The 2023 Greek Film Festival is proud to announce two significant tributes that will be featured as part of this year’s program: a heartfelt tribute to the iconic actress Irene Papas and a moving commemoration titled “From Thessaloniki to Auschwitz: 80 Years.”

These tributes will add depth and significance to the festival, providing audiences with an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of Irene Papas to Greek cinema and to commemorate a poignant historical milestone.

Tribute to Irene Papas: A Greek Cinematic Icon

Irene Papas, the legendary actress celebrated for her extraordinary talent and international acclaim, will be honoured with a memorable screening of the 1961 classic film “The Guns of Navarone”.

Irene Papas became famous worldwide thanks to her roles in such films as Zorba the Greek, Z and The Guns of Navarone, passed away in September 2022. With her haunting looks and acclaimed gift for dramatic roles, Papas was also known for her stage work, particularly in ancient Greek tragedies. Her profound artistry, versatility, and ability to embody a wide range of complex characters have established her as a true cinematic legend.

The Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports wrote for Irene Papas: “Majestic, stately, dynamic, she was the personification of Greek beauty on the cinema screen and on the theatre stage, an international star who radiated Greekness.”

“From Thessaloniki to Auschwitz: 80 Years” – A Historical Commemoration

The 2023 Greek Film Festival also marks the 80th anniversary of a sombre journey that began in the heart of Thessaloniki and led to the haunting grounds of Auschwitz.

This tribute will focus on the tragic events surrounding the deportation of Jewish residents from Thessaloniki to Auschwitz during World War II. It will shed light to one of the darkest pages in world history.

With 3 documentaries and 1 feature film, the 2023 Greek Film Festival honours the memory of the Jewish community of Thessaloniki, once home to one of the largest Sephardic Jewish communities in the world.

“Cloudy Sunday”, During the tumultuous 1943, τhe adventurous and passionate love story between George and Estrea finds refuge in the historical Ouzeri Tsitsanis.

“My People”, A heartwarming letter to humanity. Α young woman’s quest to uncover her family’s history.

“Mauthausen”, A poetic documentary based on a new interpretation of Mikis Theodorakis’s & Iakovos Kambanellis’s “Mauthausen Cantata” by Aristarchos Papadaniel (voice) and Aris Zervas (cello).

“Kisses to the Children” is not just another film about the Holocaust; it’s a film about childhood in the shadow of the Holocaust.

The Greek Film Festival is presented in Victoria by the Greek Community of Melbourne playing on the Palace Cinemas group’s screens.

ABOUT THE GREEK FILM FESTIVAL

The Greek Film Festival, presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne, is an annual celebration of Greek cinema showcasing the complexity and diversity that is the Greek Film industry which in turn captures the essence of Greek culture, history, and creativity. The Greek Film Festival has become a significant annual event in the cultural calendar of cinephiles and the Greek community of Melbourne alike.   In 2023, The Greek Film Festival will be shown at Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn Cinema and the Astor Theatre and runs from 19 to 29 October.

ABOUT THE GREEK COMMUNITY OF MELBOURNE

Established in 1897, the Greek Community of Melbourne is a prominent organisation dedicated to promoting and preserving Greek history, culture, and heritage in Australia. Through various initiatives, events, and educational programs, the Community aims to strengthen the connection between Greek Australians and their rich cultural background.