Syllas Tzoumerkas, a visionary filmmaker, was born in 1978 in the vibrant city of Thessaloniki. Growing up in Thessaloniki, Kilkis, and the picturesque island of Nisyros, he was exposed to a rich cultural heritage that would later influence his unique storytelling style.
Tzoumerkas' cinematic journey began with his debut feature film, Homeland, which premiered at the Venice Critics' Week in 2010. His sophomore effort, A Blast, received widespread acclaim after premiering in competition at the Locarno Film Festival in 2014. The director's third feature, The Miracle of the Sargasso Sea, made its way to the Berlinale Panorama in 2019, solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.
Throughout his career, Tzoumerkas' films have been celebrated for their bold characterization, strong performances, and distinctive style. His works have participated in numerous festivals worldwide and have been distributed to theaters and streaming platforms globally.
In addition to his directing credits, Tzoumerkas has also co-directed with Christos Passalis, feature film The City and the City, which is set to have its world premiere at the 72nd Berlinale in February 2022.
As a screenwriter, Tzoumerkas has co-written scripts for Argyris Papadimitropoulos' Suntan, which premiered at the Rotterdam and SXSW film festivals in 2016, and Ahmad Ghossein's All This Victory, which won the Venice Critics' Week Award in 2019.
Tzoumerkas has also ventured into acting, appearing in feature films, shorts, and stage performances. He has collaborated with various institutions, including Onassis Stegi, the Greek National Opera, Thessaloniki IFF, the blitz theater group, Youla Boudali, and others, on multi-platform and theatrical projects.
Furthermore, Tzoumerkas co-curated with fellow director Elina Psykou the restoration program and moving festival of the Hellenic Film Academy, titled Motherland, I See You - the 20th Century of Greek Cinema. This ambitious project celebrates the rich cinematic heritage of Greece and has been a significant milestone in the country's film industry.
Throughout his career, Tzoumerkas has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling, exploring complex themes and characters in his films. His unique perspective and dedication to his craft have earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting filmmakers in the industry today.
