DECEMBER 2025
Read the latest news about what’s happening in Greek cinema and about the filmmakers, both in Greece and in the US, with powerful stories to tell.
DECEMBER 2025
Read the latest news about what’s happening in Greek cinema and about the filmmakers, both in Greece and in the US, with powerful stories to tell.
GREEK FILMS
EARN AWARDS
AT THESSALONIKI FEST
EARN AWARDS
AT THESSALONIKI FEST
The 66th annual Thessaloniki International Film Festival came to a close on November 9, drawing 92,000 spectators in physical venues and online. Of the 337 screenings, 188 were sold out.
This year 32 Greek feature films were screened, three of them in the International Competition section. Top among the Greek award winners was Patty Is Such a Girly Name (Πολύ κοριτσίστικο όνομα το Patty), directed by Giorgos Georgopoulos, a coming-of-age story about a young judo athlete chasing her Olympic dream.
Bearcave (Αρκουδότρυπα), directed by Stergios Dinopoulos and Krysianna Papadakis, was a close runner-up. In this one, an unexpected betrayal spurs a romance between two childhood friends.
Life in a Beat, the debut feature of director Amerissa Basta, proved to be an audience pleaser. It is the story of a young, unmarried Athenian woman who must contend with an unexpected pregnancy.
Beachcomber, directed by Aristotelis Maragkos, tells the story of a wannabe sailor forced to face the truth of who he really is. The film won the prestigious Silver Alexander award in the international competition.
This year 32 Greek feature films were screened, three of them in the International Competition section. Top among the Greek award winners was Patty Is Such a Girly Name (Πολύ κοριτσίστικο όνομα το Patty), directed by Giorgos Georgopoulos, a coming-of-age story about a young judo athlete chasing her Olympic dream.
Bearcave (Αρκουδότρυπα), directed by Stergios Dinopoulos and Krysianna Papadakis, was a close runner-up. In this one, an unexpected betrayal spurs a romance between two childhood friends.
Life in a Beat, the debut feature of director Amerissa Basta, proved to be an audience pleaser. It is the story of a young, unmarried Athenian woman who must contend with an unexpected pregnancy.
Beachcomber, directed by Aristotelis Maragkos, tells the story of a wannabe sailor forced to face the truth of who he really is. The film won the prestigious Silver Alexander award in the international competition.
VISIBILITY ZERO SEEKS CHANGES
VISIBILITY ZERO SEEKS CHANGES
A grassroots movement called Visibility Zero has emerged in the film industry in Greece, calling on the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre (EKOMED) to implement policy changes that will provide a stronger framework for creative freedom and sharper recognition of filmmakers’ work.
Chief among the demands is the call for increased funding and support for the country’s film and audiovisual sectors. Currently, Greece places last in Europe based on GDP, with the per capita expenditure amounting to 0.63 Euros per person. To date, more than 2,300 members of the Greek audiovisual industry and more than 150 prominent figures from the global film industry have signed a letter of support to help amplify the movement’s message.
Chief among the demands is the call for increased funding and support for the country’s film and audiovisual sectors. Currently, Greece places last in Europe based on GDP, with the per capita expenditure amounting to 0.63 Euros per person. To date, more than 2,300 members of the Greek audiovisual industry and more than 150 prominent figures from the global film industry have signed a letter of support to help amplify the movement’s message.
VISIBILITY ZERO SEEKS CHANGES
VISIBILITY ZERO SEEKS CHANGES
A grassroots movement called Visibility Zero has emerged in the film industry in Greece, calling on the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Centre (EKOMED) to implement policy changes that will provide a stronger framework for creative freedom and sharper recognition of filmmakers’ work.
Chief among the demands is the call for increased funding and support for the country’s film and audiovisual sectors. Currently, Greece places last in Europe based on GDP, with the per capita expenditure amounting to 0.63 Euros per person. To date, more than 2,300 members of the Greek audiovisual industry and more than 150 prominent figures from the global film industry have signed a letter of support to help amplify the movement’s message.
Chief among the demands is the call for increased funding and support for the country’s film and audiovisual sectors. Currently, Greece places last in Europe based on GDP, with the per capita expenditure amounting to 0.63 Euros per person. To date, more than 2,300 members of the Greek audiovisual industry and more than 150 prominent figures from the global film industry have signed a letter of support to help amplify the movement’s message.
CYPRIOT FILM
TO COMPETE
AT SUNDANCE
CYPRIOT FILM
TO COMPETE
AT SUNDANCE
Christos Passalis and Maria Petrova in Hold Onto Me
Hold Onto Me (Κράτα Με), the feature film debut of Cypriot director Myrsini Aristidou, has been selected for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Festival set to run from January 22 through February 1, 2026. The festival will show a total of 90 feature films representing 28 countries and territories. The total number of submissions was 16,201.
