The documentary ANZAC: The Greek Chapter premiered at the Athens War Museum this week, drawing over 200 guests to an invitation-only event co-hosted by the Australian Embassy in Greece, the Australian Defence Force, and the War Museum.
The screening marked the first presentation of the film in Greece and was delivered in partnership with the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee.
The film explores the ANZACs’ role in the 1941 Greek Campaign, including battles in Vevi, mainland Greece, and Crete. It was funded by the Australian Government and produced by historian Dr Peter Ewer and filmmaker John Irwin, with support from Jim Claven OAM and community liaison Vicki Kyritsis.
The premiere attracted dignitaries from diplomatic and military circles, veterans’ families, academics, and members of the Greek Australian community.
Among those in attendance were Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos of the Hellenic Navy, former Melbourne Greek Consul Dimitrios Michalopoulos, MP Athanasios Papathanasios, Mr Claven and Ms Kyritsis, representatives of the Benaki Museum, and members of the British Greek Campaign Veterans Brotherhood.
Australian Ambassador to Greece Alison Duncan and War Museum President Lieutenant General Konstantinos Karamesinis delivered welcome remarks, while Captain Rachel Jones CSC RAN acted as emcee.
During the event, commemorative publications including Lemnos & Gallipoli Revealed, Grecian Adventure, and the Major George Treloar Memorial booklet were presented to the War Museum library.
The screening generated strong interest in further Greek showings and potential broadcasts. Organisers hope it will contribute to growing awareness of the Hellenic link to the ANZAC legacy, complementing the ongoing development of the Lemnos Remembrance Trail.
*All photos by Jim Claven OAM.
