"As streaming platforms flourish, films must not fade into oblivion," declared Christos Nikou during the grand finale of the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF). On Saturday evening, his sophomore masterpiece, 'Fingernails,' starring Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White, and Annie Murphy, brought the curtains down on this prestigious event.
The Athens-born director, who previously helmed 'Apples,' took the stage before the screening of his sci-fi romantic drama and English-language debut to voice his ardent support for extended theatrical runs in the digital era. Nikou recounted an anecdote that captivated the audience: KVIFF's artistic director, Karel Och, had flown to London, watched 'Fingernails' with such fervor, and then promptly returned to the Czech Republic at the break of dawn. This dedication, Nikou said, was a pivotal factor in convincing Apple TV+ to showcase the film at the festival, despite its November release on the streaming platform.
"This is perhaps the first time a movie has been featured at a festival, especially as a closing film, so many months after its streaming debut," Nikou remarked. He further stressed that this is a powerful testament to his belief that "films should not end when they are on a streaming platform." Instead, he envisioned a future where movies continue to thrive in cinemas and festivals, resonating with audiences on the big screen.
"Movies are meant for the grandeur of the big screen, not the confinement of a small screen on a streaming service," Nikou asserted. "I pray that we never again hear of theaters shutting their doors." He concluded with a resounding call: "We must demonstrate to all streaming platforms that our love for cinema surpasses all boundaries."
