Series of creative documentaries that delve into the work and lives of Greek creators, artists, scientists, as well as individuals who contribute - each in their own way - to the formation of our collective identity.

Beyond individual personalities, the series also showcases creative collectives and initiatives across social, ecological, and scientific fields. The filming for this series took place both in Greece and abroad.

The foundation of each documentary is an interview with the creator, where the thread of the narrative unfolds—memories, experiences, beliefs, and emotions. It is a careful excavation into the heart and spirit of each creator, moving from the surface to the depth. The camera frames the individual in close-up, closely observing and recording their confessions.

As the face gradually reveals itself, their work is presented within its historical evolution. Its significance is explained, placed within the historical context, and its qualities and uniqueness are highlighted.

This approach is applied to all other topics in the series as well. The qualitative standards of "Close Up" permeate every stage of creating each episode: from research and scripting to filming and technical editing.

It is worth noting that documentaries from this series have already participated in recognized festivals in Greece and abroad, winning distinctions and awards. "Close Up" is entirely an internal production of ERT, providing the opportunity for ERT's directors to express their ideas, opinions, and concerns, while delivering a valuable documentary series to the audience of public television.

Yannis Kastritsis was born and grew up in Daphne, Evritania in 1960. he studied Painting at the School of Fine Arts of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and studied at the studio of Vangelis Dimitreas. He continued his studies at the Department of Brooklyn College of New York from 1990 until 1993. Alongside painting, he has dealt with photography and woodcarving. Since 1997, he teaches Painting at the Technological Educational Institutes of Athens (Department of Decorative Arts and Graphic Design) and since 2007 he has also been teaching at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Florina.
He has published the books of his personal works: “The World of Things”(2004) and “In the great pit” (2006), "The man and his shadow" (2010)," Cezanne's doubt" (2011), "Ιnterpretation of Lives" (2012).


The documentary, in addition to its official participation in the 19th Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the London Greek Film Festival, received the Best Director Award at the Fine Arts Film Festival, in Los Angeles, USA.