Set in Cyprus, the film centers on an 11-year-old girl intent on forging a relationship with her estranged father. Eventually, the two establish an uneasy, emotionally fragile bond that will transform them both. Christos Passalis and Maria Petrova are the featured actors.
Aristidou holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Her short films have been shown at the Sundance, Berlin, and Venice film festivals.
Also in competition will be Take Me Home, which has its world premiere at Sundance on Monday, January 27. The film, directed by Liz Sargent and produced by Greek-Cypriot Minos Papas, is the story of a cognitively disabled woman caring for her aging parents.
Set in Cyprus, the film centers on an 11-year-old girl intent on forging a relationship with her estranged father. Eventually, the two establish an uneasy, emotionally fragile bond that will transform them both. Christos Passalis and Maria Petrova are the featured actors.
Aristidou holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Her short films have been shown at the Sundance, Berlin, and Venice film festivals.
Also in competition will be Take Me Home, which has its world premiere at Sundance on Monday, January 27. The film, directed by Liz Sargent and produced by Greek-Cypriot Minos Papas, is the story of a cognitively disabled woman caring for her aging parents.
CYPRIOT FILM
TO COMPETE
AT SUNDANCE
CYPRIOT FILM
TO COMPETE
AT SUNDANCE
Christos Passalis and Maria Petrova in Hold Onto Me
Hold Onto Me (Κράτα Με), the feature film debut of Cypriot director Myrsini Aristidou, has been selected for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Festival set to run from January 22 through February 1, 2026. The festival will show a total of 90 feature films representing 28 countries and territories. The total number of submissions was 16,201.
Set in Cyprus, the film centers on an 11-year-old girl intent on forging a relationship with her estranged father. Eventually, the two establish an uneasy, emotionally fragile bond that will transform them both. Christos Passalis and Maria Petrova are the featured actors.
Aristidou holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Her short films have been shown at the Sundance, Berlin, and Venice film festivals.
Also in competition will be Take Me Home, which has its world premiere at Sundance on Monday, January 27. The film, directed by Liz Sargent and produced by Greek-Cypriot Minos Papas, is the story of a cognitively disabled woman caring for her aging parents.
Set in Cyprus, the film centers on an 11-year-old girl intent on forging a relationship with her estranged father. Eventually, the two establish an uneasy, emotionally fragile bond that will transform them both. Christos Passalis and Maria Petrova are the featured actors.
Aristidou holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Her short films have been shown at the Sundance, Berlin, and Venice film festivals.
Also in competition will be Take Me Home, which has its world premiere at Sundance on Monday, January 27. The film, directed by Liz Sargent and produced by Greek-Cypriot Minos Papas, is the story of a cognitively disabled woman caring for her aging parents.
‘THE GOVERNOR’
PREMIERES IN NEW YORK
‘THE GOVERNOR’
PREMIERES IN NEW YORK
Antonis Myriagos and Ilectra Fragkiadaki in The Governor
The Governor, the new film by Yannis Smaragdis, had its world premiere at New York’s Museum of the Moving Image on November 29. The film, which focuses on the life of Ioannis Kapodistrias, will open commercially on Christmas Day in theaters throughout Greece. Details for screenings outside of Greece have not yet been announced.
Kapodistrias, one of the most distinguished politicians and diplomats of 19th century Europe, became increasingly active in the Greek War of Independence and was elected the first head of state of independent Greece in 1827. He distrusted the men who led the war of independence, and his vision for the new Greek state led to his assassination in 1831.
“The more I studied Kapodistrias, the more I admired him,” said Smaragdis. “I couldn’t help but admire his values. The film took eight years to put together. My soul is in the film. I had to get it right.” Smaragdis insisted that the film premiere be held in New York as a tribute to the Greek diaspora and to the people outside of Greece who helped finance the film.
Kapodistrias, one of the most distinguished politicians and diplomats of 19th century Europe, became increasingly active in the Greek War of Independence and was elected the first head of state of independent Greece in 1827. He distrusted the men who led the war of independence, and his vision for the new Greek state led to his assassination in 1831.
“The more I studied Kapodistrias, the more I admired him,” said Smaragdis. “I couldn’t help but admire his values. The film took eight years to put together. My soul is in the film. I had to get it right.” Smaragdis insisted that the film premiere be held in New York as a tribute to the Greek diaspora and to the people outside of Greece who helped finance the film.
