One Step Ahead

This is the portrait of the unconventional Greek wine producer Yiannis Boutaris in his bid to become the mayor of Thessaloniki. The camera follows the 68-year-old over the course of his campaign in 2010. The enthusiastic entrepreneur proves to be a determined and committed politician. We see him pottering around at home, practicing yoga and visiting community centers. The politically progressive Boutaris is fighting against the establishment, while the country sinks further and further into financial crisis; the tattoo of a lizard on his wrist reminds him that change is always possible. Boutaris wants to turn Thessaloniki into a flourishing and attractive harbor city again, and sustainability and ecology are high on his agenda. Accompanied by footage from the family archive, he talks about his background and private life, including the death of his wife. The film builds up to election day, when the tireless Boutaris finds himself in a neck-and-neck race.