Films made by Greek-American and Greek-Australian creatives have won several prizes at this year’s Byzanfest Intentional Film Festival featuring the acclaimed Yiannis Stravolaimos, Ana Matsis and Manos Triantafillakis on the international judging panel.
Blessings and Vows, by director Katerina Zacharia won Best Documentary, Best Director and Best Short as well as USD$1,500 cash. The film revolves around an octogenarian villager, Metaxia Anaplioti, who kept her vow for 49 years of lighting a candle daily at the 11th century Byzantine church of Hagioi Theodoroi in Vamvaka, Mani. The short-film explores the connection between identity – both personal and collective – place, tradition and ancestors.
Best Screenplay-in-Development Award went to the film Concrete by Greek Australian duo Renee Kypriotis and Ari Kwasner-Catsi who told the story of a young Greek-Australian caught between two worlds during Holy Week.
There were also several Greek themed works and filmmaker finalists of Greek background that stood out with the films Seeking for Agousa, Zeibekiko in Beirut, Hidden Voice and Louie 5Pointz.
Byzanfest is scheduling several re-screenings across Australia. For more information or to host: byzanfest@gmail.com
