Two special screenings of the documentary ANZAC: The Greek Chapter were held in Canberra and Sydney, commemorating the bond between Australia, New Zealand, and Greece during World War II.
In Canberra, the screening was hosted on April 4 at the Hellenic Club, with support from the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra & Districts (GOCCC).
The event was attended by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, along with community leaders such as the President of the GOCCC John Loukadellis and President of the Hellenic Club of Canberra Steve Kartsonas, as well as veterans’ families and supporters. Melbourne Imvrians’ Society representative George Xinos was also present on the day.
The film, which tells the story of the ANZACs’ involvement in Greece during the 1941 campaign, details their heroic efforts in places like Vevi, continental Greece, and the island of Crete.
During the event, historian Jim Claven OAM, who contributed as an Associate Producer, was recognised for his role in curating the Imbros and Gallipoli Pictorial Exhibition, which was displayed alongside the screening in the Club’s Apollo Room.
The exhibition highlighted the ANZAC-Hellenic connection across both world wars, and the evening was marked by emotional reflections from attendees.
After the screening, a Q&A session allowed the audience to engage with the filmmakers, with a strong response and many requests for repeat viewings.
The Sydney event followed closely, with a screening hosted by the Pan Macedonian Association of NSW at Leichhardt Palace Cinema. The cinema was packed and the audience responded warmly to the film.
A celebratory gathering at Leichardt’s Koutouki Greek restaurant followed, where attendees shared stories and discussed the historical impact of the Greek campaign during WWII.
Both events were well-received, with many attendees expressing their appreciation for the documentary and its contribution to preserving the history of the ANZACs in Greece.
The screenings were a reminder of the enduring friendship between Australia, New Zealand, and Greece forged during World War II.
