The Cave of Two Worlds is a poetic and thought-provoking creative documentary set on the border between Greece and Albania, where a unique cave becomes a lens through which we explore the interconnectedness of nature, memory, myth, and geopolitics. Combining observational footage, scientific exploration, and local storytelling, the film brings together an international team of researchers and the voices of a borderland community to reveal the cave not only as a geological wonder but as a living archive of human and natural history. Through its layered narrative and immersive visuals, the project aims to engage global audiences with urgent themes of environmental preservation, cultural heritage, and the reimagining of borders in a time of fragmentation.
Directed by Lina Damaskopoulou, with research led by Maria Fotiadi and cinematography by Olsion Ferchatis, the film unfolds through layered narrative and immersive visuals. It aims to engage global audiences with urgent themes of environmental preservation, cultural heritage, and the reimagining of borders in a time of fragmentation.
Title: The Cave of Two Worlds
Genre: Creative Documentary
Production Status: In Development
Title: The Cave of Two Worlds
Genre: Creative Documentary
Production Status: In Development
Director: Lina Damaskopoulou
Research: Maria Fotiadi
Cinematography: Olsion Ferchatis
Production: EQVUS Productions
With the support of: ISTOR
Countries: Greece / Albania
Synopsis:
One cave. Two worlds. Infinite stories.
On the border between Greece and Albania, a cave reveals its dual nature: a natural wonder and a cultural archive. This documentary journeys through science, memory, and geopolitics — deep within the earth’s hidden chambers.
The Cave of Two Worlds is a creative documentary that explores the multifaceted significance of caves — not only as geological formations but also as ecological shelters, cultural wombs, and passageways of collective memory.The film is structured around four thematic axes:
Cave, Water, and Memory:
Through poetic cinematography, the audience is immersed in the symbolic and physical dimension of the cave as a primordial “womb” of the earth and human experience.
The Scientific Mission:
An international team of speleologists and scientists explores the cave, documenting its microbiological, geological, and ecological features.
Myth and Oral Tradition:
Local stories and folklore reveal how the cave has shaped the cultural identity and worldview of the surrounding communities.
Cave and Geopolitics:
As a natural passage that transcends man-made borders, the cave becomes a symbol of connection — challenging national divisions and offering new ways of seeing the landscape.
Vision:
The Cave of Two Worlds seeks to raise awareness of caves as both natural treasures and cultural bridges. Through a dialogue between science, local memory, and cinematic storytelling, the film highlights the urgent need for environmental protection and cultural connectivity in a divided world.
Conservation of the Unique Cave Ecosystems of Aoos-Vjosa River Basin; Speleological Society of Thessaloniki “PROTEAS”; 2025
The speleological expedition in the area of the Greek-Albanian borders began in 2021, following discoveries by Czech speleologists. To date, the active team has explored and documented many new caves, as well as active systems with flows and thermal sources, such as Atmos Abyss, Sulfur Cave & Turte Cave, etc. From 2023 to 2025, the first systematic official geological and biological studies in the area were initiated, involving significant collaborations and research led by Professor Serban Sarbu, Romanian Institute of Speleology. Some of these results have already been published, with others expected to be published in the near future. In October 2024, the first filming of a speleological documentary produced by Eqvus Productions commenced, and the mapping of Atmos Cave with Lidar by the Czech team was completed, leading to the discovery of the world’s largest thermal lake. During filming, we used high-quality, powerful, mobile LED lamps—developed and made in Switzerland by Scurion; A trustworthy companion in the darkness of the subterranean world.
Having some team members visit the area before and highlight its importance, in March 2025, nine members of the Thessaloniki Speleological Club organized a major expedition, during which they evaluated the caves, received training from scientists on biodiversity issues, and prepared assessment reports for the authorities. The intense biodiversity of the caves combined with the ease of access, especially to Sulfur Cave, raised concerns within the team regarding the effective protection of the ecosystem. It was decided to take measures and actions, which were proposed by our association as part of the EuroSpeleo Protection Label 2025. The recognition came shortly after; while an expedition report was being written, bringing us both joy and a sense of responsibility for the effective protection of the area and the caves. The filming and research activities continue, with increased efforts for environmental protection and awareness through public talks and workshops in collaboration with the University of Ioannina. This is particularly evident after the recent visit from June 18 to 20, when numerous environmental violations were observed due to uncontrolled tourism and infrastructure projects carried out without prior environmental assessment.
We sincerely thank the European Speleological Federation (FSE) and Scurion Light for the honor of awarding us the EuroSpeleo Protection Label 2025. This recognition carries a strong reminder and responsibility to safeguard the subterranean environment and to continue expanding the boundaries of exploration and knowledge. We are committed to upholding these principles and contributing to the preservation and understanding of our underground worlds.
