The barren, sun-drenched Greek island of Symi has two resources: the surrounding deep blue sea and the legacy of a richer past. Symi's customs and habits continue unchanged: the dowry system, the funeral processions, the cafes filled with only men, the periodic announcements over the town loudspeaker, the bells of 300 churches summoning the 3000 inhabitants to Sunday services. There is a small tourist industry, just beginning, but fishing is the traditional family business. An old Greek proverb says, "The plate of a fisherman is ten times empty and one time full." The contemporary implications of this bitter statement are seen through the eyes of 11-year-old Vassily and his family, whose lives as fishermen have become increasingly difficult. Due to depleted resources, a basic change is underway- more and more people have been forced to emigrate overseas in order to make a living. Vassily sadly wonders whether he too will have to give up the traditional ways of his ancestors and leave the island. (IFF advertising flyer)

Edited Film