Greek Film Festival returns to Canberra with celebratory three-day event

·

After a three-year hiatus, the Greek Film Festival made a much-anticipated return to Canberra from October 25-27, drawing in audiences eager to celebrate the best of Greek cinema.

The event, organised in collaboration between the Greek Festival of Sydney and the Hellenic Club of Canberra, featured three screenings from the 29th Greek Film Festival line-up, captivating the local Greek community and film enthusiasts alike.

People enjoyed the Greek Film Festival in Canberra. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

The festival kicked off with an exciting Opening Night on Friday, October 25, at Palace Electric Cinema, where Thodoris Niarchos’ hilarious comedy Hear Who’s Talking brought the house down with laughter. The atmosphere was festive and full of anticipation as guests were treated to speeches from prominent community figures.

Attendees included the President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra, Pana Tsironis, and Hellenic Club of Canberra Director, John Loukadellis.

Greek Film Festival Canberra
Greek Film Festival Canberra

Among the speakers was Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Film Festival, who emphasised the festival’s broader mission to promote Greek culture beyond New South Wales.

Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), echoed these sentiments, stressing the significance of preserving Greek culture and language through films and other events, especially appealing to young people.

In his address, the then-President of the Hellenic Club, Andrew Satsias, praised the collaboration between the Greek Festival of Sydney and the Hellenic Club of Canberra, expressing optimism for a continued partnership in the coming years.

Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos.
Hellenic Club of Canberra President Andrew Satsias.
President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis.
President of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris.

The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos dedicated a few words to Peter Giannoudis and Stavros Raftopoulos, who he considers pioneers in distributing Greek films in Australia. He also highlighted the importance of Greek cinema in connecting immigrants to their heritage.

The film festival continued on Saturday with a screening of Murderess by Eva Nathena. The festival wrapped up on Sunday, October 27, with Christoforos Papakaliatis’ romantic drama What If, leaving viewers with a blend of hope and nostalgia as the credits rolled.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Applications open for the Cultural Program of the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney 2026

Submissions are open for the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney - artists, performers, writers and creatives are invited to apply by 21 November.

Greeks and Serbs unite in Sydney for 31st Annual Day of Friendship

The Greek and Serbian communities of Sydney came together for the 31st Annual Greek-Serbian Orthodox & Cultural Friendship Day.

When grammar meets glendi at Melbourne’s Greek School Celebration

The Stars International Reception Hall in Preston pulsed with music, laughter, and the sound of Greek on Saturday night.

‘It was fate’: Renos Haralambidis to attend Sydney Greek Film Festival milestone

Renowned Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis will be guest of honour at the 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney this October.

Canberra’s Hellenic Youth Club brings back Bouzouki Night 2025

The Hellenic Youth Club of Canberra (HYC) has announced the much-anticipated return of its signature Bouzouki Night.

You May Also Like

South Africa’s mutated COVID-19 strain detected in Greece for first time

Greek authorities have confirmed the first detection of the South African variant of the new coronavirus in the country.

Marina Satti’s Eurovision entry climbs Spotify’s Global ‘Viral 50’ list

Marina Satti’s 2024 Eurovision entry “Zari” has become the first song with Greek lyrics to make it into Spotify’s global "Viral Top 50” list.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia joins global outcry over deadly church bombing in Syria

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has condemned the suicide bombing at the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus, Syria.