Three sold-out cinemas, the sound of Cretan lyra music in the air, and an audience moved by the timeless call of “Eleftheria i Thanatos” – freedom or death. The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney officially opened on Tuesday, October 14, with the Australian premiere of Kapetan Mihalis, a cinematic adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ classic novel, directed by Kostas Haralambous.
Held at Palace Cinemas Norton Street, Leichhardt, the opening night marked a major milestone in the Festival’s three-decade history, proudly presented by Benchmark Greek Law.
Guests were treated to a night of Cretan dance, exquisite food by Georges Mediterranean Bar and Grill, fine wines from Raw Vine Estate, and boutique Greek beers from 7 Seals, courtesy of Mediterranean Gourmet – all before the highly anticipated screening of the sweeping historical epic set in 1889 Crete.
The evening began with live Cretan music and a vibrant performance by the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW dancers, whose rhythmic steps and traditional costumes set the perfect tone for the film’s revolutionary spirit and Cretan backdrop. Their performance drew rousing applause, immersing guests in the rich heritage and energy of Crete even before the first frame lit the screen.
A celebration of three decades of Greek cinema
Master of Ceremonies Dimitri Kallos welcomed the audience and paid tribute to the traditional custodians of the land, before acknowledging an impressive list of official guests and partners.
They included the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis; Trade Commissioner of Greece to Australia, Chryssa Prokopaki; First Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Athanassios Lambrou; First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Anastasia Christofilopoulou; and Councillor Alexandra Luxford, Inner West Council.
Also present were the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), Harry Danalis; Chair of the Greek Festival and the Greek Film Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris; National Coordinator of the Greek Film Festival Sydney, Chryssa Karagiannidou; Principal of Benchmark Legal Group, Anthony Liberiou; and Executive Director of Business Sydney, Paul Nicolaou, among many others.
Kallos noted that the 30th anniversary edition of the Festival would unfold across three venues – Palace Norton Street, Palace Moore Park, and, for the first time, Riverside Theatres in Parramatta – marking a historic expansion into Western Sydney.
“This new collaboration with Riverside Theatres is an exciting opportunity to introduce Greek storytelling and culture to new audiences,” Kallos said, before outlining the festival’s four special retrospectives, 36 total titles, and two competitions – including the inaugural Greek Australian Youth Filmmaking Competition.
‘A milestone for our community’
Taking to the stage, Mr Danalis, President of GOCNSW, praised the Festival as one of the community’s greatest cultural achievements.
“Thirty years in which the Greek community has managed to develop the Greek Film Festival into the event that it is today,” he said. “We strive to show and showcase and encourage the best that there is in Greek culture – both abroad and here in this local environment.
“We think it is important to show our heritage, to retain it, and to improve and develop it. In this endeavour, you play a major role, because you continue, in your tens of thousands, to attend our events throughout the year.”
He thanked the Festival’s “fabulous sponsors who spend their well-earned money supporting events like this… because without them, it wouldn’t be possible for us to continue to do what we strive to do.”
‘Freedom or death’: Consul General honours Kazantzakis
In a powerful and deeply reflective speech, Consul General Mr Skemperis, praised the Festival’s cultural legacy while highlighting the enduring message of Kapetan Mihalis.
“This work embodies our revolutionary motto – Eleftheria i Thanatos – freedom or death,” he said.
“Kazantzakis is probably the greatest intellectual and writer we have had in the last 200 years of modern Greece. He is the bravest of the Greek intellectuals – not bound by conventional thinking, and his main theme throughout his work is freedom: not only national freedom or political freedom, but also intellectual freedom – freedom from temptation, from our inner demons, from conventional morality.”
Skemperis described Kazantzakis as “profoundly human,” adding that his philosophy invites us “to become better persons ourselves, to help all the people around us, and to make the world a better place.”
He concluded warmly: “Let’s try to walk on his path.”
A major new partnership for the Festival
The evening also marked the debut of Benchmark Greek Law as the Festival’s presenting partner. Principal Mr Liberiou expressed his pride in supporting an event that connects law, culture, and community.
“It’s a blessing because we get to constructively contribute to a great and valuable festival,” he said. “For Benchmark Legal Group, this partnership is more than just a sponsorship – it’s a public statement about our values and our future.”
Mr Liberiou used the occasion to announce the firm’s expansion into Greece, with new partnerships in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion.
“This expansion is a direct result of listening to your needs and ensuring you have expert local representation wherever your legal journey takes you,” he said. “So let the films begin – we look forward to a fantastic week of storytelling, heritage, and community celebration.”
The magic of Cretan culture and cinema
As the lights dimmed and the film began across three sold-out theatres, the atmosphere was electric – a fusion of history, art, and diasporic pride.
Kapetan Mihalis tells the story of a Cretan patriot torn between sacred duty and forbidden love, brought to life by a cast led by Emilios Chilakis, Alekos Sissovitis, Loukia Michalopoulou, and Jenny Kazakou.
As the credits rolled, applause filled the theatre – not just for the film, but for the generations of volunteers, organisers, and sponsors who have kept Greek cinema alive in Sydney for 30 years.
A legacy that endures
The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney continues until October 26, featuring 36 titles – from classics like Rebetiko and A Touch of Spice to new works like The Return starring Ralph Fiennes and Maria starring Angelina Jolie – ensuring there’s something for every lover of Greek storytelling.
In the words of Consul General Mr Skemperis: “This Festival brings the best that we have in Greece – and shows how Greece has evolved. It is Greek, but it is new.”
For more information, please visit www.greekfilmfestival.com.au
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos
