The first-ever virtual Greek film festival in the US, 'Greek Film Expo on Demand' organised by the Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS), will be held from July 10-20.
Audiences across the country will have the opportunity to stream ten quality, carefully curated films, including many US premieres, that offer something for everyone: from Costa-Gavras' latest to a classic Greek comedy that's been digitally remastered on its 60th anniversary.
Until this year, HFS presented the New York Greek Film Expo film festival in movie theatres, however the pandemic had other plans.
The Society explored other options for presenting Greek films to its loyal audiences and decided on a virtual film festival.
“We are thrilled to present these fine films on demand, at a time when people are looking for ways to be entertained safely,” says Jimmy DeMetro, HFS President. “We believe that watching a film in a movie theatre is the best viewing experience, but we are proud to be breaking new ground. Going virtual gives us the opportunity to reach a national audience for the first time. We have a great line-up, from the very best award-winning films of the year to beloved classics of Greek cinema.”
For further information about the Greek Film Expo on Demand, please visit https://hellenicfilmusa.org
Below is the 2020 feature film lineup:
ADULTS IN THE ROOM, directed by Costa-Gavras
This riveting political drama focuses on the confrontational financial bailout negotiations between Greece’s finance minister and the EU. From board rooms to back rooms, master filmmaker Costa-Gavras deftly exposes the arrogance and hypocrisy of the political elite.
DEFUNCT, directed by Zacharias Mavroeidis
Aris leaves his yuppie downtown lifestyle behind and moves into his late grandfather’s home in an Athens suburb. Before long, he discovers a family secret that will forever change the way he looks at life. Winner, Best Picture, Thessaloniki International Film Festival, 2019.
FANTASIA, directed by Alexis Kardaras
This musical drama captures the sometimes-seedy atmosphere of the 1990s night club scene as it follows a talented young singer’s rise to stardom and the toll it takes on her personal life.
JAMAICA, directed by Andreas Morfonios
In this bittersweet comedy, the power of brotherly love helps two estranged brothers overcome their differences and learn a valuable life lesson. Starring Spiros Papadopoulos and Fanis Mouratidis. Winner, Best Film Audience Award, New York Greek Film Expo 2018.
MADALENA, directed by Dinos Dimopoulos
In this comedy classic, a young woman fights tradition—and the odds—when she takes control of her late father's fishing boat in order to support her siblings. Digitally restored for its 60th anniversary, this award-winning film glitters again with its striking black and white cinematography.
MELTEM, directed by Basile Doganis
A young French woman of Greek descent travels to the island of Lesbos to sell her mother’s house and put her Greek past behind her. A chance encounter with a young Syrian refugee sets the trip on a different course. This film is mostly in French with English subtitles.
NOT TO BE UNPLEASANT BUT WE NEED TO HAVE A SERIOUS TALK, directed by Giorgos Georgopoulos
In this droll black comedy, a young womanizer discovers that he is carrying a sexually transmitted disease and must track down his former partners in hopes of finding the one with the first viral strain. Best Screenplay, Hellenic Film Academy Award 2020 | Best Greek Film, Thessaloniki International Film Festival 2019.
THE SIEGE ON LIPERTY STREET, directed by Stavros Pamballis
Near the buffer zone dividing the city of Nicosia, a desperate father crushed by economic austerity, fights to keep his family’s home from being repossessed. Winner of five Best Picture awards, including FIPRESCI Prize (International Federation of Film Critics) | Thessaloniki International Film Festival 2019.
ZIZOTEK, directed by Vardis Marinakis
A young boy abandoned by his mother at a country fair takes refuge in the isolated cabin of a mute loner. Gradually the two outcasts form a family, something both have lacked for some time. Variety calls it “riveting”, “moving and subtly bewitching.” Winner of Best Cinematography, Hellenic Film Academy Award 2020.
