A short film by Ioanna Giannakopoulou

Burnt Toast Theory

Magical realism · Coming of age · 2025

Story Stills Watch film

Trailer

A taste of the film

53 seconds — magical realism and the messy rush of feeling everything at once.

Synopsis

What if you could taste how people feel?

Iro is a driven entrepreneur running a successful skincare brand. But when she suddenly develops the ability to feel other people’s emotions through the food they cook, her carefully controlled world begins to unravel. As she navigates this unexpected shift, she is forced to confront buried feelings and reconsider the way she connects with others and with herself.

Blending magical realism with emotional insight, the film explores ambition, empathy and what it truly means to feel nourished—inside and out.

Written, directed & produced by Ioanna Giannakopoulou

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Original song

We wanted an original song to capture the essence of the main character—the polish on the surface, the noise underneath. So we worked with the very talented up-and-coming Greek artist Billie Kark, spending time together at her place watching early cuts of the film and talking about who Iro really is. She disappeared for a day and came back with a first draft that already sounded like the film’s heartbeat. From there we chased harmonies and stacked voices until the melody caught up with the emotions on screen. The track and its music video were released by major Greek label Minos EMI.

Watch the music video

Chef's note

Director statement

"Burnt Toast Theory" is a deeply personal film, inspired by my own experiences and inner questions. Through Iro's story, I wanted to explore the fears, dreams and challenges we face as we come of age: the drive to fulfill our ambitions, the need for real connection with others and the difficulty of embracing ourselves and own vulnerability.

The idea for the film was born from my personal relationship with food as a way to express emotions and memories, combined with a fantastical premise where identifying what we feel could become a much simpler, more accessible process. Although rooted in a magical concept, this story is, at its core, profoundly human.

— Ioanna Giannakopoulou

Festivals, selections & early words

Where the film has played and a few napkin-notes from early viewers.

“Interesting, dynamic and tender.”

“A very original idea.”

“A warm female portrait that reflects the anxieties and struggles of an entire generation.”

“A beautiful story, full of humor and sensitivity, that tells much more than what's written on the paper.”

Stills

Twelve frames from Burnt Toast Theory drift past like stills from memory—pause on hover (or use the arrows), tap any frame to step into it full screen.

Playing

Full film

Minigame

Taste buds — four quick rounds: match each bite to the correct taste bud. Clear all four to unlock the film, or skip anytime.

Round 1 of 4

Director

Ioanna Giannakopoulou

Ioanna Giannakopoulou is a filmmaker with a unique blend of technical and artistic experience. She studied Computer Science at the Athens University of Economics & Business and Eindhoven University of Technology, and for several years now she has been working in the tech industry—an environment that sharpened her organizational and problem-solving skills, now integral to her approach as a director.

Her creative foundation was built over six years in devised theatre, where she co-created and performed in original productions, including the sold-out “Mi Rotiseis Giati” at Alkmini Theatre. Additionally she hosted “Nai, Kai”, a limited-run podcast reviewing films and plays, which drew over 1000 organic listeners and sparked a loyal mini-community of cinephiles. She has also participated in several short film and commercial shoots in various creative roles.

In 2024, she completed Filmschool, an intensive 420-hour practical directing seminar, where she collaborated with professional crew members and actors, directing scenes and gaining hands-on experience in all key production roles.

Her background in both technology and collaborative theatre gives her a distinct voice as a storyteller. “Burnt Toast Theory” is her debut film.

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Burnt Toast Theory

A taste of the film

What if you could taste how people feel?

Original song

Director statement

Festivals, selections & early words

Stills

Full film

Ioanna Giannakopoulou

Director & writer

Executive producers

Assistant directors

Script supervisor

Cast

Camera & lighting

Production

Scenography & look

Sound

Post & graphics

Choreographers

Original music