On a quiet Cycladic island, far from the multiplex and the red carpet, something cinematic and utterly magical happens each summer. Film lovers gather on rocky beaches, in medieval castles, and even aboard fishing boats, all drawn to the flickering glow of Cine Kalisperitis, a roaming open-air cinema that turns the natural beauty of Kimolos and the surrounding Aegean into a living, breathing movie set. The experience now attracts people from all over the world and actively contributes to the island’s tourism development. Notably, a video about Cine Kalisperitis shared by Karolina Kaldarotzi on TikTok went viral, with over 515,000 views in just one week.

The initiative, launched in 2014 by the volunteer cultural group Kimolistes and supported by film production company Rosebud.21, has since grown into a beloved and unconventional summer ritual. With no fixed program, no ticket office, and certainly no assigned seating, Cine Kalisperitis is as spontaneous as it is enchanting. “Please don’t message us asking when the next screening will be,” reads a playful reminder from Kimolistes, a nod to the fact that each showing depends entirely on the weather and the winds.

In addition to movies, Cine Kalisperitis also hosts special guests from the world of cinema for discussions with the audience. For instance, from July 3 to 6, actor Andreas Konstantinou will attend a screening of Little England by Pantelis Voulgaris. “Also with us will be Katerina Bei, screenwriter of Yparcho, which will be screened twice, with director Stavros Tsiheropoulos and producer Panos Samiotis in attendance.” Another featured screening is Murphy’s Law by Angelos Frantzis, with lead actress Katia Goulioni as a guest.

Some of these films, distributed by Rosebud.21, are even screened on Kimolos at the same time as their theatrical premieres in Athens. “It’s almost unbelievable – all of it. One of those cases where you feel like some star or twist of fate played a role,” says Zinos Panagiotidis, one of the owners of Rosebud.21. 

A former university cinema club regular and now a Kimolos devotee, Mr. Panagiotidis points out that the island has now developed a unique identity. “Kimolos was once the island for alternative types. Now there is tourism, yachts, money. I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing, as long as growth is managed with care and respect,” he adds.

Cine Kalisperitis is no longer limited to Kimolos. Its activities now extend to even more remote islands in the archipelago. “We’ve been to Gavdos, Psara, Sikinos, Serifos, and nearby Milos,” says Mr. Marinakis. “The smaller the island, the more warmly the initiative is embraced.” A notable example is Sikinos, where despite the cinema arriving later than usual last year, the screening venue still filled up. “And we’re not stopping.”

This article was previously published in Greek at kathimerini.gr