It's not fate. And it's more than coincidence. It's something in between that the narrator of Souls of a River gently fingers throughout the roughly hour-and-twenty-minute documentary that plays more like an elusive dream of past and present memories than anything else.
Told via narrator Chrys Krikellis, whom is also the film’s director, and with a focus on the work conducted along the Evros River between Turkey and Greece by forensic pathologist Pavlos Pavlidis, this August 2024 release is a filmic meditation on identity, purpose, perspective, and the all too familiar attempt of humans to make sense of what often seems a senseless world.
On the surface the film is seemingly a random telling of anecdotes from Krikellis’ life combined with an array of seemingly random moments from Pavlidis’ daily responsibilities patched together with, again, seemingly random but beautiful shots that are reminiscent of an eclectic Instagram account that showcases common place objects.
On the other hand, the film’s exploration of the lives and memories of Krikellis and Pavlidis, as well as the morbid details of being a forensic pathologist—including the uncovering and attempted identification of lost souls who tried but failed to cross the Evros River from Turkey into Greece—makes it feel more like an exploration of the inner workings of the brain. With its sweeping nautical shots, meditative close-ups of everyday objects accompanied by haunting narration, and the detective nature of Pavlidis’ work, Souls of a River is driven by the human spirit of curiosity, seeking meaning and purpose from what is seen, experienced, and remembered.
This reading of the film is one concluded on through patience. But with reliance on subtitles, extended silent shots that can feel like Ansel Adams took a trip to the shore, and piecemeal storytelling, the weight and insights conveyed can easily go unnoticed, or dismissed of because of a disjointed delivery.
From an educational standpoint, the documentary illuminates the economic and humanitarian issues that arise around boundaries and borders, specifically the Evros River where Krikellis’ father fought during the 1974 invasion of Cyprus by Turkey, and where Pavlidis has uncovered the bodies of over 500 refugees over the course of his career. These elements highlight the global consequences of an unequal world, and will be insightful for viewers who don’t live in the region, especially self-focused Americans who place the conversation about their own southern border as a topic of sole importance and existence.
Souls of a River is available for purchase as a DVD at the EPF Media website and, under the right circumstances, can act as an aid for educators and institutes that teach with film.
How can Souls of a River be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Souls of a River would be a valuable addition to public libraries, particularly those with collections focused on global issues, humanitarian crises, and film studies. The documentary explores themes of identity, purpose, and the human struggle to make sense of a senseless world, making it relevant for viewers interested in the complexities of borders, migration, and human rights. Additionally, its artistic and meditative approach—through the work of forensic pathologist Pavlidis and the evocative narration by Krikellis—would appeal to library patrons interested in cinematic storytelling, philosophy, and the ways documentaries can capture personal and global histories. This film is particularly valuable for educational settings where discussions about migration, identity, and borders can be explored.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Souls of a River?
Several college courses and majors could benefit from Souls of a River. Film studies courses will appreciate the documentary’s unique narrative style, its meditative approach, and its use of imagery to convey deep philosophical themes. The film's disjointed storytelling can be an excellent case study for students studying experimental or avant-garde documentary filmmaking techniques.
Human rights and international relations courses would benefit from the film’s exploration of border issues, particularly its focus on the economic and humanitarian crises surrounding migration at the Evros River. Sociology and anthropology students could engage with the documentary’s themes of identity, memory, and human connection, particularly as they relate to the migration experience. Additionally, courses focusing on Greek or Turkish history, especially regarding the 1974 invasion of Cyprus, would find this documentary a useful resource for understanding the lasting impacts of geopolitical conflicts.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening Souls of a River?
For public screenings of Souls of a River, obtaining the appropriate Public Performance Rights (PPR) is essential. This ensures that the film can be legally shown outside of private settings—whether in community centers, schools, libraries, or public events. If a library or educational institution plans to host a screening of the film as part of an educational initiative, film series, or discussion group, securing the necessary PPR will ensure compliance with copyright laws. Institutions will need to obtain licensing from the distributor or rights holders to legally screen the film in a public or institutional setting.
How could Souls of a River enhance special events on college campuses?
Souls of a River could greatly enhance special events on college campuses, especially those focused on migration, global human rights issues, or the ethics of borders. The film’s thought-provoking content, combined with its artistic and meditative style, makes it ideal for inclusion in events such as Global Awareness Weeks, Human Rights Awareness programs, or Refugee Week. Its emphasis on the personal and humanitarian consequences of border politics would stimulate discussions in panels, lectures, or film festivals dedicated to these themes. By focusing on the lives of ordinary people caught up in these global issues, the film could prompt meaningful student conversations about identity, purpose, and the human cost of political divisions.