Producer of Ilias Yannakakis’ Joy, Eleni Bertes was in Sydney last Saturday to provide some insight into the film that is currently touring the film festival circuit internationally. Bertes spoke to the audience about the film that received a Jury Special Mention at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Best Actress award at the 29th Alexandria Film Festival, for Amalia Moutoussi’s lead role as Hara.
Joy recounts the story of a middle-aged woman accused of kidnapping a newborn baby from a maternity ward. What begins as the perfect utopia for new mother and child eventually turns into a bitter tragedy. The screening was followed by a dialogue between audience and producer, with the audience, although not condoning the actions of Hara, seemingly sympathising with her plight.
Bertes spoke of the challenges of filmmaking in Greece in the height of the financial crisis, and the challenges and rewards of making Joy.
Following the Australian screenings, Joy continues its international film festival run at the Goa Film Festival in India in November.
For screening details and tickets to Joy, visit www.greekfilmfestival.com.au