The 11th International Documentary Festival of the Peloponnese (PIDF) is set to take place from November 21 to 30, 2025, with a central theme of «Solidarity.» This year, the festival will host a special event that intertwines cultural heritage, development, and international cooperation, focusing on the future of the Peloponnese railway network.
On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 16:30, the Theodoros Angelopoulos Amphitheater in Kalamata will feature the documentary «Leontari,» directed by Maurice Konstantin Dietziker. This film captures the ongoing efforts to revive the historic railway network of the Peloponnese, particularly highlighting the abandoned station of Leontari. The documentary showcases the initiative of the Hellenic-Swiss Initiative in collaboration with the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Culture (ELLET), which is dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the railway network, aiming for cultural enhancement and regional development.
Following the screening, an open discussion will take place, featuring prominent officials such as the Swiss Ambassador Stefan Estermann, Lydia Karra, president of ELLET, and Irini Frezadou, a leading figure in the film, architect, urban planner, and board member of ELLET, along with Matronis Dikaiakou, a journalist from the parliamentary channel, and representatives from the Friends of the Railway Associations of Athens and Messinia.
The discussion is expected to focus on the next steps for the railway’s revival in the Peloponnese, exploring international best practices and the potential contributions of rail transport to regional development and environmental protection.
This event not only highlights the importance of the railway network in the region’s history but also emphasizes the collaborative efforts necessary for its future. The PIDF serves as a platform for dialogue and action, bringing together various stakeholders to foster a shared vision for sustainable development in the Peloponnese.
