The 19th Greek Film Festival wrapped up its two and a half week event last Sunday with Tony Krawitz’s Dead Europe, a densely wrought autopsy of Europe, based on the novel by Melbourne writer Christos Tsiolkas.
More than 500 people attended the closing night screening, which was followed by a party inside the foyer of Palace Cinema Como in South Yarra. Lead actor Ewen Leslie (Jewboy, Love My Way, Sleeping Beauty) was in Melbourne to introduce the film on Sunday evening, ahead of the film’s national release on 15 November. At the event, Bill Papastergiadis told the audience that it was “an honour to have Dead Europe as the film to close the Greek Film Festival”.
Mr Papastergiadis said the “powerful film” is “brave and bold” and forces people to “confront a contemporary Europe that is far removed from the postcards adoring our fridges”. He highlighted Christos Tsiolkas’ vision of his “work of fiction written many years ago which has parallels with Greece’s own current disintegration, both political and social” and the rise of Golden Dawn – the far right anti immigration party.
The 19th Greek Film Festival program delivered one of the strongest selections of contemporary Greek cinema the festival has seen in recent years, with many films reflecting the grim realities of contemporary Greek society. “Despite the challenging content of the films this year, audiences were willing to take a few risks with their film selections, and the quality of the films also attracted more media attention than ever before”, says Festival Director Penny Kyprianou.
Emerging as favourites this year were; Opening Night film Nisos 2, Nikos Koutelidakis’ Christmas Tango, Costas Kapakas’ Magic Hour and the compelling period drama Tied Red Thread. Additionally, a tribute to filmmaker and writer Anna Kannava was a highlight for many who were exposed to Anna’s films for the very first time, a night of screenings combined with the launch of her book Stefanos of Limassol.
The Greek Student Film Festival ran once again (now in its third year) and all Victorian entries, together with winning entries from NSW and South Australia, were screened on Sunday 4 November. Students were eager to hear the results, and first prizes in each of the three categories went to Οι Θεοί είναι μαζί σου, Sans Sousi Primary School (NSW), Το Δώρο της Ελπίδας, GOCMV Schools Albert Park (VIC) and first place – Οι Δώδεκα Northcote High School (VIC). Full results are available at www.greekfilmfestival.com.au
The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria together with the Antipodes Festival would like to thank our presenting partner Bank of Cyprus Australia, all of our sponsors and supporters, and above all, our loyal attendees for contributing to the ongoing success of the festival. * The Greek Film Festival is an event of the Antipodes Festival, the cultural arm of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria.
The Student Film Festival is a collaborative effort between the Antipodes Festival and the Education Office of the Consulate General of Greece in Melbourne with the support of the Victorian State Government’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.