The 29th Greek Film Festival of Sydney, proudly presented by METAXA and in partnership with the Melbourne Cinémathèque, will offer vintage screenings between 19-20 October 2024 celebrating iconic Greek director, writer and filmmaker, Nikos Koundouros.
Paying tribute to one of the greatest Greek filmmakers of the 20th century, the 29th Greek Film Festival of Sydney will be screening four of his amazing contributions to Greek Cinema; The Ogre of Athens (O Drakos, 1956) which will be followed by a Q&A with Professor Vrasidas Karalis, The Magic City (Magiki Polis, 1954), Young Aphrodites (Mikres Aphrodites, 1963), and 1922 (1978, preceded by a special event). These are four special screenings, curated by the Melbourne Cinémathèque, that shouldn’t be missed.
“As a versatile filmmaker whose work existed in the intersections of neorealism, film noir, experimental cinema and mythology, it’s no surprise that Nikos Koundouros (1926–2017) lived a similarly multifaceted life,” Professor Karalis said.
“Born in Athens to an upper-class Cretan family, Koundouros first studied painting and sculpture during World War II, also joining the Greek Resistance against Axis occupation as a soldier of the Communist-dominated National Liberation Front’s army.
“During the ensuing Civil War, Koundouros’ membership of the Front resulted in his exile to the notorious Makronisos island concentration camp, where he says he “discovered the power of the human voice” and decided to pursue filmmaking. Returning from exile, Koundouros established himself in opposition to mainstream Greek aesthetics and narratives with his Rossellini-influenced The Magic City (1954) and expressionistic The Ogre of Athens (1956).
“Despite overseas acclaim, including his Young Aphrodites (1963) winning the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, widespread recognition mostly eluded Koundouros during his career, partly due to his controversial reputation at home, along with his constant battles against censorship; the most notable involving his depiction of atrocities committed during the Greco-Turkish War in 1922 (1978).
“This season allows audiences to experience several of the key works of a singular and revolutionary artist, without whom “nothing can be understood in the subsequent history of Greek cinema.”
A special tribute weekend “Of Men & Monsters: the cinema of Nikos Koundouros,” is scheduled between 19th-20th October 2024 at Palace Cinema Norton St, where audiences will be immerged in experiencing powerful, versatile and multifaceted Greek filmmaking at its best.
Event Details
- What: ‘Of Men & Monsters: The Cinema of Nikos Koundouros’ Tribute Weekend
- When: 19 & 20 October 2024
- Where: Palace Cinema Norton St, 99 Norton St, Leichardt, NSW 2040
- Tickets: https://greekfilmfestival.com.au/sydney/films
For more information, please visit
- Website: https://greekfilmfestival.com.au/sydney
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/greekfestivalofsydney
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/greekfestivalofsydney
