by FilmInk Staff
The Greek Film Festival of Sydney, a cultural highlight of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), is thrilled to announce its milestone 30th-anniversary program. From October 14th to 26th, 2025, Sydney will celebrate three decades of Greek cinema in Australia with a spectacular lineup of films, multiple events, and special surprises. The Greek Film Festival of Sydney is proudly presented by Benchmark Greek Law.
The festival will powerfully launch with the epic film Kapetan Mihalis as its Opening Night Gala on Tuesday, October 14th, before showcasing an exceptional lineup for its 30th anniversary edition.
The festival’s full program is a testament to its rich history and includes multiple retrospectives. The first is an ode to the best films presented during the past 29 remarkable years. We are thrilled to include iconic films like A Touch of Spice, Rebetiko, Rosa of Smyrna and multiple iconic Pantelis Voulgaris’ films like Brides, Little England, It’s a Long Road, and the powerful The Last Note. We are also proud to screen Yorgos Lanthimos’s groundbreaking Dogtooth, and classic comedies like Safe Sex and Balkanisateur that shaped the new Greek Cinema era. A special treat for long-time attendees will be a screening of The Flea, the very first film to open the Greek Film Festival in Australia.
Our second retrospective acknowledges the Sydney-based filmmakers and their invaluable contribution to Greek cinema in Australia, highlighting the talent that has grown right here in our community. We are honoured to feature the work of exceptional directors and writers such as Kosta Nikas, Alex Lykos, Billy Cotsis, and Kay Pavlou, who have masterfully woven their Greek heritage into their films.
Last but not least, a third retrospective highlights the entire filmmaking work of Greece’s iconic actor and director, Renos Haralambidis. Audiences will have the chance to see his unique vision unfold with screenings of Cheap Smokes, The Heart of the Beast, No Budget Story, and 4 Black Suits. The retrospective will culminate in a special closing night treat: his latest poetic film, Athens Midnight Radio, which will screen at Palace Cinemas Moore Park on Sunday, October 26th, concluding our official festival dates for 2025.
This year’s program also features an exceptional selection of the latest Greek, Cypriot, and Greek-themed independent films, documentaries, and cinematic masterpieces, reflecting the vibrant pulse of contemporary filmmaking. Highlights include The Return with Ralph Fiennes, Maria with Angelina Jolie, the Cypriot films Diversion and Smaragda, the family film Santa’s Snow Candy, comedies such as Greek Mothers Never Die and Murphy’s Law, powerful dramas like Riviera, Together Apart ,the iconic film Stelios and remarkable documentaries such as Dourgouti Town, Super Paradise, Memento, The Enigma of Keros and A Journey to the Stars!
“For 30 years, the Greek Film Festival has been a cornerstone of cultural expression and connection for our community,” said Mr. Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW. “It has been an incredible journey, and this year’s program is a true celebration of that history, creativity, and the strong cinematic bonds between Greece and Australia. We invite everyone to join us for what promises to be a memorable anniversary.”
“Reaching our 30th anniversary is not just a milestone; it’s a testament to the enduring power of Greek cinema and the unwavering dedication of our community,” added Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival & the Greek Film Festival of Sydney. “For three decades, the festival has captivated Australian audiences, showcasing the modern Greek perspective with remarkable foresight, diversity, and quality. We are incredibly proud of the history we have built and are committed to making this 30th edition our most spectacular yet.”
Stay tuned for more exciting announcements, including details on a special guest of honour visiting from Greece and a new venue partner that will bring the festival’s films to the western suburbs!
EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT: 30th Greek Film Festival Sydney
WHEN: 14-26 October 2024
WHERE: Palace Cinema Norton St + Palace Cinema Moore Park
TICKETS & FULL PROGRAM: https://greekfilmfestival.com.au/sydney
About the Greek Film Festival: The Greek Film Festival is an annual celebration of Greek cinema, promoting Greek culture and heritage through the art of film. It is a flagship cultural initiative of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW.
Further details on the upcoming Film Festival, including how to buy tickets, can be found at https://greekfilmfestival.com.au/sydney
For more information, please visit https://greekfilmfestival.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreekFilmFestival
www.facebook.com/greekfestivalofsydney
Instagram: www.instagram.com/greekfilmfestival
