Showcast: Exploring Refugee Trauma and the Child Resignation Syndrome w/ Alexandros Avranas (Venezia 2024)

In this episode of the Showcast, TFV's Matt Micucci shares a conversation with Alexandros Avranas, who's making waves at the Venice Film Festival with his latest film, "Quiet Life," featured in the prestigious Orizzonti section. "Quiet Life" is a gripping story about a refugee family in Sweden, thrust into unimaginable trauma when their youngest daughter mysteriously falls into a coma after their asylum request is denied. As the parents search desperately for a cure, their resilience is tested to the limit. Join us as we explore the origins of this intense film, with Avranas revealing how he was inspired by an article in The New Yorker about the little-known Child Resignation Syndrome—a chilling condition that lies at the film’s core. We discuss the film’s deliberate style, the recurring theme of family in Avranas’ work, and his thoughts on whether we’re living in a dystopian society. Plus, we delve into the roots of his filmmaking ambitions and how his background in sculpture has influenced his unique cinematic approach. CHAPTERS (00:00) Introducing Alexandros Avranas and "Quiet Life" (01:39) Early cinema memories (04:48) Background in sculpture (06:37) Learning about the Child Resignation Syndrome (08:30) Exploring the theme of family (11:02) A dystopian society (13:32) Experimenting with human lives (14:56) Visual style and emotional restraint (18:00) Political activism (22:00) Outro