The Greek Film Festival in Sydney, proudly presented by Benchmark Greek Law, has announced the monumental opening night film of its 30th anniversary, ‘Kapetan Mihalis’ (‘Captain Michael’) by Kostas Haralambous, based on the similarly titled book by legendary Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis.
Prepare to be transported to a time of revolution, Cretan honour, and forbidden love!
On Tuesday, October 14, at Palace Norton St Leichhardt, the red carpet will be rolled out for a gala celebration starting at 6:00 PM. Guests will be treated to a spectacular evening filled with a celebratory atmosphere, Cretan vibes, unparalleled Greek hospitality, and great live music.
The experience will be elevated with exquisite catering by Georges Mediterranean Bar and Grill, fine wines from Raw Vine Estate, and a selection of boutique-crafted Greek beers from 7 Seals, courtesy of Mediterranean Gourmet.
The highly anticipated screening will follow at 8:30 PM. This is more than just an opening night; it’s a cinematic event that promises to be thrilling, deeply moving, and a fittingly epic celebration of three decades of Greek cinema on Sydney’s big screen.
Based on Kazantzakis’ internationally acclaimed novel Kapetan Mihalis, and inspired by the author’s own childhood memories, the Opening Night Film is a sweeping saga set in 1889 Crete. Directed by the visionary Kostas Haralambous and starring Emilios Chilakis, Alekos Sissovitis, Loukia Michalopoulou, and Jenny Kazakou, the film tells the story of an uncompromising Cretan patriot, Kapetan Mihalis. His sacred duty is to liberate his island from the Ottoman Turks, but a fateful encounter with Emine, the wife of his blood brother, Nuri-bey, forces him to confront a choice between his sacred duty and a forbidden passion.
“This film is a powerful reminder of the Cretan spirit and the universal struggle for freedom and identity,” Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, said.
Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival and Greek Film Festival of Sydney, added, “We are incredibly excited to open our anniversary 30th festival with a film of this magnitude, celebrating the enduring legacy of Greek storytelling on the world stage.”
Event Details:
- What: Opening Night of the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney
- When: Tuesday, 14th October 2025
- Where: Palace Norton St | Gala: 6:00pm, Screening: 8:30pm, (99 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040)
- Film: KAPETAN MIHALIS by Kostas Haralambous
- Tickets: https://shorturl.at/spiPF
For more information, please visit www.greekfilmfestival.com.au
