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Inessa Kraft Shines at Women-Led Film Event in Cannes

Inessa Kraft joins the Fugitive Sister Festival at Cannes, celebrating impactful storytelling by female filmmakers and the transformative film, Wings.

Juno Alvarez
By Juno Alvarez · August 24, 2025
Spreading Wings At Cannes: Inessa Kraft Joins International Voices At Fugitive Sister Festival, Cannes

In a celebration of women in cinema, actress and filmmaker Inessa Kraft made her presence felt at the Cannes Film Festival. The Fugitive Sister Festival, held during the festival period, served as an independent spotlight for female filmmakers. Under the guidance of Festival Director Maura Campbell, the showcase highlighted diverse narratives, drawing attention to the talents of women in the industry.

Central to the festival was the Greek short film Wings, which earned the top accolade. Directed by Petra Terzi and co-written with Maria Fragkia, the film tells the poignant story of a woman's transformative journey from a life of quiet desperation to poetic fame. Featuring Olga Thoma as the protagonist and Inessa Kraft as the Cosmic Lady, the film weaves a narrative of personal metamorphosis sparked by encounters with mythical figures, capturing themes of identity and liberation.

Empowering Female Voices in Film

The Fugitive Sister Festival distinguished itself with its international selection, focusing on stories of autonomy and resilience. Women filmmakers like those behind Wings were given a platform amidst the dynamic cultural scene of Cannes. The festival's dedication to showcasing strong female narratives underscored the power of storytelling as an agent of change in cinema.

Wings originated from a workshop led by Petra Terzi and hosted by Inessa Kraft, part of the Cinema Lab Pegasus at the Bridges International Film Festival in Greece. The project was nurtured through the support of the Women in Film and Television Cyprus initiative, showcasing the importance of collaborative efforts in creating impactful films.

Symbolic Storytelling

The film's exploration of inner potential and transformation is reflected in the role of the Cosmic Lady, portrayed by Inessa Kraft. Her character embodies the bridge between fantasy and reality, a concept that resonates with Kraft's artistic endeavors. This motif complements the film's themes, illustrating a journey from despair to self-discovery through poetic and metaphysical storytelling.

The collaboration between Kraft, Terzi, and Thoma highlights a cross-cultural dialogue, with their combined efforts bringing Wings to life with symbolic imagery and emotive performances. The result is a film that, while brief in duration, delivers a resonant and powerful message of personal growth and liberation.

A Continuing Journey in Film

Recognition at the Fugitive Sister Festival positions Wings within a growing body of work spotlighting women's evolving roles in cinema. While grounded in specific cultural contexts, the film's themes of self-reinvention and liberation hold universal appeal. Inessa Kraft's involvement aligns with her commitment to projects that inspire hope and possibility through artistic narratives.

As an actress and storyteller, Kraft's performance as the Cosmic Lady complements the transformative journey of the film's protagonist. Her contribution adds depth to the film's thematic exploration and solidifies her reputation for engaging with imaginative, character-driven stories.

The Fugitive Sister Festival, curated by Maura Campbell, continues to emphasize the importance of focused curation and the celebration of diverse female experiences in the arts. Through her participation, Inessa Kraft reinforces her dedication to independent, emotionally nuanced storytelling that resonates on a global scale.

As Wings circulates within international film circles, the collaborative spirit and global perspective it embodies affirm the ongoing evolution of independent filmmaking. Inessa Kraft's role in the film echoes her broader artistic themes, marking her as a significant figure in the realm of meaningful storytelling.

Juno Alvarez

Insider Magazine Contributor

Juno Alvarez

Covers culture and the arguments around it — books, music, film and the ideas that outlast the news cycle.


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