Renos Haralambidis, one of Greece’s most acclaimed contemporary filmmakers, will headline the 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney this October, with a dedicated retrospective celebrating his career.
The festival, running from October 14 to 26, will showcase all five of Haralambidis’s feature films, culminating in the Closing Night screening of his latest release Athens Midnight Radio at Palace Cinemas Moore Park on Sunday, October 26. The director, writer and actor will be in Sydney from October 24 to 27 to personally present his films and meet audiences.
Haralambidis is widely recognised as a pioneering voice in modern Greek cinema, known for introducing digital filmmaking to Greece with his 1997 debut No Budget Story, which won state and international critics’ awards. His later works — including the cult classic Cheap Smokes (1999), The Heart of the Beast (2005), and Four Black Suits (2010), which represented Greece at the European Academy of Cinema — have cemented his reputation as a storyteller who blends humour, realism and sharp cultural commentary.
Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival and the Greek Film Festival of Sydney, said the retrospective marks a milestone moment.
“To host Renos Haralambidis is to welcome a true visionary of modern Greek cinema to our shores,” Ms Karteris said. “His retrospective is a testament to the enduring power of his storytelling.”
The 30th anniversary program will also feature three retrospectives: films that have screened at the festival over the past 29 years, a spotlight on Sydney-based Greek filmmakers, and the tribute to Haralambidis.
Audiences can revisit classics such as A Touch of Spice, Rebetiko, Rosa of Smyrna and Pantelis Voulgaris films including Brides, Little England and The Last Note. More recent works like Yorgos Lanthimos’s Dogtooth and popular comedies Safe Sex and Balkanisateur will also feature, alongside the return of The Flea, the first film ever screened at the festival.
Sydney-based filmmakers Kosta Nikas, Alex Lykos, Kay Pavlou and Neos Kosmos contributor Billy Cotsis will be honoured for their contribution to Greek cinema in Australia.
The festival will also include new Greek, Cypriot and Greek-themed releases and documentaries such as The Return with Ralph Fiennes, Maria starring Angelina Jolie, Cypriot productions Diversion and Smaragda, and comedies including Greek Mothers Never Die.
Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, said the 30th anniversary is a celebration of cultural connection.
“For 30 years, the Greek Film Festival has been a cornerstone of cultural expression and connection for our community,” Mr Danalis said.
The program has teased further announcements, including a special guest from Greece and screenings in Sydney’s western suburbs.
When: October 14–26, 2025 (Haralambidis in Sydney October 24–27)
Where: Palace Cinema Norton St, Leichhardt & Palace Cinema Moore Park
Tickets & full program: greekfilmfestival.com.au/sydney
