Above the Dust is a stereoscopic 360° documentary that immerses viewers in the coal mining villages of northern Greece. It has been seventy years since the opening of Greece's first coal mine, which grew to become the largest in the Balkans. Both the landscape and its people bear the marks of these decades, whether through shared cultural memory or personal experience. Above the Dust brings together diverse voices and perspectives on the mine's development and local communities impact, inviting both viewers and participants to engage in a dialogic narrative.
The story unfolds through the voices of those who lived it: local communities, workers, and civil society, each offering their unique perspective. Over decades, historical references, archives, and personal testimonies intertwine in a narrative that connects people, the environment, cultural heritage, and the weight of development. The documentary brings the viewer into this history, making them part of the conversations and allowing them to witness the narrative firsthand. At the emotional climax, the viewer is centered in a symbolic traditional dance, surrounded by residents of different generations and backgrounds who come together to perform an act of purification and renewal, inside the open coal mine.
Above the Dust is more than a record of the past. It is a story about human endurance, memory, and the power of communities to imagine a collective future. The project challenges binary thinking about progress, confronting its contradictions and inviting reflection. Its ultimate aim is to strengthen collective memory and build intergenerational bridges, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of a region that has long carried the weight of providing energy for a whole country.
Team:
- Marianna Plomariti (director, writer, co-creator)
- Nikos Efstratiadis (creative director, co-writer, co-creator)
- Labros Papadeas (producer), Dotmov Production
Genre: 8K 3D 360°, Spatial audio
Languages: Greek, English
Hardware: Standalone VR headsets (Meta Quest 2 and 3) | Online version
Status: In production - released date 2/26
Duration: ~20 mins
Participant: Marianna Plomariti