Euronews Culture met bestselling British novelist Victoria Hislop to discuss her role as Agora Ambassador at this year’s Thessaloniki Film Festival, as well as the role the city has played in her own creative work. Greece is a constant source of inspiration for author Victoria Hislop. From her acclaimed debut novel "The Island" – set on the island of Spinalonga, a leper colony – to becoming an honorary citizen in 2020 even taking part in the Greek version of 'Strictly Come Dancing', Greece has been at the heart of much of Hislop’s writing career and personal story.
The writer’s latest undertaking takes her to the . Now in its 65th year, Greece’s biggest film festival is welcoming such stars as and Ralph Fiennes – who were both presented with the festival’s honorary Golden Alexander award for their career achievements – and a total of 252 (almost invariably well-attended, thanks to the palpable buzz generated by the festival around the city) feature and short films. Hislop is serving as Ambassador to the festival’s ‘Agora’, the festival’s developmental industry segment, which brings together hundreds of film professionals each year for collaboration and exchange.
She spoke with Euronews Culture about her role at the festival, her own experience making screen adaptations in Greece, and her love for Thessaloniki. At all times of year, Thessaloniki has a wonderful and positive atmosphere – I think this is created by a combination of its position on the.