‘THE GOVERNOR’
PREMIERES IN NEW YORK
‘THE GOVERNOR’
PREMIERES IN NEW YORK
Antonis Myriagos and Ilectra Fragkiadaki in The Governor
The Governor, the new film by Yannis Smaragdis, had its world premiere at New York’s Museum of the Moving Image on November 29. The film, which focuses on the life of Ioannis Kapodistrias, will open commercially on Christmas Day in theaters throughout Greece. Details for screenings outside of Greece have not yet been announced.
Kapodistrias, one of the most distinguished politicians and diplomats of 19th century Europe, became increasingly active in the Greek War of Independence and was elected the first head of state of independent Greece in 1827. He distrusted the men who led the war of independence, and his vision for the new Greek state led to his assassination in 1831.
“The more I studied Kapodistrias, the more I admired him,” said Smaragdis. “I couldn’t help but admire his values. The film took eight years to put together. My soul is in the film. I had to get it right.” Smaragdis insisted that the film premiere be held in New York as a tribute to the Greek diaspora and to the people outside of Greece who helped finance the film.
Kapodistrias, one of the most distinguished politicians and diplomats of 19th century Europe, became increasingly active in the Greek War of Independence and was elected the first head of state of independent Greece in 1827. He distrusted the men who led the war of independence, and his vision for the new Greek state led to his assassination in 1831.
“The more I studied Kapodistrias, the more I admired him,” said Smaragdis. “I couldn’t help but admire his values. The film took eight years to put together. My soul is in the film. I had to get it right.” Smaragdis insisted that the film premiere be held in New York as a tribute to the Greek diaspora and to the people outside of Greece who helped finance the film.
NEW ECONOMIDES
FILM OPENS IN GREECE
NEW ECONOMIDES
FILM OPENS IN GREECE
Vasilis Bisbikis and Maria Kehayioglou in Broken Vein
The much-awaited new film by auteur Yannis Economides has opened in Greece. Broken Vein (Σπασμένη φλέβα), co-written by the director and actor Vangelis Mourikis, is classic Economides, a gritty thriller focusing on a businessman cracking under pressure. Heavily in debt and in danger of losing his house to a ruthless loan shark, he comes up with a plan that he believes will solve his problems. True to form, things spiral into total chaos.
A poetic nihilist, Economides makes films heavy on graphic violence and profane language while, at the same time, weaving in black humor and a tenderness for his broken characters.
A poetic nihilist, Economides makes films heavy on graphic violence and profane language while, at the same time, weaving in black humor and a tenderness for his broken characters.
NEW ECONOMIDES
FILM OPENS IN GREECE
NEW ECONOMIDES
FILM OPENS IN GREECE
Vasilis Bisbikis and Maria Kehayioglou in Broken Vein
The much-awaited new film by auteur Yannis Economides has opened in Greece. Broken Vein (Σπασμένη φλέβα), co-written by the director and actor Vangelis Mourikis, is classic Economides, a gritty thriller focusing on a businessman cracking under pressure. Heavily in debt and in danger of losing his house to a ruthless loan shark, he comes up with a plan that he believes will solve his problems. True to form, things spiral into total chaos.
A poetic nihilist, Economides makes films heavy on graphic violence and profane language while, at the same time, weaving in black humor and a tenderness for his broken characters.
A poetic nihilist, Economides makes films heavy on graphic violence and profane language while, at the same time, weaving in black humor and a tenderness for his broken characters.
KAZANTZAKIS REDUX
KAZANTZAKIS REDUX
Christ Recrucified, the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis (also published as The Greek Passion), is returning to the big screen. Filming of a new adaptation of the novel is nearing completion on the island of Crete. Under the direction of Theo Papadoulakis, the film, retitled Recrucified, stars Vangelis Mourikis, Kika Georgiou and Anastasis Laoulakis.An allegorical narrative that transposes biblical events to a small Greek town in the early 20th century, the novel explores the themes of faith, injustice and the nature of good and evil. The new film places the action on a remote Greek island sometime in the near future.
The first screen adaptation of the novel dates back to 1957. He Who Must Die, directed by Jules Dassin and starring Melina Mercouri and Jean Servais, is considered a classic of modern French cinema.
KAZANTZAKIS REDUX
KAZANTZAKIS REDUX
Christ Recrucified, the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis (also published as The Greek Passion), is returning to the big screen. Filming of a new adaptation of the novel is nearing completion on the island of Crete. Under the direction of Theo Papadoulakis, the film, retitled Recrucified, stars Vangelis Mourikis, Kika Georgiou and Anastasis Laoulakis.An allegorical narrative that transposes biblical events to a small Greek town in the early 20th century, the novel explores the themes of faith, injustice and the nature of good and evil. The new film places the action on a remote Greek island sometime in the near future.
