Greek-Australian cinematographer, Eirini Alligiannis mentioned in Athens Art Film Fest

Eirini Alligiannis

Greek-Australian cinematographer Eirini Alligiannis has received a special mention at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (AIMAFF) for her award-winning documentary ‘Louis (KR.ONE) Gasparro 5POINTZ’. 

The short documentary, released in 2018, follows New York graffiti artist Louie Gasparra, whose love for the arts was rekindled at the legendary ‘5Pointz’ building in Long Island City.

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‘5Pointz’ building in Long Island City

Since then, the documentary has received international recognition, earning Ms Alligiannis the title of Best Female Director at the 2022 Carpe Diem Film Festival earlier this year.

Trailer of Documentary

Speaking with Greek City Times, Eirini discusses how her documentary came to be and how being mentioned in one of the world’s top 100 most popular film festivals is a “huge honour.”

“I’m a first-generation Greek Australian born and raised in Sydney and am honoured by a national Greek film festival for a piece of work I produced in America. It’s an extraordinary and special thing,” Eirini says. 

“I made this short documentary on Louie Gasparro while on my travels to New York in 2013,” she says. 

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Eirini Alligiannis

“While in New York City, I was eager to visit 5Pointz as it was rumoured it could be torn down. I wanted to have a final look. This is where I met Louie, and I was inspired to share his passion for graffiti. 

“He shared with me what 5Pointz personally means to him and what it means to those in the local community and also to arts worldwide.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtpDnzYAHGo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Since filming, 5Pointz no longer exists as the buildings have been torn down, and replaced with luxury apartments taking their place. 

“It's heart-breaking to know that it's gone, especially considering it was also a safe and legal place to showcase art and creativity,” the award-winning documentarian says.


“Ultimately, the graffiti community in New York and the world will find places around the 5 boroughs of the city to exhibit their art but there will be no place like 5Pointz.”

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Long Island New York
Nick Bourdaniotis

Director of Photography

Born in Nambour, Queensland, Nick Bourdaniotis grew up in Brisbane till 2001 and then moved to Sydney. Nick's passion for photography began from a young age and his unique and artistic approach to capturing a moment in time ensures his images are always a standout. In his late 30s, his peers pushed him into being a professional photographer as he was taking amazing holiday photos from around the world and here in Sydney. In his mid-40s, Nick's photos were recognized internationally in the Greek community and used in international and local Australian-based publications. Photographing for St Spyridon College is when Nick took his first iconic global photo, the college's year 12 prefect students walking onto the opera house forecourt for the 25th March celebrations in 2015. For the next three consecutive years, Nick photographed iconic photos of the 25th March in Sydney that went viral worldwide. Mid 2016, Greek City Times employed Nick as a photographer. Over the next year, he earnt the title of Greek City Times' Director of Photography and Videography, which he still carries today. Greek City Times is a global media publication outlet. Nick also worked as the photographer for "My Greek Odyssey" TV travel show in Greece, which airs to over 50 million people worldwide. Nick was the lead photographer for the state funeral of the late Archbishop of Australia Stylianos and captured the funeral service and burial for archival and media purposes worldwide. Nick has been photographing significant events for The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia since 2015. In Sydney and Greece, Nick also captures moving moments in time for The Hellenic Incentive (THI), which in 2020 in Greece will work with the associated partners to document the homeless and various charity organizes THI partner within the incentive program. In 2019 Nick was asked to photograph an Australian fashion designer, Thessi Kouzoukas, from Sabba Shirts, which were amazing with Greece as its backdrop. Nick has been asked to photograph famous people, singers or entertainers because of his unique photography. In early 2020 Nick was a fully accredited photographer for the Australian Open tennis, in which he photographed the games of the Greek players and of heritage for publication in Greek City Times. Also, in 2022 Nick was George Kambosos Jr's official photographer at the lightweight world title fight in Melbourne, Australia. Nick's photos of The Greek Presidential Guard (Evzones) have been referred to as the best seen, and these photos have been published in books documenting the history of the Evzones. The most recent publication was the 150 years book of the Evzones released by the Presidential Guard Greece. Nick's versatility and professionalism have earned him an excellent reputation and a loyal high-profile clientele worldwide. Nick is not one to enter competitions or exhibitions as he leaves it up to his critics to judge his artistic unique way of photography. He has always said in his early 50's he will start to exhibit his work across Australia and aboard, as he has a few major exhibitions in the making. In 2021 Nick launched his photographic exhibition around Australia titled "The Evzones Collection" This photo exhibition endorsed by the Greek Presidential Guard and the Hellenic General Staff of National Defence has over 28 beautifully selected photos capturing and portraying the Evzones in a truly remarkable light. In 2023 The Evzones Collection photo exhibition will be exhibited in Athens and then around Greece. Nick's art uniquely evokes Hellenic pride with his images that are published all over the world.

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