29th Greek Film Festival Wraps Up with Over 7,000 Tickets Sold in Melbourne

The 29th Greek Film Festival (GFF) concluded with a flourish at the historic Astor Theatre on Sunday, October 27. Over the span of 12 days, the festival attracted film enthusiasts who purchased more than 7,000 tickets, showcasing a vibrant lineup of Greek feature films and documentaries.

The Closing Night event took place simultaneously across all four participating Palace Cinemas, with the Astor Theatre serving as the hub for the final night celebrations. Guests were invited to don 70s attire, coinciding with the screening of Gorgones kai Magkes, a film that honours the iconic Greek actress Mary Chronopoulou, a celebrated figure in classic Greek cinema.

Leonidas Vlahakis, Chair of the organizing committee, expressed his sentiment regarding the choice of venue for the screening: "This theatre holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I first watched Gorgones kai Magkes as a young boy, bringing back so many memories. It felt right to pay tribute to one of the most significant actresses of the ’60s here."

After the emotional tribute and film screening, the celebration continued with a lively after-party featuring the popular Melbourne band Cats and the Canary. Their performance resonated with attendees, who danced to the upbeat sounds of 60s Greek music, transforming the theatre into a festive space.

Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), expressed pride in the festival's achievements and the overwhelming community support. "We are thrilled to see so many members of our community here today to close the festival. The strong ticket sales prove that our community is embracing this event more than ever, showing that we are truly doing something right."

The 29th Greek Film Festival underscored the enduring connection between the Greek community and cinema, celebrating cultural heritage while providing insights into contemporary Greek life. As the curtains close on this year’s festival, the GCM is already looking ahead to the 30th edition, promising an exciting lineup of films, tributes, and cultural experiences for the community to enjoy.