“Dancing with the Unknown” is a dance short – video art – music video that explores the transformative power of music, specifically through the ancient Indian classical instruments, the Esraj and Sitar. The film follows a marionette, symbolizing a divine or human presence, as it travels through history, emerging in modern life as a totem that awakens dormant human nature through the art of dance. The film explores the dialogue between masculine and feminine stages, exploring recognition, opposition, reconciliation, and ultimately, a transformative union.
The world premiere of our film took place at the highly esteemed “The Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival” in Canada at 21st & 22nd April. This festival is recognized as one of the Canadian Screen Awards Qualifying Festivals, and we are honored to have our video selected among just 25 films to be screened at this prestigious event. We are proud to showcase our work on this global platform and look forward to sharing it with the world.
This film was an extraordinary demonstration of the power of collaboration, featuring the talents of Iasonas Psarakis, who served as director, music composer, and cinematographer. Alongside him, choreographers – dancers Suhaee Abro and Takis Loukatos joined forces with music producer Nikolas Gkinis and editor Aritra Goswami to create a seamless fusion of Eastern and Western classical arts. In addition to these remarkable individuals, the video also features a breathtaking and one-of-a-kind mystical sculptures crafted by Takis Loukatos. The result is a truly unique and unforgettable artistic experience.

Highlights:
- Best Music Video / Music @ Jaipur International Film Festival 2024 (Jaipur, India)
- Honorable Mention for Screendance @ Thomas Edison Film Festival 2024 (Canadian Screen Awards Qualifying Festival)
- Best Direction for Dance Short @ X World Short Film Festival 2023 (Rome, Italy)
- Nominee for Best Music Video @ Emerging Lens Cultural FIlm Festival 2023 (Canadian Screen Awards Qualifying Festival)
- Finalist for Best Music Video @ Girona Film Festival 2024 (Girona, Spain)
- Nominee for Best Dance Short @ Athens International Digital Film Festival AIDFF 2023
- Nominee for Best Music Video @ International Sound & Film Music Festival (ISFMF)
- Finalist for: Best Dance Video, Best International Music Video, Best Performance for Music Video @ X World Short Film Festival 2023 (Rome, Italy)
- Nominee for Best Short Music Film @Blow-Up Chicago International Arthouse Film Fest 2025 (Chicago, USA)
- Finalist for Best Dance Video @X World Short Film Festival 2023 (Italy)
- Finalist for Best International Music Video @X World Short Film Festival 2023 (Italy)
- Best Performance for Music Video @X World Short Film Festival 2023 (Italy)
- Nominee for Best Music Video @ Kalakari Film Fest 2025 (Dewas, India)
- Nominee for Best Dance Film @ Kalakari Film Fest 2025 (Dewas, India)

Credits:

- Music: Iasi Ensemble, from Astris album
- Director: Iasonas Psarakis
- Choreography & Dancing: Suhae Abro & Takis Loukatos
- Music Composer & Music Arranger: Iasonas Psarakis
- Music Producer: Nikolas Gkinis
- Sitar & Esraj: Iasonas Psarakis
- Key Cast (Dancers): Suhae Abro, Takis Loukatos
- Key Cast (Musician): Iasonas Psarakis
- Cinematography: Iasonas Psarakis
- Camera: Iasonas Psarakis, Maria Vakonaki, Giorgos Gaitatzis
- Editor – Color Correction: Aritra Goswami
- Scenography & Scultprures: Takis Loukatos
- Recording: Groova Studio
- Sound Design, Mixing & Mastering: Nikolas Gkinis
- Poster: Rija Yousuf
- Producer: Iasonas Psarakis
- Co-Producer: Iasi Ensemble
- Producer (Organization): Metamorphosis NPO
- Associate Producer: Hihiri Pipiri Transcultural Creative Network

