A site inspection of the works being carried out at the Kasta Mound in Amphipolis, Eastern Macedonia was conducted by the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni.
According to the toc, the first phase of the works was included in the Regional Operational Program of Central Macedonia-ESPA 2014-2020 in 2018, with an initial budget of €1,500,000. In 2020, the entire project was redesigned as the initial proposal contained significant omissions.
Additionally, the budget was revised, with an additional €300,000 from the PEP of Central Macedonia and €400,000 from Ministry of Culture funds, and the timeline for completing key milestones was updated.
📌Αυτοψία στα έργα που εκτελούνται στον Τύμβο Καστά, στην #Αμφίπολη, πραγματοποίησε η #ΥΠΠΟ Λίνα Μενδώνη.
🗣️"Στόχος μας είναι το 2027 να αποδοθεί στους πολίτες".
The first phase, including protection, conservation, and restoration works on the prominent monument and the mound, was completed within the revised deadlines.
“The Kasta Tomb in Amphipolis is a unique monument in Greece, with international recognition,” Lina Mendoni said.
“Significant milestones for the restoration of the monument are now complete. The dome above the statues of the two sphinxes has already been restored.”
Christine Murfitt-Varzakakos lives in Aegina, Greece with her husband George, a native of the island who she married in 2019.
“I fell for Aegina’s charm, so in 2017 I bought a holiday house there and planned on two summers; half the year in Australia and the other half in Aegina, I thought! But I fell even more in love with Aegina realising an inner connection in my heart, as I was born in Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia where my father worked on fishing boats, so I always felt at home around boats. Aegina felt like coming home,” Christine says.
“We have a saying in Aegina, ‘if it gets up your skin, you’re gone.’ Though I had a wonderful 33-year marriage to a very good man with whom I have two beautiful boys now in their mid-30’s, I wanted desperately to live in Greece. So, I made a decision to start a new life in Aegina on my own.
“My life in Sydney had been good, but it was the first chapter of my life. Working initially in the banking sector there wasn’t fulfilling so I decided to study. I’d always been interested in alternative therapies, and in 2000 I opened my business in massage for a local physiotherapist and soon it became a clinic with like-minded therapists. I qualified as a herbalist, homoeopath and naturopath, owning and managing two clinics. Then I added counselling. Soon after I met astrologers so I studied that too, leading to managing conferences with international speakers both in Australia and internationally. All in all, I studied for 12 years.
“It was tough to leave but for me at 53, it was time for a change. So, returning to Australia in 2017 after having set up the Aegina house, I felt very unsettled and knew I needed to return – to live in Aegina.”
Christine with her younger sonWith older son and his partner
Christine relates how she always felt an affinity to Greece.
“On a holiday at Mornington Beach, Melbourne with girlfriends when I was 18, I ended up distraught, sitting alone on the beach due to a falling out with one of the girls. There, I was befriended by a young man George, who cheered me up by introducing me to his family and cousins! There was so much warmth and hospitality at their house; in their attitudes… and I married a George!” she tells me with her eyes lighting up.
Christine in Mornington with Nick and GeorgeWith the Greek family/cousins in Mornington
As for chapter two of Christine’s life, she asserts, “I greatly miss my family and friends and now I have a granddaughter. I miss her but I know when we are together, I spend weeks and weeks with her so I am truly blessed for those special moments.”
“In Aegina I have been successfully managing six holiday accommodations on the island, while now my plans are to rekindle my passion for astrology and start teaching, consulting and planning retreats again… I am also now married to a gorgeous Greek man and we share a happy life here in Aegina. Not for one day do I regret my decision. The second chapter of my life is totally fulfilling and I know I live in paradise. I’m grateful for that.”
Greek families are so helpful
Artist Sue MacDougall first arrived in Aegina in 1973. From New Zealand (considered Down-Under too), Sue has also spent time in Australia.
“I’ve visited Australia many times and lived in Perth, Western Australia when I was 20. I’ve just come back from a Sydney biennale trip with my local art gallery as one of 16 art lovers on this amazing trip. So, for me, I find Australians and New Zealanders very much the same, especially in the art world and lifestyles,” Sue says.
Sue’s early life in Aegina included marriage to a local man, two sons, and then a divorce 10 years later, leading her back to NZ.
“I married there at a tough time in Greek history – during the dictatorship; a massive shock to me coming from such a free democratic country like NZ,” she explains.
