Once Upon a Time

On the hill-side of Mount Psiloreitis, persecuted by Cronus, Rea gave birth to Zeus, who was to become the father of gods and men. For centuries, these rocky mountains, where only sheep can graze, have been a harbor for rebels, revolutionaries and people who never bowed to any conqueror, be it Venetian, Turkish or German. They have kept their own language, full of ancient Greek words, and have given birth to some of the most important musicians in Crete.

Yagos, a musician born and raised here, presents us with a different way of living, closer to nature and tradition. A way of life that has been lost in our days, a life where banks and money do not define happiness. The melodies of his lute travel us through images of the village, Cretan betrothals and candle-lit ritualistic feasts. In this land, solidarity, autonomy and self-sufficiency are the golden ingredients of freedom. "Blessed are you, oh high mountains, who fear no death"

Local: Riders on the storm

Cruising on the surface of the sprawling cement crust that covers the Athenian basin, a bunch of lunatic bicycle riders reclaim public space with their environmentalist DIY style. Their guerilla films, caustic performances and adrenaline pumping rides through the city, local/Athens seed their Athens with the hopes and aspirations of a more involved youth. The crumbling city is at the mercy of those who are willing to piece together or tear down the relic of a time that has passed.

This group of people of all ages and nationalities seize the fertile moment to share a common vision of their future. Self-organizing and initiating new ways to explore public space, Local is one of many new young communities which have given-up on elected officials to look out for their interests and are no longer going to sit on the side-line. Hopefully this is the dawn of a new era where Greece's youth is more intimately involved with their environment and their community, equipping them with the weapons to survive in the difficult times to come.

Free Smoking

Smoking is a habit that people find equally enjoyable or repulsive. In Greece it has been a "guilty pleasure" for centuries, a practice tightly connected with the country's traditions, adding perhaps a touch of orientalism.

But what happens when the E.U. decides that smoking affects not only active smokers but also passive ones? Smoking has been proved to be the cause of serious diseases, such as cancer.

A first law imposing partial bans on smoking was introduced in Greece in July 2009 but went largely unnoticed. On September 1, 2010, the ban was introduced again, fully prohibiting smoking in all public spaces. Nevertheless, in Greece, such as in Spain, a great number of restaurant/bar owners choose to ignore it, claiming not only that their business is harmed by the ban in a time of crisis, but that smoking is also a right which must not be violated.

A steamy debate has begun among smokers and non-smokers, creating only another battle that puzzles the habitants of the country, and makes laws brittle and weak.

100+

Ikaria is a small and remote island in the east Aegean Sea, and has been a refuge for misfits since ancient times. It is also a haven for an unusual number of centenarians, who enjoy the fresh air and carefree lifestyle. Ikaria, untouched by human intervention, provides today a resort for the old who seek a mellow, yet lively, retirement.

Mr. Stamatis Moraitis, 100 years old, and his wife live in Ikaria. He was born at the beginning of the turbulent 20th century and has witnessed war, immigration and sickness.

Having left his island on a small boat, he was drafted during WWII and later on migrated to the U.S., where he started his own business and family. Thirty years ago, when he was diagnosed with lung cancer, he decided to return to his island with his wife Elpiniki to die a peaceful death. But the Ikarian winds, traditional food and good wine seem to have had different plans for Mr. Stamatis, who is enjoying his days with adolescent vitality.

Ruins

Few civilizations have been as universally admired as those that flourished in ancient Greece. The birthplace of democracy is also the home to some of the most exquisite artifacts in the world, making it particularly vulnerably to looters. Illegally acquired Greek artifacts have made their way to many of the world's biggest museums including the Metropolitan, and the JP Getty.

The illicit trade in antiquities is the third most profitable illegal business in the world, right behind the dealing in drugs and weapons. It is also used to fund a number of other shady activities. The black-market trade stretches from local bands of thieves to larger gangs of looters and international networks to dealers and auction houses in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and Asia.

With the help of investigative reporter Nikolas Zyrganos we will be shedding light into how the networks operate and looking at how his research, along with that of others, and the changes in legislation and political will have led to the first repatriations of stolen antiquities to Greece.