Dancing on Ice (2009)
A Greek drama about three Eastern European women risking everything to cross into Greece amid the chaos of the 1996 Balkan crisis.
Dancing on Ice - Movie Information
- Original Title: Χορεύοντας Στον Πάγο
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Stavros Ioannou
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Original Language: Greek
- Spoken Languages: Greek
- Production Companies: Filmode, Greek Film Centre, ERT
- Production Countries: Greece
Dancing on Ice - Plot
New Year 1996. The Balkans are shaken by nationalist wars, after the overthrow of socialist regimes. The wars have resulted in economic crisis and large population displacements. Three women, unknown to each other, from different Eastern European countries, meet in a border town in Bulgaria, in order to cross illegally into Greece.
Dancing on Ice - Trailer
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Dancing on Ice - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stavros Ioannou
Main Cast
- Eleni Vergeti
- Maria Protopappa
- Michalis Iatropoulos
- Arhontissa Mavrakaki
- Kris Radanov
- Charis Sozos
- Maria Patsi
- Theodosis Zannis
- Sotiris Tahtsoglou
- Vangelis Katsiapis
Writers
- Stavros Ioannou
Dancing on Ice - FAQs
What is Dancing on Ice about?
Dancing on Ice follows three women from different Eastern European countries who meet in a Bulgarian border town at the start of 1996. Strangers to one another, they join forces to cross illegally into Greece as the Balkans reel from nationalist wars, economic collapse, and mass displacement following the fall of socialist regimes.
Who directed Dancing on Ice?
Dancing on Ice was directed by Stavros Ioannou, who also wrote the screenplay. The film is a Greek production supported by the Greek Film Centre and public broadcaster ERT, and it stands as a thoughtful exploration of migration, survival, and female solidarity in post-Cold War Eastern Europe.
Who are the main actors in Dancing on Ice?
The film's central trio is brought to life by Eleni Vergeti as Ivana, Maria Protopappa as Marta, and Arhontissa Mavrakaki as Nadia. They're joined by Michalis Iatropoulos, Kris Radanov, Charis Sozos, Maria Patsi, Theodosis Zannis, Sotiris Tahtsoglou, and Vangelis Katsiapis.
Is Dancing on Ice based on a true story?
Dancing on Ice is not based on a single documented true story, but it is firmly rooted in historical reality. The film draws on the widespread illegal migration that swept the Balkans in the mid-1990s following the collapse of socialist regimes and the devastating nationalist wars that displaced hundreds of thousands across the region.
What language is Dancing on Ice in?
Dancing on Ice is a Greek-language film. It was produced in Greece with Greek as both the original and primary spoken language, reflecting its focus on the journey of Eastern European migrants attempting to enter Greece during the turbulent mid-1990s Balkan crisis.
How long is Dancing on Ice?
Dancing on Ice runs for 102 minutes, or about 1 hour and 42 minutes. The runtime gives director Stavros Ioannou enough space to develop the three central characters and immerse viewers in the harsh, uncertain world they navigate as they attempt to cross the Bulgarian-Greek border.
What are some movies similar to Dancing on Ice?
If Dancing on Ice resonated with you, you might enjoy The Unforgivable (2021), The Adults (2023), or Rogue Agent (2022) for their intense character-driven drama. Eleanor the Great (2025), Magpie (2024), and Anniversary (2025) are also worth exploring for their emotionally grounded storytelling.
What genre is Dancing on Ice?
Dancing on Ice is a drama. It tackles themes of migration, displacement, female resilience, and the human cost of political upheaval, placing it firmly within the tradition of socially engaged European art cinema that uses intimate personal stories to illuminate broader historical and geopolitical realities.
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