MONTREAL – A new, free app for locals, travelers and history buffs, Diadromes-1821 highlights landmarks in the Peloponnese connected to the Greek War of Independence in time for the celebration of the historic bicentennial this year.

With a series of audio clips focusing on 48 important points of interest, the app covers the battles, as well as the political and social events of significance in the Peloponnese, so inextricably linked with the Greek Revolution. 

From its mountains, cities, and shores, the Peloponnese and its historic places and events are brought to life even more vividly through the audio clips and the app. Original and respectful, this application, made possible with the kind support of the J.F. Costopoulos Foundation, is the latest addition to the celebrations of the 200 years since the start of the Greek War of Independence.

The goal of the application is to reach out to an audience beyond history buffs and ideally be a tool in the hands of teachers, helping them make teaching history more appealing by pointing out its connection to the land.

Christina Katsiadakis and Effie Skrobolas, the creative team behind Diadromes-1821, have years of experience in the field of cinema. In 2017, they founded the production company Mitos Productions, based in Canada. Their ambition is to produce original works which will act as artistic bridges between the two countries.

Katsiadakis was born in Athens and moved to Montreal in 2012. She holds a BA in History from the University of Athens and an MA in Film from Goldsmiths College, University of London. After her graduation, she began her career in film and TV production and collaborated on many productions, both Greek and international. She has written and directed three short films.

Effie Skrobolas, part of the creative team behind Diadromes-1821. Photo by Costas Lampropoulos

Following the completion of her studies in Communication Studies at the University of Athens, Skrobolas travelled to Canada to pursue an MA in Film Studies at the Université de Montréal. In 2005, she started her professional career in film next to producer Costas Lampropoulos. Skrobolas is currently overseeing the development of all projects for View Master Films. She has completed the Maia Workshop Training Program and the Sources 2 Projects and Process-Training the Mentors workshop.

Katsiadakis spoke with The National Herald about the app and the team’s upcoming projects.

TNH: How long did it take to develop the application from idea to realization?

Christina Katsiadakis: We first started developing the project in early 2019. After seeing all the creative ways in which Canada had celebrated their 150 years, we wanted to mark the bicentennial of the Greek Revolution by combining history with technology through an original project, creative and accessible. Of course, it took time to put together the right team and secure funding from the J.F. Costopoulos Foundation.

TNH: What are you working on next? 

Christina Katsiadakis, part of the creative team behind Diadromes-1821. Photo by Stephanie Anestis Photography

CK: We are staying faithful to our quest to combine history and technology. 2022 marks one hundred years from the violent expulsion of the Greek population from Asia Minor. We are working on a project called The Flower of the Quai. It is the fictional story of a teenager from Smyrna, as we witness it through her imaginary Instagram feed. We are still interested in history, but, in the next project, we will approach it through the eyes of a fictional character.

TNH: Are there more apps for other areas of Greece in the works as well?

CK: We focused the initial version of the application on the Peloponnese, due to the number and the complexity of the events that took place there, of a military, political or social nature. But that also meant excluding historical places like Messolonghi, the islands, or Athens, which were also crucial in the overall history of the Greek Revolution. We are hoping to cover more areas soon, in an upgraded version of the application.

More information about Diadromes-1821 is available online:

Appstore https://apps.apple.com/app/id1558654792

PlayStore https://play.google.com/store/apps/details…

Webpage : www.diadromes1821.org

Podcast : https://www.buzzsprout.com/1736290

Instagram: @diadromes21