Meet Christos Arfanis | Filmmaker (Film Director, Screenwritter, Film Producer) – Member of Scriptwriters Guild of Greece

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christos Arfanis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christos, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art was always my way to see the world differently to question it and to reshape it. Since I was young, I was drawn to images, stories, and the silences between words. That’s where the urge to write, direct, and give voice to characters carrying weight and their own truth. I don’t create art to express my own difference. For me, fiction goes beyond reality as it becomes a way to interpret life, not to simply replicate it. I’m not trying to put my own life on screen through cinema, theater, and writing, but to illuminate the world around me, to get closer to its truth, and to interpret it as I feel it inside. Fiction, for me, is above reality. It’s not life itself, but rather it’s a lens through which life can be understood, questioned, and transformed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art has always been about reaching beyond reality. I don’t create to simply express myself. I create to interpret the world as I feel it inside. Fiction, for me, is above reality; it’s not life itself, but a lens through which I can explore, illuminate, and try to understand the human experience. Through cinema, theater, and writing, I strive to capture moments, emotions, and silences that resonate beyond the surface. What sets my work apart is this pursuit of depth and the willingness to work with minimalism, psychological tension, and existential themes. I’m proud of “Painful Smile”, where subtlety and restraint allow the story and the characters to breathe, and the audience to engage actively. I’m excited by every opportunity to collaborate with talented actors, writers, and creators who bring their own energy into the work. Getting here professionally was not easy. Independent filmmaking demands persistence, patience, and constant adaptation. Challenges are inevitable, from limited resources to creative blocks but I’ve always leaned on collaboration, trust, and the belief that a story worth telling will find a way. Lessons along the way include patience, resilience, and the importance of staying true to your vision, even when the path seems unclear. What I want the world to know about me, my brand, and my story is this: I build spaces where imagination meets truth. Through my creative ventures, I aim to create work that is honest, daring, and capable of touching others — not to show off, but to illuminate, question, and interpret life as I feel it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start day 1 at the Acropolis, wandering among the Parthenon and Erechtheion, taking in the city from above. Then we’d stroll down into Plaka, exploring its narrow streets, tiny shops, and hidden corners. Lunch at a classic taverna grilled octopus, moussaka, fresh Greek salad and end the day with coffee and dessert at a quiet café tucked away in the alleys. The next morning in Monastiraki, checking out the flea market, little boutiques, and street performers. Lunch at a local souvlaki spot. Afternoon drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the Acropolis with the view never gets old. Wander through the Central Market to feel the real energy of Athens. Day 3 would start with a relaxed morning at Pedion tou Areos, maybe a picnic or just a walk among the trees. Then we’d hit a museum, either the National Archaeological Museum or the Byzantine Museum, depending on what sparks us. Dinner at a modern Greek bistro with great wine and good conversation. Next day, we could explore the galleries in Psirri, then coffee at a hip café. Evening in Gazi, hopping between bars, small plates, and live music it’s where Athens comes alive at night. On day 5 we would start with a morning walk up Philopappos Hill for the best view of the Acropolis. Explore the tiny streets of Anafiotika, a hidden neighborhood under the Acropolis. Dinner on a rooftop with the Parthenon lit up at night. Unforgettable! Next day would be a day devoted to tasting: Greek pastries, fresh seafood, local cheeses, olive oil, honey, and wine. Evening with live music maybe bouzouki or jazz feeling the rhythm of the city. On 7th and last day would find us on a slow morning revisiting favorite spots in Plaka or Monastiraki, lunch at a hidden taverna away from tourists. We’d end the week with a sunset walk up Lycabettus Hill, taking in Athens from above, reflecting on everything we’ve seen, tasted, and felt.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d say my shoutout goes to the people who believed in me when I was still trying to find my voice — friends, collaborators, and mentors who reminded me that stories matter. No one builds a creative path alone, and I’ve been lucky to have support around me. I also owe a lot to the creative partnerships that shaped me, like Maria Agrapidou DDS (Dr. Medic Stomatologue) who, despite her remarkable career as a distinguished dentist, has collaborated with me on some truly exceptional theatrical plays and film scripts. At the end of the day, my journey exists because of the people who gave me their time, their trust, and their honesty. They deserve as much recognition as I do.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christosarfanis/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christosarfanis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristosArfanisFilmmaker/

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8465634/

Image Credits
Spyros Mylonas