GREEK FILM FESTIVAL

The Greek Film Festival finally returns to Sydney after an absence of two years owing to the ongoing restrictions and shutdowns associated with Covid-19.

The carefully curated program boasts the best in contemporary and classic Greek cinema, with thirteen feature films, three documentaries and a Student Film Festival.

“The Greek film industry and box office have not fully recovered from the destructive effects of Covid-19. I believe it will take another 12 months as unfortunately audiences in Greece are still reluctant to return to cinemas,” explained Nia Karteris, the Festival Chair.

However, with the high quality of films on offer at this film festival it clearly signifies that the Greek film industry is on the mend.

There will be an opening night gala with a cocktail party preceding the screening of Eftyhia, a biographical film surrounding the life of the greatest songwriter in Greece, Eftyhia Papagiannopoulou.

“Eftyhia Papagiannopoulou took risks and vowed to live life on her own terms. Directed by Angelos Frantzis and starring Kariofilia Karabeti the film celebrates the timeless popular songs of Eftyhia set to music by Tsitsanis , Kaldaras, Hiotis and Hadjidakis,” enthused Karteris.

The Student Film Festival allows students to produce films based on the topic of ‘returning’ and they have been encouraged to approach the topic as creatively as possible.

“The Student Film Festival offers students the opportunity to use Greek language in creative and innovative ways, whilst simultaneously encouraging the maintenance  of the Greek culture.”

These student films will screen at Palace Norton St on Sunday 23^rd October and prizes will be awarded.

When asked whether she would encourage non-Greek speaking audiences to attend screenings at this festival Karteris was quick to respond.

“I would, as they will experience firsthand the high calibre of Greek films with award-winning directors and actors and escape through the eyes of the camera to beautiful landscapes and the lifestyle that Greece has to offer.”

HOT PICKS

 .DOG – A coming of age story of a child bordering on manhood who endeavours to enjoy some family quality time once his father is released from jail – but what form of violence must he face?

TAILOR – Set in Athens, an introverted eccentric tailor reinvents his life after a self-mandated lockup in the attic of a tailoring shop. He devises a tailor shop on wheels and ultimately falls in love .

SUNDAYS –  An astonishing documentary which reveals the secrets and burdens of a US Greek Orthodox priest when his daughter discovers an old video which he filmed concerning his past.

          Oct 13 – Oct 23.

          Screening at Palace Norton, 99 Norton St, Leichhardt

          www.greekfilmfestival.com.au