The 2024 Greek Film Festival is poised to dazzle audiences with a diverse lineup of films and documentaries celebrating Greek culture through cinema. Hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), the festival will run from October 15 to October 27 across a range of venues, including the iconic Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn Cinema, and, for the first time, Palace Cinemas Pentridge.
The festival will open on October 15 with the comedy "Hear Who’s Talking," starring Meletis Ilias. This film sets the stage for a program featuring 23 feature films and seven documentaries, each offering unique insights into contemporary Greek society.
A standout feature of this year’s festival is the Australian premiere of "The Murderess," based on the classic novel by Alexandros Papadiamantis. Set in early 20th-century Greece, the film explores the life of Hadoula, who struggles against societal constraints. The film has garnered 12 awards and 14 nominations at international film festivals, with Kariofylia Karabeti's performance being particularly acclaimed.
The festival's documentary segment includes several compelling titles. "Ange & The Boss—Puskas in Australia," directed by Tony Wilson and Cam Fink, explores Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskas’s impact on Australian soccer, focusing on his time coaching South Melbourne Hellas and his connection with current Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
Another notable documentary is "Anzac: The Greek Chapter," by Peter Ewer and John Irwin. This feature-length film recounts the Greek campaign during World War II through over 130 hours of veteran interviews. Narrated by Barrie Cassidy, the documentary offers a poignant look at the valiant defence and the strong bond between the Anzacs and their Greek allies.
The festival will also tribute Greek cinema icon Mary Chronopoulou with a special screening of the 1968 classic "Gorgiones Kai Magkes" on closing night.
Additional films in the 29th Greek Film Festival lineup include:
"Africa Star" by Adonis Florides
"Aligned" by Apollo Bakopoulos
"Animal" by Sofia Exarchou
"Arcadia Champagne d’Orient" by Kostas Spiropoulos
"Brando with a Glass Eye" by Antonis Tsonis
"Broken Sound" by Foivos Kontogiannis
"Detached House" by Ioakim Mylonas
"The Aegean" by Jacob Richardson
"Love Rewind" by Demetra Giannakopoulos
"Where We Live" by Sotiris Goritsas
"The Last Taxi Driver" by Stergios Paschos
"Polydroso" by Alexandros Voulgaris
"The Rhapsodist" by Nikolai Hamel
"Mother of the Station" by Kostoula Tomadaki
"In a Fishbowl" by Konstantinos Fragoulis
"Little Things That Went Wrong" by Haris Vafeiadis
"The Last Prayer" by Vicky Arvelaki & Katerina Mpikaki
"What If…" by Christopher Papakaliatis
"Medium" by Christina Ioakeimidi
"Grief-Those Who Remain" by Myrto Patsalidou and Maria Louka
"Yani Spanos: A Life Behind the Marquee" by Aris Dorizas
"Mary, Marianna, Maria – The Unsung Greek Years of Callas" by Michalis Asthenidis and Vasilis Louras
"Guest Star" by Vasilis Christofilakis
"The Promotion" by Periklis Hoursoglou
The festival will also feature the 12th Greek Student Film Festival, highlighting emerging filmmakers and their innovative work.
Presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne and sponsored by Oasis Coffee, Procal Dairies, Joannides Funerals, and FIX Hellas Beer, the 29th Greek Film Festival promises an enriching celebration of Greek cinema.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the official Greek Film Festival website. https://greekfilmfestival.com.au/melbourne/films
