Standing ovation at Kay Pavlou’s ‘Two Homelands’ doco premiere in Sydney

·

When the credits rolled on Kay Pavlou’s one-hour documentary Two Homelands at its Sydney premiere, the packed crowed gave a standing ovation as emotions – both tears and laughter – flowed.

Held at the Cyprus Community Club in Stanmore on Saturday, July 20, the documentary premiere had an extra special meaning as the day marked 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

It comes as no surprise then that Two Homelands was so well-received by the more than 150 people in attendance.

Kay Pavlou received a standing ovation after the documentary premiered. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

The documentary shone a light on six Australian Greek Cypriots – aged 70 to 102 – who gave emotional eyewitness accounts of the Turkish invasion and their migration to Australia. Sombre recollections were interspersed with moments of light humour and funny anecdotes – creating a perfect blend of both grief for Cyprus and hope for the future.

For 15-year-old Elliot Foxlee, who is half Greek Cypriot, it was important to attend the documentary screening to get a deeper understanding of the historic events which took place in 1974.

kay pavlou two homelands documentary sydney
Elliot (left) with his family and friends.

“I’m here because my yiayia was one of the survivors of the Cyprus and Turkey war,” Elliot told The Greek Herald on the day.

“I haven’t heard too many stories. Yiayia doesn’t talk about it a lot. So I hope [through this documentary] that I will be able to learn more about it.”

Besides educating, the premiere night included a number of speeches by Ms Pavlou, the Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus Stavros Nicolaou, and PASEKA President / SEKA NSW Co-chair Chris Koulinos, as well as a musical performance by Hellen Aristides (vocals) and Tassos Lambrou (bouzouki).

kay pavlou two homelands documentary sydney
kay pavlou two homelands documentary sydney
Stavros Nicolaou.

Official guests were also present including the First Counsellor for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate of Greece in Sydney, Athanassios Lambrou, and President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Kyriacou.

In his speech, Mr Nicolaou – who concludes his duties as Deputy High Commissioner this month – gave an update on the Cyprus Problem and spoke of sentiments towards the invasion.

kay pavlou two homelands documentary sydney
Stavros Nicolaou (left) and Kay Pavlou (right).

“Today we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. In the north of Cyprus today, they are ‘celebrating’ 50 years since the ‘peace operation’ on Cyprus,” Mr Nicolaou said.

“Imagine how that would sound to my mum who fled her home at the age of 10 [during the invasion]. Imagine how that would sound to refugees, to a mum who lost her son, to a sister who lost her brother, who still doesn’t know what has happened to him.”

When Mr Koulinos approached the microphone to give an impromptu speech, he thanked Ms Pavlou for creating a meaningful documentary and encouraged everyone to attend commemorative events organised by SEKA NSW this Sunday, July 28 to mark the 50th anniversary of Cyprus’ invasion.

kay pavlou two homelands documentary sydney
kay pavlou two homelands documentary sydney

Director Ms Pavlou thanked everyone for attending and was overwhelmed by the positive reception to Two Homelands. She also announced her plans for a new feature drama film on the village where her father’s family was from – Rizokarpaso.

“My film was both a commemoration of war and a celebration of community, and the audience responded to every moment. The audience were really lively – they cheered, clapped, laughed and cried,” Ms Pavlou told The Greek Herald.

A clear indication that Two Homelands will have a successful stint on screens around Australia and globally.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Pope Francis dies aged 88 after 12 years leading the Catholic Church

Pope Francis has died aged 88. His papacy was marked by reform, humility, and efforts to modernise the Catholic Church.

Thousands join Archbishop Makarios of Australia for Resurrection Service in Sydney

Archbishop Makarios led the Holy Saturday Service in Kogarah, Sydney, with thousands of faithful attending the Easter celebration.

Greek Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter

Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter, highlighting Greece’s commitment to border security.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflects on faith and resilience in Easter message

Kyriakos Mitsotakis shares his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on global challenges and the enduring hope of the Resurrection.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia issues Easter Message for 2025

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has released his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on the impact of loneliness.

You May Also Like

Greece falls short to Montenegro in FIBA World Cup final

Greece was defeated by Montenegro, 73-69, ending their campaign in the FIBA World Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Phillipines.

Remains of the late Archbishop Stylianos of Australia’s father identified years after Nazi execution

The remains of the father of the late Greek Orthodox Archbishop Stylianos Harkianakis of Australia have been identified 83 years later.

Canberra artist Yanni Pounartzis unveils Big Swoop collectible coin and stamp

Yanni Pounartzis has unveiled two limited-edition items as part of a collaboration with the Royal Australian Mint and Australia Post.