The international documentary premiere of “Magna Graecia: the Greko of Calabria” took place last weekend in full attendance at the Pallaconian Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria “Leonidas”.
The film, created by writer Billy Cotsis and filmmaker Basil Genimahaliotis was presented to over 130 guests eager to delve into the 2,800-yar-old history of the Greko population of Calabria, and their survival to this day.
Magna Grecia documents the challenges and uniqueness of the Greko community in trying to preserve their identity as well as the Greko dialect.
Greek Italian Dr John Martino, an academic, author and former military officer prologued the event, while the Greek Consul of Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, dubbed the film a “tourist attraction” and also raised his concerns on what could become of the Greek language in the diaspora if Hellenes living outside of Greece are not able to preserve it.
Former Health Minister Jenny Mikakos was also there for the screening which she deeply enjoyed.
Other esteemed guests that have shown support to the project were Alex Logothetis, Mary Sinanidis, Andriana Simos, Paul Orfanos, Rena Frangioudaki, Dorothy Hatzopoulou, Paraskevi Tsingas, Emily Kazakos among others.
Billy Cotsis also launched his new book “The Aegean Seven take back the ‘Elgin’ Marbles” on the night, donating several copies to the Pallaconian Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria, all of which were sold on the night and one stored in the Club’s library.
