The GFF 2023 Opens Its Doors to a Successful Night

The GFF 2023 Opens Its Doors to a Successful Night

After full houses across three different locations, The 2023 Greek Film Festival set the audience aflame with its Opening Night screening of Behind the Haystacks. In a night that celebrated the rich tapestry of Greek cinema, enthusiastic crowds gathered at The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, and Palace Balwyn Cinema to enjoy an exciting evening.  

The highlight of the night was the captivating screening of Asimina Proedrou's masterpiece, "Behind the Haystacks." The multi-award-winning film provided a heartfelt depiction of a Greek family navigating the challenging landscapes of the 2015 refugee crisis. The audience was profoundly moved and captivated by the storytelling, which showcased the power of film to connect people across borders and cultures. 

Prior to the screening, the audience were welcomed by Festival Chair Leonidas Vlahakis and were addressed by Emmanuel Kakavelakis the Consul General of Greece to Victoria and Tasmania. Both Mr Vlahakis and Mr Kakavelakis expressed their enthusiasm for yet another year of Greek cinema on display for Melbourne to enjoy.  

In addition to his welcome, Mr. Vlahakis took the time to introduce the Festival’s exciting program of 17 features and seven documentaries as well as extend a sincere thanks to the Festival’s presenting Partner Bendigo Bank and Major Sponsors Procal, Oasis, Joannides Funerals, Pronia, Scoot, Sky Express, Greek Quarter, Ant1 Pacific 

Mr Vlahakis stated after the event, " Every year, the Greek Film Festival continues to grow and improve. We take great pride in the carefully curated selection of films and are thrilled that  everyone in attendance tonight across the three locations finally got a taste of what will be a memorable program.” 

President of The Greek Community of Melbourne, Mr Bill Papastergiadis OAM also expressed his satisfaction with the enthusiastic turnout at the theatre. Mr Papastergiadis stated “This festival is an important part of the cultural fabric of not  only of our organisation but for the broader community.  Films open a window for us to understand the events and circumstances around us, particularly in greece.  Equally, the film festival  brings together our community and does so in a wonderfully professionally curated environment.  I thank our supporters, and sponsors including the Bendigo Bank for standing beside us in the delivery of this wonderful program.”  

The Greek Film Festival will run between the 19-29 at Palace Cinema Como and Palace Balwyn Cinema before returning to the Astor Theatre for Closing Night.  

To check out all the photo gallery follow the link

Tickets are selling fast, and extra screens and sessions are being added.

Programs and Tickets are available via www.greekfilmfestival.com.au/melbourne/films 

 The Greek Film Festival is presented in Victoria by the Greek Community of Melbourne playing on the Palace Cinemas group’s screens.

ABOUT THE GREEK FILM FESTIVAL

The Greek Film Festival, presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne, is an annual celebration of Greek cinema showcasing the complexity and diversity that is the Greek Film industry which in turn captures the essence of Greek culture, history, and creativity. The Greek Film Festival has become a significant annual event in the cultural calendar of cinephiles and the Greek community of Melbourne alike. In 2023, The Greek Film Festival will be shown at Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn Cinema and the Astor Theatre and runs from 19 to 29 October.

ABOUT THE GREEK COMMUNITY OF MELBOURNE

Established in 1897, the Greek Community of Melbourne is a prominent organisation dedicated to promoting and preserving Greek history, culture, and heritage in Australia. Through various initiatives, events, and educational programs, the Community aims to strengthen the connection between Greek Australians and their rich cultural background.

GREEK FILM FESTIVAL 2023 PRESENTED BY Bendigo Bank

Procal, Oasis, Joannides Funerals, Pronia, Scoot, Sky Express, Greek Quarter, Ant1 Pacific

Festival Partners
Hellenic Wines and Spirits, Bahari I Gringlish, Epsa, Sue Sensi, Vanilla Lounge, Thematikos, Kwikkopy, Carroten, Themida Legal, Clever Little Koalas

Media Sponsors
Neos Kosmos, The Greek Herald, Ta Nea I 3XY, SBS Greek, Rythmos, 3ZZZ, Paroikiaki Tileorasi, Greek City Times, Greek News 24