outside Kimolos. A donor even bought us an entire truck.”

Support like this allows the team to improve their equipment each year—without ever charging admission. “Keeping screenings free is non-negotiable,” Marinakis adds. “It’s the one thing we’re not willing to change.”

More than just film under the stars, Cine Kalisperitis is redefining public space. In a world where social life is often tied to consumption—buying a drink to sit at a café, or paying for a ticket to see a film—this initiative offers something rare: a shared experience in a free, communal setting.

Named after Kalisperitis—as locals in Kimolos call it—the first star to appear in the evening sky, the project invites people to gather, dream, and connect—not just with cinema, but with each other.

A Recognized and Awarded Vision

The project has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Cine Kalisperitis received the Silver Award (2nd place) at the Best City Awards in the “Culture & Sustainable Development” category, honored for highlighting Kimolos’ natural landscape through cinema and volunteerism.

In 2022, it was named Sustainability Ambassador of Greece at the BRAVO Sustainability Dialogue & Awards, celebrating its role in blending cinema with environmental and cultural tourism.

And in 2021, it earned 1st Prize at the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) Awards, under the theme “Rebuilding European Tourism through Culture, Heritage and Creativity.”

This year, Cine Kalisperitis is inviting the public to help shape its future programming. Audiences can suggest films and ideas to improve the experience—even further. Submissions and inquiries are welcomed at kimolistes@outlook.com.

For more information, as well as updates on upcoming screenings, visit their official website.