The highly anticipated biographical film Stelios, dedicated to legendary Greek folk and rebetiko singer Stelios Kazantzidis (1931–2001), will premiere on the U.S. West Coast. The screening will take place as part of the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) on May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Harmony Gold in West Hollywood, followed by a reception.

The film tells the gripping story of a refugee child of Pontic Greek descent who, despite hardship, rose to fame through talent and perseverance. Through music, friendships, love, conflict, and the nightlife scene, a multifaceted portrait unfolds of a man who deeply touched the soul of the Greek people.

“I wanted to shed light on the soul of a man who sang for millions. His voice opened doors, but family, love, and fame robbed him of personal peace,” noted director Giorgos Tsemberopoulos.

This is the biggest film production of the year by Tanweer, starring Christos Mastoras in the title role, with a screenplay by Katerina Bei. The cast also includes Klelia Renesi, Asimenia Voulioti, Agoritsa Oikonomou, Dimitris Kapouranis, and Anna Symeonidou. The film opens in the U.S. and Canada on May 9 and will be shown in New York at Village East (Second Avenue & 12th Street).