The 29th Greek Film Festival kicked off at the Astor Theatre on Tuesday, October 15 with a vibrant atmosphere, despite the absence of several prominent Melbourne figures. The premiere of Thodoros Niarchos’ romantic comedy Hear Who’s Talking clashed with Governor Margaret Gardner’s reception for His-All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, leading to a noticeable lack of VIPs in the downstairs seating area.
However, the upstairs balcony was packed with hundreds of enthusiastic filmgoers, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Maria Kakmi and Maria Afentoulidis, who have been attending the festival for years, expressed their love for the event.
“We always come on opening night. It’s our tradition,” Ms Kakmi said. “We come together and have a fantastic time.”
Hear Who’s Talking proved to be a hit with the audience, leaving many with smiles on their faces. Leonidas Vlahakis, head of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Cultural Committee, expressed his satisfaction.
“We are so glad that everyone left with a smile on their dial!” he said. “The next two weeks are going to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and we welcome everybody to come along and enjoy the show!”
While Greek Consul General to Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis. was unable to attend, consulate staff member Dimitrios Tsilikis represented him. Mr Tsilikis emphasised the importance of celebrating Greek cinema and the deep connections that unite the Greek community worldwide.
“Today, we not only celebrate the rich tapestry of Greek cinema but also honour the deep roots that connect us regardless of whether we are in the world,” Mr Tsilikis said.
Beyond the films, the festival offered a tantalising culinary journey for the taste buds. Helena Alatsas from Bahari showcased her new ready-made meal delivery service, Phlavour, which offers “spitisia” (home-made) dishes.
“We’ve sponsored the festival for years, but this time we wanted to present our newest product of home-cooked meals for busy families, working mothers, and we even offer high-protein training meals for Richmond Football Club,” she said.
Procal Yoghurt also made its presence felt, offering samples of their delicious product. Shareholder Eleanor Thyssen, the family’s daughter-in-law, gave out samples of yoghurt.
Procal Sales Manager Eve Vafiadis said, “Eleanor’s late husband developed this yoghurt that he wanted to taste of trips to Greece with his dad. It takes you back to your roots, as do films.”
While some cinema goers will feel nostalgia as they travel to Greece through films, there’s a lot to offer younger cinema goers also. Maria Bakalidou, principal of the Greek Orthodox Community Schools of Melbourne and Victoria, expressed her enthusiasm for the 12th Greek Student Film Festival, which will take place at the Como on October 27th. She encouraged students to participate and explore the Greek language through filmmaking.
“I’m a passionate supporter of the students’ film festival because it allows children to be creative and explore the language in a fun way,” she said. “During this time of the year we see students happy to come to school, to have a good time and enjoy a positive experience.”
A standout moment of the night was the giveaway of a return flight to Greece, generously offered by Scoot.
The film festival runs through to October 27th at Palace Cinemas, featuring 20 features, 8 documentaries, and captivating trailers from local businesses – including a journey through the diaspora’s history through the archives of The Greek Herald, the only Greek national daily in Australia.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit the official website of the Greek Film Festival.
