Greek director to film documentary about iconic NZ soldier with strong links to Crete

·

Crete-based director, Lefteris Giannakoudakis, is turning the iconic war story of NZ soldier, Private Ted d’Auvergne, into a documentary, stuff.co.nz reports.

Private d’Auvergne left Waimate, NZ in 1939 for World War II, vowing to return to finish a beer he left at the bar of the Waihao Forks Hotel.

He sadly died on June 3, 1914 on the Greek island of Crete after being injured in battle and the bottle of beer he left behind remains on display in a glass case in the hotel.

Giannakoudakis told stuff.co.nz he wanted to share d’Auvergne’s story after he heard about it from his friend and beer expert, Antonis Kadifedakis, two years ago.

READ MORE: A story told is a life lived: The Battle of Crete.

The role of Ted d’Auvergne is played by Garry Borland and the narration is performed by Giorgos Heliades. Photo: stuff.co.nz.

“I was really excited about Ted’s story and the fact that the local people of Waihao Forks keep his memory alive by having the bottle still in the pub,” Giannakoudakis said.

Since then, the Greek director has focused his documentary on d’Auvergne’s story, including the tribute that a Greek historian, Kostis Mamalakis, pays him by leaving a bottle of beer each year at his grave in Suda Bay Cemetery, and the effort of Notos Microbrewery who want to create “Ted’s Beer,” in his honour.

“My goal is to make people wonder about memory, life and death via Ted’s unique story,” Giannakoudakis said.

The documentary will show at an event organised by the Crete Region and the Municipality of Heraklion, in Crete at the beginning of July.

READ MORE: Lefteris Lambrakis: Battle of Crete exhibition shows the “incomparable heroism of our ancestors”.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou slams rate hike amid cost-of-living crisis

Former Cumberland mayor and current councillor Steve Christou was the lone voice opposing a 7.1% council rate rise at this week’s meeting.

Independent and ethnic media in Australia face uncertainty after Google cuts funding deal

A group of multicultural publishers, including The Greek Herald, has been left in limbo after Google opted to end a funding deal early

Aussie Keeper Tom Glover weds Alexia Karavatakis in Greek island-style celebration

Goalkeeper Tom Glover tied the knot with the love of his life, Alexia Karavatakis, who hails from the island of Lesvos (Mytilene).

First-home buyers secure Earlwood property while holidaying in Mykonos

A first-home buyer couple successfully purchased a five-bedroom house in Earlwood for $2,871,000 while holidaying in Mykonos.

Alexia Apostolakis earns first senior Matildas call-up in breakout year

Joe Montemurro has named his first CommBank Matildas squad since his appointment, with 33 players selected for the June/July FIFA Women’s.

You May Also Like

Rebetiko music to fill Sydney’s City Recital Hall during symphony concert

One of the many stand out events of the 2023 Greek Festival of Sydney's cultural program is the Rebetiko – Symphony Concert.

Adelaide Olympic crowned Federation Cup champions for 2021

In exciting news, Adelaide Olympic have been crowned Federation Cup Winners for 2021 after beating Adelaide City 2-1.

Axel Sidaros has jail sentence reduced again as another charge is dismissed

Axel Sidaros could be out of jail by the middle of next year, after he successfully argued for another charge against him to be dropped.