The 24th Delphi Bank Greek Film Festival is in full swing with cinephiles turning out in droves to both Sydney and Melbourne’s opening night.

This year Melbourne’s event was held on Wednesday across two venues, with nine hundred in attendance at The Astor and 350 at Palace Cinema Como, showing that the love for Greek cinema is alive and well.

Attendees were treated with true Greek hospitality, welcomed upon arrival with an offering of Skinos Mastiha and Tsilili Tsipouro by Tirnavos Imports.

Before the opening night film, Roza of Smyrna commenced speeches were delivered by director of the Greek Centre Jorge Menidis, Director of the Greek Film Festival Penny Kyprianou, Head of Delphi Bank Jim Sarris, and the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Christina Simantiraki.

“It is a privilege to be a part of the Greek Film Festival, which in return brings so much joy and entertainment to our community,” Mr Sarris said.

“The entire 2017 programme is bursting with films exploring human connections and stories – which is something myself and my colleagues greatly value, as we too believe that lasting relationships with you, and our community, are worth investing in.”

After the film the party kept going, the atmosphere abuzz with live entertainment by band Agapi + Friends and a selection of canapes catered by Hellenic Republic.

Director of the festival, Ms Kyprianou was pleased with the turnout and is excited to share this year’s selections with attendees.

“We’re often asked what theme each year’s programme is – and as you browse through the films on offer this year – it’s abundantly clear that the notion of human connection is at the core of many of this year’s stories,” Ms Kyprianou told Neos Kosmos.

“With only 10 days to enjoy this year’s programme, we encourage you all to dive in and take as many risks as you can. We’ll be at The Astor for closing night on Sunday 22 October with the back by popular demand Cloudy Sunday (Ouzeri Tsitsanis) directed by Manousos Manousakis – followed by a live performance by Melbourne’s own Rebetiki. And like all Greek parties – refusing to call it a night – we host a special event for Clio Fanourakis’ Xamou, where the stunning island of Crete takes centrestage – right here on Sunday 19 November co-presented with the Pancretan Association of Melbourne.”

(L-R) Greek Centre director Jorge Menidis, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Christina Simantiraki, and Head of Delphi Bank Jim Sarris.


To see the program and purchase tickets, visit greekfilmfestival.com.au/