Renowned Hollywood actress Monica Bellucci graced the 64th Thessaloniki Film Festival, capturing the hearts of her Greek fans during her visit.
The Italian star, famous for her roles in films such as “Malena” and “Maria Callas: Letters and Memories,” was in Thessaloniki for the screening of these two movies, both part of the festival lineup.
Bellucci’s visit kicked off on Wednesday, November 8, as she strolled through the city, expressing her admiration for Thessaloniki’s beauty and her deep affection for Greece.
The actress, who received the Golden Alexander Award for her significant contributions to cinema, arrived in style at the festival’s opening night.
The red carpet event showcased Bellucci in an elegant all-black ensemble, where she graciously interacted with a crowd of enthusiastic fans who eagerly chanted her name and displayed banners adorned with her photographs.
During her stay, Bellucci enjoyed the local hospitality, joining Thessaloniki Mayor Konstantinos Zervas for lunch at a prominent city center restaurant.
Zervas praised Bellucci’s amiable nature and shared that she expressed a fondness for Thessaloniki, promising to return.
The actress’s schedule also included a stay at a central five-star hotel with the picturesque views of Thermaikos Gulf from her top-floor room.
Bellucci actively participated in a press conference held at Port Warehouse No. 1 of Thessaloniki, expressing her gratitude for the honor of portraying Greek soprano Maria Callas.
She emphasised the significance of public acceptance for her role, given Callas’s Greek heritage.
Both films showcased at the festival tell the compelling stories of women navigating a challenging world.
On Thursday, November 9, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni met with Bellucci before the actress attended the screening of Giuseppe Tornatore’s film ‘Malena,’ a movie that catapulted her to international fame.
She was later presented with the prestigious Golden Alexander award for her outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.