Kostas Mandilas is the greatest film-maker in Greece. All these years he has been feeding us with many great videos and reminding us that the Athenian scene is still so good, and keeping our faith in local skateboarding.
Shot by Nikolas Giakoumakis
So Kostas how did you get into filming? Do you remember your first project?
My first contact with a camera was in the late 90’s my parents got me a camera for my birthday, and the next day i went to Pedio of Areos and started to film. I still remember the first line that I shot by Chris Oikonomou. My first project was never finished because I went to the army for couple of years and then I was working as a graphic designer so my time was very limited and I gave it up, I called it “The other side of the city”. I still have the tapes though, who knows maybe someday i’ll do something with them.
You must know all the Greek stars by now, is there anything you don’t like about the Greek Skate scene?
Don’t get me wrong but I think nowadays there is a lot of hate. I mean Greek skateboard scenes are very small, and there are only a few skaters that contribute much, or try to take it to the next level; so I think it is pointless and stupid not for people not to work together as a scene and make some good stuff.
What would be the best way to change it?
Not to take skateboarding so competitively, and not to try to prove that you are the best! Skateboarding is a tool for fun and unity.
We would like to know a little about your inspirations, what inspires you. Is there a motive?
Well my inspiration, I think, is skateboarding as ‘meaning’ on the city streets, and just cruising around. That was my inspiration to start skateboarding, the feelings I got. Now that i’m a filmmaker I feel the same, but from another perspective. I’m always trying to find different ways to show skateboarding and that is the hardest part. My motivation is to try to improve to filmmaking and take it to another level…step by step.
If filming skaters wasn’t your first priority what would you like to film?
Making documentaries in general… after the ATH Documentary, I found something which made me look filmmaking in a different way. I mean it’s a great way of telling a story or something. You do research, interview people, and all the processes of making a documentary.
Can you name the 3 best skaters you worked with and tell us what made them special?
Giotis Gordios, Notis Aggelis and Giorgio Zavos. Giotis because we grew up together, and I know that he is a passionate skater with a true love for skateboarding. Notis because, from my view, he is the best skater of all time in Greece: his level is just insane; tricks i’ve never witnessed in real life… and Giorgio because, for 10 years now, he hasn’t stopped skating, like when I first met him.
What are the key elements, in your opinion, for a successful part or skate video?
Pushing, style and speed. These days, seeing a good part is synonymous with handrails, stairs, big drops, and no pushing. Thats wrong. I’d rather see someone skate around with speed and style than some one who can do big stuff, not that i don’t respect the skaters that do hammers, it’s just my personal opinion. It’s one thing to skate and another to just do tricks.
Digital and Analog are two different eras, any preference, and why?
Well its a 50-50 thing: I love film because of the colours, the grain, the process; but also I love the digital for its resolution, more options, and the most important thing is the immediacy you have.
How hard is it to fin the right music for you to put in your videos? How does that work?
Music is the most important and the most difficult thing for me. I spent most of the day listening to songs that could be used on a skate project. I believe that 40% is the level of skateboarding and 60% the music on a skate-video.
A good track has the power to tell a story in a documentary, or make you jump off of your computer and go for a skate.
How would you describe your videos so far, in a few words.
Its a hard question… I feel I can still offer more as a filmmaker.
From all the films you’ve made which one is your favourite so far? What makes it so special for you?
The ATH Documentary, from the conception of the idea, to the final export, it was a crazy journey. I have so many good memories from it. Also doing that documentary made me a more mature filmmaker, and, as i said, I’ve found a new meaning for the videos i want to make.
If you could go back in time, which year would it be, and what would you change?
Nothing. I don’t regret anything that i have done. I feel so blessed that I can live from making videos and have the chance to be creative. To be creative is the most important thing in life.
What can we see from you in the near future?
Recently I started to shoot my next personal film. It’s going to be different from any other project I’ve done in the past. Soon you will see the trailer and by the end of the year I hope it will be released.
Anything you want to say to your people out there.
Stay positive and have fun!!!
