The Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria ‘O Kolokotronis’ screened the Michael Cacoyannis movie, Zorba the Greek, on Friday, 5 April.
It was a full house at ‘The Arcadian,’ the Association’s building which has been the venue for its recent social and cultural events of historical significance.
Guest of honour Peter Yiannoudis, the pioneer of Greek cinema in Victoria, took the audience on a journey of how Greek cinema theatres evolved throughout the early years in Melbourne, and spoke about the first screening of the movie Zorba the Greek. Cinema for the first-generation Greek migrants at the time was a priority as their main source of entertainment.
Mr Yiannoudis, who played a significant role in contributing to multicultural Victoria, has maintained an enormous collection of films, posters, movie machines and has written a book.
Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis was invited to the podium by emcee Emily Kazakos and referred to the 1949 novel by Nikos Kazantzakis ‘The Life and Times of Alexis Zorbas’, on which the film was based. It was interesting to listen to some points about the philosophical references of the author and also of the persona portrayed by Zorba, the protagonist.
The President of the Association, George Kotsirilos, was very proud to emphasise that the historical Loco Hall, now known as ‘The Arcadian,’ stands proudly in Victoria Street, North Melbourne and has opened its doors again, following the COVID-19 lockdown era. ‘The Arcadian’ is now attracting patrons from all generations amongst the members of the Association and the broader Greek and Australian communities.
Mr Kotsirilos also spoke about the events being organised this year to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the building, as well as the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne.
