When the credits rolled on Kay Pavlou’s one-hour documentary Two Homelands at its Sydney premiere, the packed crowed gave a standing ovation as emotions – both tears and laughter – flowed.
Held at the Cyprus Community Club in Stanmore on Saturday, July 20, the documentary premiere had an extra special meaning as the day marked 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
It comes as no surprise then that Two Homelands was so well-received by the more than 150 people in attendance.
The documentary shone a light on six Australian Greek Cypriots – aged 70 to 102 – who gave emotional eyewitness accounts of the Turkish invasion and their migration to Australia. Sombre recollections were interspersed with moments of light humour and funny anecdotes – creating a perfect blend of both grief for Cyprus and hope for the future.
For 15-year-old Elliot Foxlee, who is half Greek Cypriot, it was important to attend the documentary screening to get a deeper understanding of the historic events which took place in 1974.
“I’m here because my yiayia was one of the survivors of the Cyprus and Turkey war,” Elliot told The Greek Herald on the day.
“I haven’t heard too many stories. Yiayia doesn’t talk about it a lot. So I hope [through this documentary] that I will be able to learn more about it.”
Besides educating, the premiere night included a number of speeches by Ms Pavlou, the Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus Stavros Nicolaou, and PASEKA President / SEKA NSW Co-chair Chris Koulinos, as well as a musical performance by Hellen Aristides (vocals) and Tassos Lambrou (bouzouki).
Official guests were also present including the First Counsellor for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate of Greece in Sydney, Athanassios Lambrou, and President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Kyriacou.
In his speech, Mr Nicolaou – who concludes his duties as Deputy High Commissioner this month – gave an update on the Cyprus Problem and spoke of sentiments towards the invasion.
“Today we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. In the north of Cyprus today, they are ‘celebrating’ 50 years since the ‘peace operation’ on Cyprus,” Mr Nicolaou said.
“Imagine how that would sound to my mum who fled her home at the age of 10 [during the invasion]. Imagine how that would sound to refugees, to a mum who lost her son, to a sister who lost her brother, who still doesn’t know what has happened to him.”
When Mr Koulinos approached the microphone to give an impromptu speech, he thanked Ms Pavlou for creating a meaningful documentary and encouraged everyone to attend commemorative events organised by SEKA NSW this Sunday, July 28 to mark the 50th anniversary of Cyprus’ invasion.
Director Ms Pavlou thanked everyone for attending and was overwhelmed by the positive reception to Two Homelands. She also announced her plans for a new feature drama film on the village where her father’s family was from – Rizokarpaso.
“My film was both a commemoration of war and a celebration of community, and the audience responded to every moment. The audience were really lively – they cheered, clapped, laughed and cried,” Ms Pavlou told The Greek Herald.
A clear indication that Two Homelands will have a successful stint on screens around Australia and globally.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