Before leaving Greece back then, she was “helping other ex-pat women get themselves and their children out of Greece so it was impossible for me to stay there divorced as I knew what others were going through. Borders would get closed to them leaving, especially with their children.”
Sue with her sons, and godmother
Once back in NZ she describes: “I got back into my art practice by taking many art courses in NZ and London, with some funding from the NZ Government… then got a high-powered management position.”
Of this difficult time as an artist and single mother, Sue tells me: “Here in NZ (as in Australia) there has always been some government assistance for my situation. There was nothing like that in Greece – even today. That is why the Greek families are so helpful in many ways.”
Painting title: Wings To Fly Away
“My Greek family was warm and welcoming to me… From my mother-in-law I learnt to collect caper leaves and pods to pickle, to make homemade bread in her outside oven and to collect olives. She taught me to cook Greek food with a cup of this or a handful of that. No measuring at all and it always turned out yummy,” she adds.
Although Sue’s marriage had ended, it was in the last 20 years after a family tragedy that she re-established “excellent relations” with her Aegina family.
“I lived in my mother-in-law’s small stone house. Every time it rained I didn’t have enough pots or buckets to catch the rain coming through the roof. It had an outside toilet but no shower, hot water etc. My sister-in-law had put in one garden tap in the very small kitchen for water,” she reminisces.
“There was no loaning of money back then from banks etc. so we saved and saved to build our own home on a piece of land that my Greek husband had inherited from his mother close by to everyone else in the village.”
All the while continuing her art, Sue adds, “I exhibited in Aegina township and mostly over in the UK and Italy too. In 2015, I exhibited my painting as I represented New Zealand for the 100-year anniversary ‘Red Exhibition Of WWI – Gallipoli’ at Thessaloniki and Lemnos Island, Greece.”
“My future goals are to hold my Art Retreats every September in Aegina to bring people to visit Greece, showing them ‘my Greece’, not a tourist Greece and my love for Greece. I do regard my heart is in two countries, as I have very strong ties with my Greek family which I do regard as my family.”
‘Always knew I’d end up in Greece’:
Desiree Opiat Prinsloo, an artist, lives in Hydra for half of the year, and Australia in the other six months where her two daughters and grand-daughter reside. Originally from South Africa, and widowed 10 years ago, Desiree moved to Australia in her 20’s in 1986
“I moved to Sydney by default for political reasons, but always knew I’d end up in Greece,” she says.
Of her first time in Greece in 1982, she recalls, “it was life-changing for me. That’s why I kept coming back. I opened the shutters of my hotel, and the sea and sunshine hit me in the soul. It’s so abstract, I can’t explain it. Greece’s history, archaeology and mythology draw me like a magnet. I’m witness to an ancient yet advanced culture.”
Impassioned, she continues, “Mythology is everywhere. I know an Agamemnon, and he’s like a king; a Sophocles and he’s a philosopher. And as for the ancient temples and healing Asclepieions, my Greek uncle and his wife – my aunt originally from South Africa – lived in Aegina for decades near the ancient temple of Aphaia. Now both deceased, he lived till he was 106 as did his mother, and my aunt lived well into her 90’s. I believe it was due to the energy fields permeating that area.”
Desiree’s paintings are currently being exhibited at the Melina Mercouri Centre in Hydra, while her work is also currently on show at Sydney’s Botanical Gardens, Centenary of Water Colours exhibition. Internationally known, Desiree’s work can also be found in Australia, NZ, South Africa, Europe, the UK and Mexico. Furthermore, a finalist of the prestigious Dough Moran art prize, Desiree has contributed to art related magazines, as well as featured in the Saronic Islands publication and in Greece’s Aegean Airline magazine ‘Blue.’
Pen and wash HydraCentral Australia
She tells me that she wishes to leave a legacy in Hydra.
“I actually live close to the house of the famous Australian writers Charmian Clift and George Johnson, as well as to Leonard Cohen. Coincidentally, in Sydney I live a few streets from Charmian Cliff’s now 80-year-old daughter who I know, and to whom I gifted my painting of her famous mother’s house.”
Desiree paints, teaches and exhibits in her two studios in Hydra and Sydney, apart from enjoying the best of both her home countries.
With friend at Charmian Clift’s home, HydraHydra fisherman
“As an artist I find living in two contrasting countries – young Australia and ancient yet modern Greece, enormously exciting,” she says.
“Australia has order and structure, wide open spaces, enormous horizons and a rich colour palette. People are generally reserved and conservative, their demeanor understated.
