ERTFLIX International is celebrating March 25th, with a tribute to the Greek War of Independence and its lasting cultural impact. This year’s programming includes a selection of iconic Greek films, documentaries, series, and a commemorative concert titled Hymn to Liberty, performed by the ERT National Symphony Orchestra.

The celebration begins with a range of notable films, such as the comedy Travelling Ghosts (2022), where a Greek director explores the ghosts of the past while filming a documentary about Rigas Feraios, a key figure in the Enlightenment. Another feature, My Homeland’s Flag is Blue (2016), documents the journey of a small village and its people, offering a poignant reflection on Greece’s struggle through war, occupation, and transformation.

Historical drama Pente 5 (2023) delves into the dramatic moments leading up to the Greek War of Independence, as a group of elders on the island of Samothrace faces the looming conflict with the Ottoman Empire. Meanwhile, The Proud Ones (1962) showcases post-independence Greece, with a tale of revenge and pride following the liberation of the country.

ERTFLIX is also showcasing the beloved TV series Manto Mavrogenous, starring Katia Dandoulaki, which highlights the life of the revolutionary heroine of the Greek War of Independence. The 12-episode series is based on the novel by Georgios Roussos and airs as part of the historical celebration.

Further enhancing the tribute, the 365 Moments program will feature an episode on Lord Byron and the Exodus of Messolonghi, exploring the poet’s contributions to the revolution and his legacy in shaping the modern Greek state.

The centerpiece of the celebration is the concert Hymn to Liberty, performed by the ERT National Symphony Orchestra in Kalavryta. This grand performance of the anthem, composed by Nikolaos Mantzaros with lyrics by Dionysios Solomos, celebrates the revolutionary spirit of Greece’s War of Independence. The concert will feature an orchestra, choir, and mezzo-soprano, bringing the anthem’s powerful message to life.

For more information, visit the ERTFLIX International website and enjoy this special programming in honor of Greece’s national holiday.