Ioanna and Areti Spanomarkou. Photo Courtesy of Strofinx.
Award-winning Greek composers, producers, filmmakers Ioanna and Areti Spanomarkou their inspirations in music and filmmaking, as well as being a part of the digital age.
What inspires you each day as filmmakers, writers and composers?
Everything around us can be a source of inspiration! A situation, a stranger in the supermarket, an old lady on the bus, the news, history, science.
We are especially drawn to stories that exist at the intersection of myth, history and the human psyche, and we love translating them into the present, into the lives of everyday people.
Greek culture, with its layers of ancient knowledge, symbolism and tragedy, remains a constant source of inspiration.
On a more personal level, inspiration comes from close observation of how people love, obsess, fail, and search for meaning.
As filmmakers, writers and composers, we are driven by the need to create worlds that feel emotionally truthful, even when they are dark or mysterious.
How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (Now with streaming,technology and social media being so prevalent)
As Millennials, we have lived through both the analog and the digital worlds. The digital age is both liberating and demanding.
Streaming platforms and technology have democratized storytelling, allowing independent voices to reach global audiences , something that was nearly impossible before.
For indie filmmakers, even local exposure is challenging, as theatrical space is now dominated by multi-million studio productions. Global distribution is even more challenging.
At the same time, the digital era reminds creators to remain focused and mind the
details in a world of constant noise. We see this moment as an opportunity: to create cinematic work with strong identity, depth through a nice plot and craftsmanship.
Not “content” to be consumed and forgotten, but work that stands out precisely because it has a greater vision.
We are also deeply grateful for the platforms that have allowed us to discover powerful international films and series that would otherwise never reach us.
What do your plans for the future include?
Our immediate focus is the development and realization of “The Grand Magister,” a feature film rooted in alchemy, mystery and contemporary European cinema.
In parallel, we are deeply involved in our big projects such as “The Lost Oracle of Trophonius,” our international co-production that explores Greek mythology through a modern cinematic lens.
Long-term, our goal is to continue creating international productions that are culturally grounded, artistically ambitious and emotionally resonant.
At the same time, we are returning strongly to music, as we are composing a new single, and after a short silence, this one will more than make up for the wait.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
Yes , the moment we decided to trust our instincts and protect our creative integrity. Along the way, there are always people who appear as “messiahs,” promising instant success if you are willing to sacrifice yourself in countless ways.
We were once offered a very lucrative opportunity to compose for a project that would allegedly make us famous overnight. Despite already having awards and recognition, something felt wrong. We walked away.
We have always preferred to grow steadily, tell our own stories, and never trade ethics for exposure. Easy money is a myth, there is always a catch.
Choosing depth over convenience, atmosphere over formula, and authenticity over trends has shaped who we are. Every project that challenged us helped define not only our artistic voice, but also our discipline and resilience.
Can you briefly tell us about your Greek heritage?
Our Greek heritage is our foundation. On our mother’s side, we come from
Epirus , the birthplace of Olympias, Alexander the Great’s mother.
On our father’s side, our roots trace back to Asia Minor, Smyrna refugees,
and the island of Chios, deeply connected to Homer and Mikis Theodorakis.
As children, during summer vacations in Chios, we used to sit on what is known as “Homer’s stone,” where legend says he once sat to tell his stories. Wow, the chills! We come from a culture where storytelling, music, ritual and symbolism have existed for thousands of years.
From ancient myth and philosophy to folk traditions, these narratives carry moral, mystical and emotional weight, and they naturally find their way into our work, even when our stories are set in the present.
A thing that we always say to people looking for inspiration is to learn about their neighborhood, maybe some special figure lived there, and it would be nice to step in these footsteps, chase the muse that always walks around.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the Greek-American community in the U.S. and around the world?
The Greek-American community remains deeply connected to its roots while
continuously evolving. Greeks are present in every sector. Not by chance, but through hard work, persistence and an almost instinctive ability to overcome obstacles.
We are dreamers, doers and builders; fighting difficulties sometimes feels like second nature. There is a growing confidence among younger generations to reinterpret Greek identity through art, cinema and culture.
We truly believe there is enormous potential for Greek and Greek-American creators to tell internationally relevant stories without losing authenticity.
We actively try to contribute by networking, mentoring and helping build a new artistic ecosystem.
Through conversations with legendary figures such as Sid Ganis, Erik Pack and others, we aim to strengthen the industry and support the creation of films in Greece, both large and small productions, hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Can you briefly tell us about “The Lost Oracle of Trophonius?” What can we expect?
“The Lost Oracle of Trophonius” is a contemporary adventure-thriller inspired by ancient Greek mythology.
At its core, it is a modern quest , blending archaeology, mystery and emotional urgency. Audiences can expect a cinematic experience with international cast and the direction of Antonis Sotiropoulos.
A story that sheds light on lesser-known aspects of Greek history while maintaining strong narrative momentum and international appeal.
The film is set in breathtaking locations across Western and Central Greece, places rarely seen on the big screen.
What is your advice for young and aspiring artists and creatives?
Be patient, disciplined and honest with your voice. You don’t need formal education to be an artist, but you do need rich exposure to films, music, literature, and art.
Study the craft deeply, but don’t imitate. Just carve your own space. Not every opportunity is the right one, so having second thoughts and knowing when to say no is just as important as knowing when to push forward.
Create work you would still stand behind even after years, when the trends fade.
Above all, use technology, it can become a powerful ally in turning ideas into reality.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success is something “beyond luck”! You need to be ready when the circumstances are right and give your best. Success is not the absence of failure, it is the result of it, and of constant improvement.
It is falling, learning, and refusing to quit. For us, success means creating work that remains meaningful over time , work that we can present with pride, regardless of recognition.
Success means sustaining a creative life and protecting your everyday life, family and self without compromising values, identity or curiosity.
To learn more about Ioanna and Areti Spanomarkou, check out their Facebook page.
