The curtain fell on the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney on Sunday night with a sold-out screening of Athens Midnight Radio, the poetic new film by acclaimed Greek director Renos Haralambidis, who attended as Guest of Honour.
The Palace Cinema Moore Park was abuzz with excitement as audiences, filmmakers, and community leaders gathered to celebrate not only the closing of this year’s festival, but also three decades of bringing Hellenic cinema to Australian screens.
A milestone year for Greek cinema in Australia
Festival Chair Nia Karteris opened the evening with heartfelt thanks to the audience and sponsors who helped make the 30th edition “a huge, huge success.”
“This year we’ve had record ticket sales – even higher than last year – and that’s a credit to our incredible sponsors, media and supporters,” she said to loud applause.
Karteris reflected on the festival’s continued expansion, noting new venues and communities reached this year.
“We’ve expanded to more cinemas here at Moore Park and, for the first time, took the festival to Sydney’s west – Parramatta, Blacktown, and Merrylands. It was one of the most emotional experiences to see those audiences connect with Greek cinema close to home,” she said.
She also celebrated the 13th Student Film Festival and the launch of a new Youth Filmmakers section, calling them “the next generation of storytellers who will keep Greek creativity alive on the big screen.”
Unity through art and the spirit of Athens
The Athenian Association of NSW played a special role in this year’s finale, partnering with the Greek Festival of Sydney to bring Haralambidis to Australia for his first visit. Their support also extended to the evening’s Metaxa Cocktail Party, which welcomed guests before the screening in true Athenian style.
Association President Kathy Valis delivered an eloquent address celebrating the collaboration.
“Tonight, we celebrate not only art, but also collaboration, unity and our shared love for Greek culture,” she said. “Through the work of Renos Haralambidis, Athens comes to life – its stories, its memories, its emotions – connecting our homeland with the diaspora.”
Valis warmly welcomed Haralambidis to Sydney, calling him “a true storyteller who speaks from the soul about our city, Athens.”
A poetic filmmaker finds ‘the beginning of the world’ in Sydney
Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Haralambidis shared his delight at visiting Australia for the first time.
“In a very strange way, I feel that I belong here,” he said. “When I saw the ocean for the first time, I thought – this is the beginning of the world, the place where the sun rises first every day. It’s not far from Greece. It’s like coming home.”
Describing Athens Midnight Radio as “a romantic film about maturity,” he reflected on the themes of time and self-understanding that run through the story.
“Maturity is the big gift of life – time doesn’t defeat us; it reveals who we are,” he told the crowd.
A memorable finale
Following the speeches, the audience settled in for the highly anticipated screening of Athens Midnight Radio, which drew laughter, reflection and heartfelt applause.
After the film, guests had the opportunity to meet Haralambidis in person, sharing reflections and photos with the renowned filmmaker in an atmosphere charged with excitement and pride.
As Karteris hinted before the lights dimmed, “By popular demand, we’ll be announcing encore… because the love for Greek cinema is stronger than ever.”
It was a fitting conclusion to a record-breaking 30th Greek Film Festival, celebrating three decades of Greek storytelling and the enduring bond between Australia’s audiences and the culture of Athens itself.
