“The film reinvented in a subtle yet subversive manner the way that Greece was represented in cinema.” – Vrasidas Karalis writes about the film Never on Sunday in his book A History of Greek Cinema.

This iconic cult classic has been chosen to kick off the Hellenic Museum’s Summer Cinema program on Saturday 7 March. The modern take on the ancient classic Pygmalion sees a common prostitute from the port of Pireaus take centre stage as the main character. The film became an international success, with legendary actress Melina Mercouri receiving first prize at Cannes for her portrayal of Ilya, and composer Manos Hadjidakis receiving the Oscar for best song in 1961. However, this isn’t the only award-winning film that has been included in the Hellenic Museum’s Summer Cinema Program, curated by Greek cinema pioneer Peter Yiannoudes and Hellenic Museum CEO and former film director John Tatoulis.

Award-winning (BAFTA) British romantic comedy-drama Shirley Valentine will air on the day for lovers (14 February) while Oscar winner Zorba the Greek screens during the Labour Day long weekend.

The courtyard of the former Royal Mint building, which houses Australia’s only Greek Museum, will come alive once again for the seven-week long cinema program. Paying homage to the set-up of Athenian outdoor cinema, the garden pavilion will be transformed to cater for lovers of Greek cinema and cult classic movies.

Con Christpoulos’ (Siglo, The European, Supper Club) Pagoto, made popular last year through transporting The Spring Street Grocer ice cream from one end of the city to the other, returns with new flavours to quench the hot Melbourne heat.

Accompanying Pagoto and new in 2015 is καφε, a fully licensed café that will provide foodies with dinner and snack options as well as a crisp Mythos. A Greek-style BBQ will be set up featuring meals that will be paired with each movie screening. Expect oregano flavoured lamb cutlets with a side of tzatziki or lemon flavoured swordfish skewers.

Here’s the full Summer Cinema program:

Saturday 7 February:
Never on Sunday (1960)
Set in the port of Piraeus in Greece, where Ilya (Melina Mercouri), a free-spirited and independent prostitute is adored by the local men. Visiting the port is Homer Thrace (Jules Dassin) of Middletown, Connecticut, a Grecophile in search of why Greece has fallen from ancient greatness. Upon meeting Ilya, Homer is both smitten with her while horrified by her philosophical approach. “Ask me no questions, I’ll tell you no lies!” she declares. Homer decides that she is the personification of the whole world: beautiful and corrupt; and sets out to educate and save her through classical culture.

Saturday 14 February:
Shirley Valentine (1989)
Shirley Valentine (Pauline Collins) is a middle-aged housewife in Liverpool, who finds herself talking to the wall for company while preparing her husband’s meals. Reflecting on life, and wondering what happened to her, Shirley receives the chance to explore her dreams of travel when her best and only friend wins a two-week vacation to Greece, taking Shirley with her. In Greece, Shirley discovers a new way of living, rekindling her childhood hopes and love of life.

Saturday 21 February:
Z (1969)
The story explores the events surrounding the assassination of democratic Greek politician Grigoris Lambrakis in 1963. Z is simultaneously a brilliant suspense thriller and a political cry of rage. Following the murder of a prominent leftist politician, an investigator tries to uncover the truth while government officials attempt to cover up their roles. With international stars Yves Montand, Irene Papas and Jacques Perrin, the film’s insightful view of Greek politics captured the outrage surrounding the military dictatorship that ruled Greece at the time, as well as the global political climate of the era. Composer Mikis Theodorakis, who was under house arrest by the Greek junta, gave his approval for the use of existing musical pieces to director Costa-Gavras, and the soundtrack became an international hit.

Saturday 28 February:
The Slap that Came from Paradise (1959)
Young teacher Floras (Dimitris Papamichael) arrives to teach at an all-girls’ high school in Athens. His students, daughters of rich Athenian families, are extremely spoilt, making his and the other teachers’ work difficult. When Floras starts implementing discipline in his class the girls react by attempting every means possible to get rid of him. But the most undisciplined of all, Lisa (Aliki Vougiouklaki), instead falls hopelessly in love with him.
The film’s soundtrack was by legendary composer Manos Hadjidakis and the vinyl disk comprising two songs from the movie was the first Gold Disk ever awarded in Greece.

Sunday 8 March:
Zorba the Greek (1964)
The character and the dance that started the legend.
When an uptight English writer learns he has a small inheritance on Crete, he travels to the island to re-open an old lignite mine. While waiting at the Athens port of Piraeus to begin his journey, he meets the gruff yet enthusiastic peasant Alexis Zorba (Anthony Quinn). The two travel together to Crete, where their adventures and Zorba’s gregarious nature forever change the Englishman’s view on life.
Based on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis. Oscar winner. Music by Mikis Theodorakis.

Saturday 14 March:
The Hurdy-Gurdy (1955)
With charming dialogue, music by composer Manos Hatzidakis including the ever popular Garyfallo st afti (Carnation Behind the Ear), and career defining performances, The Hurdy-Gurdy is one of Greece’s most beloved films.
Two travelling musicians, Petros and Pavlos, are on their way from Athens to the countryside to play their barrel organ at a local fair. Along the way they meet runaway Katie (Jenny Karezi in her first film performance), the daughter of a rich shipping magnate. Katie has run away from home because her father plans to marry her off to a wealthy associate. When Petros and Pavlos see Katie’s picture in the newspaper with a reward to find her, they must decide between helping her or handing her in to the police.

Saturday 21 March:
The Germans Strike Again (1948)
Regarded as one of the true classics of Greek cinema, this 1948 satirical comedy is as relevant today as it was when first released.
Set shortly after the Second World War, the Greeks are intent on killing each other in a bloody Civil War. Theodoros, disgusted with the current state of affairs, takes an afternoon siesta to relax. Upon awaking, he discovers things have taken a turn for the worse when he hears the news that Hitler is alive and well, and that the Nazis are again invading the Allies with unstoppable new weapons.

The Hellenic Museum’s Summer Cinema runs from Saturday 7 February and for every Saturday until March 28 (with the exception of the screening on Sunday 8 March). For more information and to book tickets visit www.hellenic.org.au or call (03) 8615 9016.