World premiere

Elena's Shift

Local title
Elena kord
Title in Russian
Дежурство Елены
Original title
Elena's Shift
Director
Stefanos Tsivopoulos
Country
Greece
Year
2025
Programme
First Feature Competition
Genre
Drama, Social drama
Subject
familial relationships, LGBTQ, belonging, motherhood, migration, activism

Elena, a Romanian single mother in Athens, dreams of a better future and a sense of belonging she has long been denied. When she is unjustly fired, her fragile world collapses, and her long-suppressed activist spirit awakens. Determined to seek justice, she turns to Yota, a charismatic lawyer, and discovers a bond that rekindles her desire to live, to open her heart, and to raise her head with dignity. As Elena confronts systemic injustice and fights to reclaim her voice, she will have to courageously decide what matters most: her family, her ideals, or the chance to love again.

“Elena’s Shift” highlights the challenges of cultural integration, a poignant story of a woman regaining her strength, her rights, and her agency, set against a society shaped by austerity and displacement; a female-centred tale brought to life through a masterful performance.

Fabio Tucci

Director
Stefanos Tsivopoulos
Screenwriter
Stefanos Tsivopoulos
Cast
Maria Dragus, Penelope Tsilika, Filippos Sklikas, Rodica Lazar, Macrina Barladeanu, Maria Kallimani
Producer
Nikos Smpiliris, Stefanos Tsivopoulos, Angelo Venetis, Iraklis Mavroides
Cinematographer
Konstantinos Koukoulios
Composer
Mick Pedaja
Sound
Xenofon Kontopoulos
Runtime
Language
Greek, Romanian, Russian
Subtitles
Estonian, English

Award for the best film, grant of 5000€ by

Screenings

2. Hall Apollo Kino Tasku, TARTU
Screening103216 / Elena kord
SubtitlesEnglish, Estonian
Screening duration
Saal Kino Sõprus
Screening121518 / Elena kord
SubtitlesEnglish, Estonian
Screening duration
Trailer