“Greece has a sense of great freedom about it. I love that the Greek people are passionate, gregarious and natural philosophers. Conversations easily fall into deep and wise content. The beautiful cool grey and blue palette of the wider landscape and islands are a subtle and poetic contrast to Australia’s rich variety of reds. I am truly blessed as an artist.”
The Municipality of Rhodes has honoured a British couple, Alexander and Gail Conn, with a platinum plaque for their remarkable loyalty in visiting the island more than 100 times.
According to ekathimerini.com, since the 1990s, the Conns have been traveling to Rhodes four to five times each year, developing a deep affection for the island and forming lasting friendships, including with local businessman Michalis Diakoulas, who accompanied them to the award ceremony.
The couple has consistently stayed at the Lindos Blue Sky Hotel and now plan to purchase a home on the island.
“Rhodes is the choice of our hearts and souls, and this is the Rhodes we want to share with our fellow countrymen. We have come to love and admire its unique hospitality,” the couple told Deputy Mayor of Culture and Tourism, George Toppos, expressing their gratitude for the special recognition.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a significant Christian celebration observed annually on September 14, honouring the discovery of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. This day is particularly special in Greece for those named Stavros and Stavroula.
According to tradition, in 326 AD, Helena the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great travelled to the Holy Land with the mission of identifying key sites associated with Jesus Christ’s life and teachings. Her journey led her to Jerusalem, where she oversaw extensive excavations at Golgotha, the site of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. During these efforts, Helena discovered three crosses, including the one believed to be that of Christ, guided by the scent of basil growing at the site.
Saints Helen and Constantine with the Holy Cross.
Church historians Philostorgius and Nikephoros recount that the true Cross was identified through a miraculous event: when the crosses were brought to a deceased woman, her resurrection revealed the authentic Cross.
Originally, the site of the Crucifixion had been occupied by a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD after Jerusalem’s second destruction. Helena ordered the temple’s demolition and constructed the Church of the Resurrection in its place, which remains a major Christian landmark. On September 14, 335 AD, the Cross was placed in this church by Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem.
The second significant event related to the Exaltation of the Cross occurred during the Byzantine-Persian Wars (602-628 AD). In 614, Persian forces captured Palestine, looting Christian holy sites and taking the Holy Cross as part of their spoils. Believing the Cross to possess magical properties due to miracles associated with it, the Persians venerated it. Emperor Heraclius, after defeating the Persians in 628, reclaimed the Cross. He first brought it to Constantinople on September 14, 629, as part of his triumph, and later returned it to Jerusalem.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is celebrated with great reverence on September 14 each year. Church services feature the well-known hymn “Save, O Lord, Your People,” and basil, associated with the Cross’ discovery, is distributed to the faithful. Observance of the feast includes strict fasting as a mark of respect and devotion.
The summer of 2024 has officially been recorded as the hottest ever in Greece, based on preliminary meteorological data analyzed by the scientific team at the Athens National Observatory’s weather service, meteo.gr.
According to amna.gr, this season was defined by prolonged heatwaves, with temperatures far surpassing the seasonal averages across the entire country. June and July 2024 both set new records as the hottest months ever documented in Greece, while August 2024 ranked as the second hottest, following August 2021.
Overall, summer 2024 exceeded the average temperature for the 1991-2020 period by a striking +2.9°C, surpassing the previous record-holding summer of 2012 by +1°C. Analysing the long-term trend of average summer temperatures from 1960 to 2024 reveals an increase of +2.3°C.
In areas of western and northern Greece the average temperature for the summer of 2024 fluctuated by 2-3 ° C (even +4 ° C in some areas) above the average value in the period 1991-2020, while the rest of the country was warmer by 1- 2 ° C. In no part of Greece did the deviation of the average temperature fall below +1.4 ° C. The lowest positive deviations were recorded in the region of the Aegean sea, due to the etesian winds (northerly summer winds).
Dr Konstandina Dounis will present this year’s Dimitris Tsaloumas Memorial Seminar on Thursday, 19 September, at 7pm at the Greek Centre in Melbourne. This seminar is organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) in collaboration with the Greek Australian Cultural League.
Dimitris Tsaloumas’ significance in Greek Australian literature cannot be overstated. He received numerous major state and national awards for his poetry throughout his lifetime and enjoyed the rare honour of his books selling out, leading to multiple editions. Tsaloumas also held prestigious residencies at Oxford and Cambridge and was invited to give numerous poetry readings around the world. Recently, his work has gained further recognition in Greece, as highlighted by a tribute in the award-winning Athens-based literary journal, Koralli.
