James Prineas’ picture ‘An Island Named Desire’ is finally set to premiere in Australia after three long years, with the filmmaker set to unveil his latest picture set in his ancestral home of Kythera.
The comedy film will be screened this coming Sunday 17 November, 4pm, in Sydney at the UNSW Mathews Theatre, making its premiere three years on from its completion which Prineas is thrilled to finally show off to the public.
“COVID was difficult enough but having a creative project you have worked on for years be shelved right before its premiere was devastating. The experience was so disheartening that I had to step away from it for a couple of years before I felt ready to revisit it,” Prineas told Neos Kosmos.
“Now, with a fresh perspective, I have been able to fine-tune the film, and I think it has gained a lot from that renewed focus.”
Prineas explained that the film, which is a sequel to his first work ‘Kythera Mon Amour’, is a continuation of his work in making films set on the Greek Island two of his grandparents were born.
“After my first work received numerous awards and was showcased at Sydney Tropfest, I realised there was a strong interest in Kytherian stories among the hundreds of thousands that make up the Kytherian diaspora worldwide,” he said.
The filmmaker stated that his latest picture follows the main characters from ‘Kythera mon Amour’ as they return to the island, deeply changed by their experiences attempting to migrate to Australia.
“I have aimed to keep my films lively and entertaining. For the Kytherian diaspora, they offer a perfect way to “visit” the island from afar. Ultimately, though, it is the comedic plots and unique characters that seem to bring the most enjoyment to audiences,” he said.
Prineas expressed his belief that the picture, his fourth feature film shot on Kythera, can resonate with all audiences regardless of whether you have any connection to the island.
“My latest film, ‘Lost on Kythera’, was also a crowd favourite at Greek film festivals, which suggests that the stories and characters resonate well beyond our “home crowd” Kytherian audience,” the filmmaker said.
Prineas stated that Kythera is a second home for him, having become deeply enamoured with it ever since his first visit as an 18-year-old fresh out of high school.
“I found myself surrounded by the elderly Kytherians who had stayed behind after decades of emigration,” he said.
“These people taught me not only Greek but also how to tend to the land and animals—it felt like being a child again, surrounded by older people and learning a new language.”
He highlighted that it is a true joy for him to shoot films on the island, with his consistent visits over the past three decades providing him a keen knowledge of the landscape that he can use to his advantage.
“Having visited for over 30 years, I know the island and its people so well that I can plan everything in my head—I even know the angle of the sun in most locations by heart,” Prineas said.
“The locals are incredibly supportive; many seem to love the chance to help showcase and promote their beloved island.”
