The 29th Greek Film Festival (GFF) concluded on Sunday, at Melbourne’s historic Astor Theatre, drawing over 7,000 attendees across its 12-day program. The festival showcased a selection of Greek feature films and documentaries, offering audiences a rich cinematic experience highlighting Greek culture.

The Closing Night event, held simultaneously across four Palace Cinemas, featured a 70s-themed celebration at the Astor Theatre. Guests dressed in retro attire to honour the screening of Gorgones kai Magkes, a film chosen to commemorate the late Mary Chronopoulou, a revered icon of Greek cinema from the 1960s.

Meanwhile, organisers hinted at ambitious plans for the 30th edition, promising new films, tributes, and cultural events to further celebrate Greek heritage.

Leonidas Vlahakis, Chair of the organising committee, shared the personal significance of the venue.

Cats and the Canary.

“The reason we chose to show Gorgones kai Magkes at the Astor is symbolic,” Vlahakis said.

“This is the theatre where I first watched the movie as a young boy. It felt only right to honour Mary Chronopoulou’s legacy in a place that holds such memories for many of us.”

Following the tribute and screening, attendees celebrated at an after-party featuring live music from Melbourne’s popular band, Cats and the Canary, whose lively 60s Greek tunes kept the crowd dancing late into the night.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), expressed his pride in the festival’s community impact. “We are delighted with the strong turnout, and the ticket sales confirm our community’s growing support for this event. It’s proof that we are on the right path,” he said.

Attendees dancing.