In this year’s seminar, Dr Dounis will present “A Woman’s Voice Crying Out in the Wilderness: The Depiction of Women in Dimitris Tsaloumas’ Early Collection of Poetry, The House with the Eucalypts.”
The talk will explore how Tsaloumas’ early collection portrays women and examines the interplay of memory and dislocation in creating vivid and intense imagery. Dr Dounis will also share personal reflections from her visits to Tsaloumas’ home in Elwood, during his writer-in-residence period in England, and at his cherished home in Leros, Greece.
Dr Dounis is an award-winning educator, author, and literary translator with the Monash Education Academy at Monash University. Her research focuses on Greek-Australian literature, history, and culture. Her doctoral thesis, The Shadow and the Muse, investigates immigrant women’s texts and their challenge to traditional gender perspectives. Dr Dounis’ most recent translation is Litsa Nikolopoulou-Gogas’ memoir, Moments of Truth (Australian Scholarly Publishing). She has also published widely, with upcoming chapters in The Cambridge History of Australian Poetry and A New History of Greek-Australian Literature.
Event details
When: Thursday, 19 September 2024
Time: 7.00 pm
Where: The Greek Centre, mezzanine level, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Sponsors: Sophia Avramoudas & Helen Nickas, Owl Books
Actor Meletis Ilias became widely known to the Greek public in the last decade, even though he had already covered many “miles” in acting. Unlike many others, he didn’t have the passion for acting from a young age, nor did he dream of being on stage or on television as a child. That came later, after school. He doesn’t like to sugar-coat things, nor does he speak from a place of safety, even if he is considered one of the lucky ones in the industry, at least according to him.
Meletis, one of the best actors of his generation, mainly known for his roles in successful Greek TV series, theatre productions, and films, kindly granted The Greek Herald an exclusive interview just before the movie Hear Who’s Talking (Akou Poios Milaei), in which he stars, premieres at the opening night of the Greek Film Festival in Sydney in October this year.
He has worked with many acclaimed directors and actors in Greece, standing out for his talent and natural acting style. He became particularly popular through his roles in TV series such as “Your Family,” “Our Best Years,” and “Julia’s Matchmaking.” Besides TV, he has participated in numerous theatrical productions, earning praise for his performances in a variety of roles, from comedic to dramatic.
At 44, Meletis is more grounded than ever, completely down-to-earth and unaffected by the apparent glamour of his profession. After all, as he himself said, if a young person were to ask him about pursuing acting, he would advise them to think long and hard about it.
Tell us a bit about the film Hear Who’s Talking (Akou Poios Milaei) in which you star.
‘Hear Who’s Talking‘ is a film that was made with a lot of love because, essentially, the only thing we had to give was love, with me and Theodoros Nearchos, who wrote the script and directed it, and the producers of this film. So, with a lot of ignorance of the risks, without money, and without knowing the know-how, we started making a film and, I think, the fact we managed to complete it is a huge accomplishment for us.
Meletis Ilias stars in ‘Hear Who’s Talking.’
What messages does the film convey and what feeling will it leave for viewers at the Greek Film Festival in October?
This film is a comedy that shows the life of a man whose work has consumed him so much that he has become dysfunctional in his everyday life. He can’t find a girlfriend, he has no friends, and the only thing that matters to him is work—something that is unfortunately very common nowadays, with so many people having their lives disrupted by the pace of work. Through the lens of comedy, we try to show how wrong this situation is for a person and how the voice of our conscience and reason internally urges us to live as we should.
The Greek diaspora have a special bond with their homeland and love everything Greek. Is there a message you’d like to send them?
The truth is I also have a special love for the Greeks of the diaspora because I have relatives abroad who went for a better life. My mother’s sister has been in Belgium for many years. To the Greeks of Australia, I want to send a big hug and say I hope to visit soon, as it’s one of the few places I haven’t been to, and I’ve heard so many great things. It’s definitely on my list of future travels.
Greece went through a decade-long crisis, followed by the pandemic and lockdowns. How much did it affect the film industry, and what is the current state of things?
