A people-centered travel documentary with Ina Tarandou.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the people, the places, and the moments that take our breath away."

Ina Tarandou travels and sees “Life Differently.” The exact destination does not matter — the journey itself becomes the destination, and life is experienced through the eyes of those she meets.

Stories of people whose actions embody optimism, strength, and hope. Through their “eyes” we discover life, history, and the beauty of our land. People who, despite adversity, refused to give up, took risks, developed new enterprises, revived neglected corners of the Greek countryside, and gave new life to local products.

Whether close to or far from the cities, each story reveals another side of Greece — of its land, its society, its reality. Sometimes looking to the future, sometimes deeply rooted in the past.

The countryside and nature, gastronomy, musical tradition, sports and customs, the arts and science — these become the lens through which we see “Life Differently.” And it is shown to us by people who know exactly what they are doing, and who know how to see life in their own way.

We will unfold the map and count the kilometers. Guided by people, we will record everyday life in every corner of Greece. We will uncover hidden spots, unexplored beaches, and off-road trails. We will taste delicacies, learn how local products are made. We will dance, laugh, and be moved.

We will transmit that feeling of having your breath taken away — standing on the castle of Skyros, atop Mount Helmos counting the stars, hearing the brass bands in the alleys of Corfu at Easter, reaching as far as Cape Kavo Doro, or walking a tightrope across the gorge of the Aoos in Konitsa.

Because life is even more beautiful… when you see it differently!

A journey to Kozani is not easy. Nor is it often promoted. You won’t find it on lists of recommended destinations, and it’s rare to come across a feature devoted to this land. A land of pain, where the memories of the Pontic Greeks’ uprooting are still alive. A difficult land — yet when you meet its people, you encounter pride, passion, resilience. Always with a smile. You encounter their very soul.

We saw that soul in Spyros, when we heard him sing and dance to Pontic songs. We read his heartfelt testimony in his eyes as he spoke of his efforts to keep his ancestors’ history alive and pass it on to the younger generations.

We also heard that love and emotion in Themis, a fisherman now on Lake Polyfytos. He has lived exile — from his grandparents, refugees from Asia Minor, and from his own 20 years as a migrant worker in Germany. But he chose to return, for his family, his memories, for nature, and to follow the work of his grandfather and father. And he has not regretted it for a moment.

Nana spoke to us about the memories of Pontus and Asia Minor through taste — about the emotion she feels when eating a Pontic dish, and how she decided to transform that emotion into her life’s work. Influenced by her grandmother’s cooking and by her close bond with Father Epiphanios and monastic cuisine, Nana has become one of the most renowned chefs in Greece.

We also saw passion, pride, and a zest for life in Mrs. Varvara and Mrs. Chionati. While making a traditional vrichti spanakopita, the lively women of the Serres KAPI shared stories of their lives and daily routines, always with smiles and playful teasing.

But Kozani without saffron is unimaginable! Fotini, Stella, and Mrs. Maria shared the secrets of the world’s most expensive spice — the labor it demands, but also the joy its harvest brings. Their love for the delicate purple flowers, the endless saffron fields, and the old photographs of generations gathering their “gold” moved us deeply and reminded us that when you truly love what you do, no matter how demanding, it can only fill you with joy.

Finally, we left Babis and his friends to take us into the ritual of distilling their beloved drink. We too were initiated, if only for a few hours, into the “men’s festival” of the rakokazano. And it truly is a festival: for whole days and nights, men gather around the stills, with food, raki, music, and conversation flowing abundantly.

And so our journey through Kozani comes to an end — a journeying land after all. Journeying, because its people carried us along into its painful history, its flavors, its music, and its dances, with pride and a proud, generous soul. With a sorrow that finds release through remembrance, through song, dance, and music.