The Greek Film Festival continues to garner admiration, particularly among young people eager to engage with Hellenic culture. Festival chair Nia Karteris expressed her appreciation for the community’s interest, which motivates the organizers to persist in hosting this beloved event.
“Every day presents challenges—securing funding and sourcing films—but we consistently manage to curate an impressive program that honors the heritage of second and third-generation Greek Australians,” Karteris remarked.
Karteris shared that while she personally favored the premiere of this year’s opening film, “Murderess,” the decision to feature the comedy “Hear Who’s Talking” as the festival’s opener aligned well with the celebratory tone of the night.
“I believe any film festival should kick off with a comedy,” she explained. “People come to have fun, enjoy themselves, and leave feeling uplifted, and I think this film will deliver just that.”
Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (NSW), conveyed his excitement about presenting some of the finest contemporary films from Greece over the coming weeks. He specifically highlighted “Murderess,” which has been selected as Greece’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars, as a must-see for attendees.
Ioannis Mallikourtis, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, emphasized the festival’s role in helping Greek Australians stay connected to their homeland and informed about current events in Greece.
“Greek films reflect the essence of Greek society, making it crucial for Greek Australians to experience them,” Mallikourtis stated during his speech. “The festival does an excellent job of showcasing a diverse array of films, moving beyond the stereotypical perceptions of Greek culture, especially for those living abroad.”
Karteris noted that the opening night marks the beginning of a rich selection of films that will be screened until October 27, which the organizers are excited to share with Australian audiences.
“It was a rigorous process; we reviewed over 150 films, and I watched each one. The final selections we made will instill pride in everyone about their heritage,” Karteris affirmed. “The festival features films that explore specific regions of Greece, its rich history, and culminates with the Student Film Festival, which holds great significance for us.”
She highlighted the importance of the Student Film Festival as a vital means of preserving the Greek language for younger generations, allowing them to create films under the guidance of filmmakers from Greek backgrounds based in Australia.
“It’s an excellent way to connect with the Greek language through film, music, and dance, extending beyond traditional classroom settings,” Karteris concluded.
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