The acting industry didn’t need a crisis or lockdown to face difficulties. We’re an industry with tremendous unemployment. Every year, 400 new actors graduate from the 20 drama schools, and only 10 of them find work. From day one, in drama school and later in our careers, we know that some months we may have work, and other months we’ll be unemployed. No actor has a full-time job; no actor has the security that other professions had before the crisis.
So what the crisis and lockdown did was make other industries become like ours. It takes a lot of luck and a lot of patience. The truth is, if a young person asked me after 20 years in the business if they should become an actor, I’d advise them to think again and look at the real picture. Sometimes we only see the result—the lights, the performances, the interviews, the theatre, and the films—but behind it all is a lot of stress and hard work.
Let’s get a bit more personal. How long have you been involved in theatre and cinema, and how did you decide to pursue this path?
I decided relatively late. I wasn’t one of those kids who were the life of the party or involved in school plays or amateur theatre groups. I finished school, enrolled in an accounting course, and at 18-19, I saw some plays and decided to get involved, always with the thought that if it didn’t work out, I’d stop. The truth is, I was consistent, as before I finished drama school, I spent about 15 years constantly working in theatre—winter and summer, morning rehearsals, and evening performances, alongside great teachers. So I was a little protected by the goddess of luck. Television came into my life after 33-34, and then cinema followed. I started to become somewhat known, and I began receiving offers for both TV and cinema. Until then, I had only done 1-2 short films.
Meletis Ilias didn’t always know he wanted to be an actor.
What do you enjoy watching on television?
Due to my schedule, unfortunately, I don’t have much time to watch TV. The truth is I watch things I’ve heard about beforehand. For example, I’ve heard many people talk about ‘The Bear,’ or a while ago, I’d heard about ‘Little Deer.’ So I’m not one of the first to watch something. The one thing I do watch regularly is my favourite football team, as I’m a passionate AEK fan. I like to watch football when I can’t go to the stadium, as with performances, it’s not always easy. So I try to watch my favourite team on TV.
How have platforms like Netflix, HBO, and others changed the profession? Has it been for the better or worse?
I don’t think they’ve changed the nature of the job itself. I mean, they’ve definitely changed the outcome. It’s different for something to be intended for the big screen, aiming for box office success and ticket sales, and different for it to be released on a platform. But the nature of the job—the rehearsal process, preparation, and production to achieve the result—doesn’t change easily. It’s always the same, and when done by professionals who love what they do, the result is always respectable.
Now, with platforms, the downside for cinema is that, especially after COVID-19, cinemas haven’t had the ticket sales they used to. People have become comfortable in their armchairs and sofas at home, which isn’t great. Cinema is a beautiful experience in itself, and we shouldn’t forget that. On the other hand, platforms provided good company during the lockdown, and without Netflix, HBO, and all these platforms, I think we would have had an even harder time.
What else can we expect from you in the near and distant future?
At the moment, I’m filming the second season of the series ‘The Witch’ on ANT1. For the first time, the second season takes place 100 years before the first, so it’s essentially a prequel with a completely different cast since none of the original characters existed back then. They are, in fact, the ancestors. It’s a fantastic experience because we’re looking at a series set in the 1700s, something that hasn’t been done before in Greek television. I think the furthest back we’ve gone was the Revolution of 1821. So, this brings us a lot of joy because everything is new and different.
We have a fantastic writing duo, Petros Kalkovalis and Melina Tsambani, who wrote ‘Wild Bees’ and ‘The Witch 1,’ among many other successes. And, of course, there’s Lefteris Charitos in directing, who is a revelation for me, working with him for the first time.
I’ll also start rehearsals for the play ‘Lapland,’ a brilliant work by a Spanish writing duo, which will premiere in Thessaloniki around the holidays, just before Christmas. I’ll finally be co-starring again after five years with Vaso Laskaraki, who I worked with on ‘Your Family,’ as well as Spyros Tsekouras and Vivian Kontomari, who are friends and beloved actors of mine.
Don’t miss out on the opening night screening of ‘Hear Who’s Talking‘at Palace Cinema Norton St on Tuesday 15th October 2024 at 8:30pm! Tickets are available now at greekfilmfestival.com.au.
Event Details
WHAT:Hear Who’s Talking – Opening Night Film of the 29th Greek Film Festival of Sydney
On Wednesday, September 11, alumni from the Melbourne University Greek Association (MUnGA) gathered at The Greek Centre for their MUnGA History and Networking Night. Those attending the event heard about the club’s history, reunited with old friends, and shared their experiences with current students.
