A Deep Dive into the Ethics of Concealing Diagnosis in "Stories of a Lie"

A newly formed sales company, Odd Slice Films, has recently spearheaded the promotion of "Stories of a Lie", a film under the directorial guidance of Olia Verriopoulou. The film which is set to make its worldwide debut at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) in the Luminous section, raises thought-provoking questions about the ethics and rationale of concealing a cancer diagnosis from patients. It dissects whether such silence would protect or inflict more harm on those we love.

The film stimulates discussions on the impact of truth and concealment on a patient's mental state, and whether it is better for them to remain oblivious of their condition or to know only the salient details. Does this vary from patient to patient? It also touches on certain cultural norms like the absence of the term "infantilize" in Greek, and unwarranted fear of the potential consequences of simply saying "cancer".

According to a statement, the director showcases a mix of curiosity, humor, and empathy, as she dives into this culture of silence. It is said that Verriopoulou also drew from her own experiences and conversed with medical professionals in her life, including her father who has a theatrical background, as she grappled with myths, fears, and family habits.

Martina Droandi from Odd Slice Films praises Verriopoulou's film for its ability to balance humor and vulnerability effectively without losing emotional truth. She describes the exploration of such a non-traditional topic as a brave choice and commends "Stories of a Lie" for its compassionate, intellectual, and deeply humanistic approach.

The film was produced by Mina Dreki of Marni Films in Greece and Gaëlle Jones of Perspective Films in France, following a co-production with Tamarisk, Filaos Productions, and Yellowgroove. The project received support from the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center – Creative Greece, ERT Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation, and the CNC in France.