In the heart of the 60th Karlovy Vary International film festival, set to take place from July 3-11, 2026, a captivating new film is poised to make its world debut. A Whole Person Almost (Enas olokliros anthropos schedon), the directorial debut of Greek-German filmmaker Efthimis Kosemund-Sanidispromises to be a standout in the festival’s Proxima competition.
The film, a co-production between Greece, Bulgaria, Germany, Cyprus, and Romania, tells the story of Iliasa man who travels to a remote Greek island to claim his late father’s inheritance. As he delves into his father’s past, Ilias uncovers a portrait of a man that differs significantly from his own memories, leading to a journey of self-discovery and emotional awakening.
The Making of A Whole Person Almost
A Whole Person Almost is a collaborative effort, co-written by Elizampetta Ilia Georgiadou and brought to life by a talented team. The film’s cinematography is handled by Christos Voudouriswith editing by Livia Neroutsopoulou. The cast includes Anastasis Georgoulas and Flomaria Papadakiwho bring depth and nuance to their roles.
The film is produced by Horsefly Films in co-production with Red CarpetWunderlustFelony FilmTangaj ProductionZDF/Das Kleine FernsehspielARTEERTOnassis CultureFaliro House Productionsand Panta Rhei. This impressive lineup of producers underscores the film’s potential as a high-caliber artistic project.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Love
As Ilias interacts with the local community on the remote island, he begins to uncover his father’s past and, with it, a portrait of a man which differs significantly from his own memories. His gradually awakening emotions intensify when he meets the local girl Kalliopileading to a complex web of emotions and unexpected connections.
The film is described as a tender picture of a world that is both real and mystical—a place where, despite distant echoes foreboding the possible end of the world, we encounter love, reconciliation, and unexpected understanding. This mystical journey is set against the backdrop of inexplicable illnesses and mysterious power outages that affect the entire island, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative.
Exclusive Clips and Festival Buzz
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival website has released two exclusive clips from A Whole Person Almostoffering a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s unique world. The first clip features a conversation between Ilias and Kalliopi about clouds, with a humorous reference to U.S. President Donald Trump. The second clip provides an early glimpse of what the locals may be trying to do about the mysterious power outages on the island.
These clips have generated buzz among festival-goers and critics alike, who are eager to see how the film’s mystical elements and emotional depth will unfold on the big screen. The film’s world premiere is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, 2026, and it is expected to be one of the highlights of the festival.
The 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival promises to be a showcase of cinematic excellence, and A Whole Person Almost is poised to be a standout among the competition. With its unique blend of realism and mysticism, the film offers a compelling journey of self-discovery and love that is sure to captivate audiences.