The event was organised by the current MUnGA committee led by Christina Savopoulos (President), Jamie Gallos (Vice-President), John Tzelepis (Secretary), Dion Papadopoulos (Treasurer), Danial Oveisi (Media Officer) and Elizabeth Kanterakis (Cultural Officer).
Photo: Jonathan Valis, @vord.au. Photo: Jonathan Valis, @vord.au.
The team began their research of the club’s history at the start of this year and have since collated details about the club’s formation in 1968 and its achievements ever since. Students were also able to network with the MUnGA alumni, hearing about their career pathways and learning about their professions in a variety of fields.
The evening was a wonderful success with over 80 in attendance. It was particularly insightful to hear speakers from each decade of the club who shared their experiences. Speakers included John Petrakis, Helen Hatzis, Theo Markos, Jonathan Angelopoulos, Peter Karakoussis, and Kristian Raspa. The speakers shared documents from their time with the club; constitutions, event posters, letters, the first membership card and photos.
Photos: Jonathan Valis, @vord.au.
All speakers spoke fondly about their time with the club and the positive impact it had on their university lives. The experiences shared shone a light on how the focus of the club has changed over the years. Political activism and migration took centre stage in the 1960s-80s while in recent years there has been more of a focus on promoting and maintaining Greek culture on campus.
MUnGA Secretary Mr Tzelepis shared how “the night was an amazing opportunity to bring people together from the last 50 years. It was the first time we had attempted to bring past MUnGA committees together to share all of their accomplishments throughout the decades.”
Photos: Jonathan Valis, @vord.au.
MUnGA President Ms Savopoulos said “an event like this is one of a kind and the support and attendance of MUnGA alumni really shows the impact of the club and the love everyone has for it. This event started with some research and an idea for a small publication and turned into an evening of celebration and connection.”
The MUnGA 2023/24 Committee would like to thank everyone who attended the History and Networking Night. The continuation of the club has only been possible because of the extraordinary work and dedication of committees over the decades. Everyone involved has played a vital role in upholding MUnGA’s legacy as one of the oldest Greek clubs in Australia which will surely continue in the years to come.
The Hellenic Arts Gala, a cherished biannual celebration between sister schools Oakleigh Grammar and St John’s College Preston, was hosted by Oakleigh Grammar this year.
The evening began with a prayer and blessing led by Father Stavros Kakavas. Students then engaged in a series of interactive workshops covering Greek dancing, bouzouki music, Ancient Greek theatre and Hellenic art.
The event provided a unique opportunity for students to delve into Greek culture through these hands-on sessions, share a meal, and enjoy a night filled with fun and dance.
After the workshops, Father George Frangos addressed the gathering, delivering the blessing from Bishop Evmenios of Chora. The evening also featured speeches from Mr Ponsford, Principal of St John’s College, and Mr Ryan, Deputy Principal of Strategic Initiatives and Advancement at Oakleigh Grammar. Mr Ponsford praised the Oakleigh Grammar staff for their warm hospitality.
The evening wrapped up with lively dancing and music provided by a DJ, adding a vibrant and memorable touch to the night for both students and staff.
A Greek documentary short film has been officially selected as a finalist in the Animation Category at The Lantern and Light Children’s International Film Festival being held this weekend at Cameo Cinemas in Melbourne, Victoria.
The festival celebrates young film makers aged 6 – 25 years old from around the world.
The Greek short film, titled Elizabethan Theatre, was created with the Stop Motion Animation technique by the 5th grade students of E1 of the 6th Intercultural Primary School of Eleftherio – Kordelio in Thessaloniki, Greece. Students of the 6th grade also aided filming, while students of the 3rd, 5th and 6th grades contributed to the construction of the sets used. Chrysoula Nikolopoulou is the 5th grade teacher and school contact person for the students’ film.
Elizabethan Theatre narrates the basic historical and social elements of the Elizabethan era, regarding the development of the theatre of the same name in England. The time period it focuses on starts from 1562 until 1642, when the English Parliament banned all plays and sealed all theatrical stages for the following 18 years.
Greeks in Melbourne are being encouraged to attend the film screening on Saturday, September 14 at Cameo Cinemas from 1pm, as the school kids from Thessaloniki can’t be there and they would love to know the local diaspora are supporting them.
Tickets to the Lantern and Light International Childrens Film Festival screenings at the Cameo Cinemas can be purchased online here. Elizabethan Theatre is showing at 1pm as part of the Baba Desi Animation Awards.
