Panos H. Koutras received the prestigious Golden Alexander award at the 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival, reflecting on his journey since the debut of his film ‘The Attack of the Giant Moussaka’ in 1999. Despite initial criticisms of his work, Koutras emphasized perseverance, highlighting the support he’s received, notably from women, dedicating his award to them, especially his mother. The festival celebrated his contributions to Greek cinema with discussions and screenings of rare short films, showcasing his impact on inclusive storytelling in the industry.