The first screen adaptation of the novel dates back to 1957. He Who Must Die, directed by Jules Dassin and starring Melina Mercouri and Jean Servais, is considered a classic of modern French cinema.
KAZANTZAKIS REDUX
KAZANTZAKIS REDUX
Christ Recrucified, the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis (also published as The Greek Passion), is returning to the big screen. Filming of a new adaptation of the novel is nearing completion on the island of Crete. Under the direction of Theo Papadoulakis, the film, retitled Recrucified, stars Vangelis Mourikis, Kika Georgiou and Anastasis Laoulakis.An allegorical narrative that transposes biblical events to a small Greek town in the early 20th century, the novel explores the themes of faith, injustice and the nature of good and evil. The new film places the action on a remote Greek island sometime in the near future.
The first screen adaptation of the novel dates back to 1957. He Who Must Die, directed by Jules Dassin and starring Melina Mercouri and Jean Servais, is considered a classic of modern French cinema.
SHORT TAKES
SHORT TAKES
• Motherwitch (Δωδεκάμερον), a folk/horror film by the Greek-Cypriot director Minos Papas, will have its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in early February. Set in Cyprus in the late 19th century, the film is the story of a grieving mother who, in an effort to resurrect her lost children, mistakenly summons the malevolent kalikatzari of Cypriot lore.
• In a tough competition that included a wealth of worthy films, the multiple award-winning Arcadia, directed by Yorgos Zois, has failed to make the short list for the Best International Film Oscar.
• One Battle After Another, one of the best-reviewed American films of the season, has been shortlisted in five categories in this year’s Oscar race. USA-born Cassandra Kulukundis is producer/casting director. In a career spanning over two decades, Kulukundis has been involved in more than 18 major films, including Licorice Pizza and There Will Be Blood. Final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22.
• In a tough competition that included a wealth of worthy films, the multiple award-winning Arcadia, directed by Yorgos Zois, has failed to make the short list for the Best International Film Oscar.
• One Battle After Another, one of the best-reviewed American films of the season, has been shortlisted in five categories in this year’s Oscar race. USA-born Cassandra Kulukundis is producer/casting director. In a career spanning over two decades, Kulukundis has been involved in more than 18 major films, including Licorice Pizza and There Will Be Blood. Final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22.
Please address any comments or questions to: info@hellenicfilmsociety.org
SHORT TAKES
SHORT TAKES
• Motherwitch (Δωδεκάμερον), a folk/horror film by the Greek-Cypriot director Minos Papas, will have its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in early February. Set in Cyprus in the late 19th century, the film is the story of a grieving mother who, in an effort to resurrect her lost children, mistakenly summons the malevolent kalikatzari of Cypriot lore.
• In a tough competition that included a wealth of worthy films, the multiple award-winning Arcadia, directed by Yorgos Zois, has failed to make the short list for the Best International Film Oscar.
• One Battle After Another, one of the best-reviewed American films of the season, has been shortlisted in five categories in this year’s Oscar race. USA-born Cassandra Kulukundis is producer/casting director. In a career spanning over two decades, Kulukundis has been involved in more than 18 major films, including Licorice Pizza and There Will Be Blood. Final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22.
• In a tough competition that included a wealth of worthy films, the multiple award-winning Arcadia, directed by Yorgos Zois, has failed to make the short list for the Best International Film Oscar.
• One Battle After Another, one of the best-reviewed American films of the season, has been shortlisted in five categories in this year’s Oscar race. USA-born Cassandra Kulukundis is producer/casting director. In a career spanning over two decades, Kulukundis has been involved in more than 18 major films, including Licorice Pizza and There Will Be Blood. Final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22.
Please address any comments or questions to: info@hellenicfilmsociety.org
Please consider a giſt to the Hellenic Film Society so we can continue to present Greek films that entertain, inform, and inspire.
Or checks may be made payable to: Hellenic Film Society USA, Inc.,
can be sent to: Hellenic Film Society USA, 35-07 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106
All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your consideration!
Our free YouTube channel has 3.1+ Million views!
to see Greek films and interviews with filmmakers
| FOLLOW US ON |  |  |  |
AND PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL
TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS!
Do you enjoy our updates? Please forward to someone else interested in Greek film.
If this email was forwarded to you, click here to subscribe.
 |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  | Premier Media Partner Promotional video |
 |  |  |
Reload document
Open in new tab 
Before Getting Started
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
) in the bottom right-hand side of the player.