Written and directed by Jacob Richardson, and co-produced by Aida Vucic and Allisa Tsukimori, The Aegean is a sweeping, ambitious epic.
The uplifting story follows Hector, a widowed Greek fisherman who feels the weight of his age in a world that has started to forget him. Everything changes when he meets Theodore, a resourceful, sharp, and endlessly positive teenager, desperately seeking a saviour to rescue him from a dire situation. United by their shared struggles, they embark on a journey on the enchanting Aegean Sea, where amidst the azure waters, they discover a newfound purpose and a reason to carry on. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Sea, The Aegean takes the audience on an enthralling voyage that transcends boundaries, revealing the depths of human resilience and the redemptive power of friendship.
‘’It’s a heartwarming story that brings you on an emotional journey; charting grief, loss, and pain. It touches on universal themes that everyone can resonate with, playing on the classic Greek ideal of Philoxenia or the ancient Greek hospitality of opening your home to someone less fortunate,’’ Richardson says.
“I was inspired to write the story after seeing the grief my grandfather went through when my grandmother passed away. So, it’s a very personal story to me. Despite the fact that the small little idea has been writ large on the epic scale of this remote Greek island, and set amongst a modern-day tragedy, I still see the same ideas of wanting to help my grandfather through his pain, and bring him back to life, in every line and every shot.”
While the film was shot on the tiny island of Kythira, the filmmaker kept the island ambiguous to convey its pristine, isolated nature. The film never identifies the island, instead using the remote setting to highlight the isolation experienced by the lead characters and emphasising their solitude.
“Kythira is a beautiful slice of paradise that offered a stunning visual backdrop for the film. It’s very natural compared to some of the more developed islands like Mykonos and Santorini. It feels so raw and authentic.
“The scenery and the landscape in the film is so big and vast, it’s amazing. The stunning, sweeping landscapes. Our heroes walking across rocky shoals to shipwrecks – shots that look like a Star Wars film, but without the millions in CGI. The emotionality and nuances in their performances influenced by the locals they met and worked with while we were there. The impossibly blue waters lapping against the hull of our hero boat.
“In contrast, it tells a very intimate story of two people finding hope in one another, despite the divides between them, and starting anew.
“The incredible relationship between Hector and Theodore will tug on your heartstrings. You might even shed some tears. But by the end of the film, you’re going to leave the cinema with a smile on your face and a bit of hope in your heart.”
The film brings together a highly talented international cast, with Greek heritage on display. The acting talent hails from Australian, Austrian, British, and Athenian shores. The lead role of Hector is played by Costas Mandylor (SAW X), who, with Australian-Greek heritage, returns to his ancestral home to deliver a truly nuanced performance full of grief, pain, and loss.
The co-lead role of Theodore is played by the up-and-coming, talented British actor Nicky Dune. Making his international feature film debut, Nicky stuns with the gravity and depth of his performance, mixing the heights of positivity and love, with remarkably heartbreaking portrayals of loss and heartache.
“Costas and Nicky have a beautiful and unique on-screen relationship. We’re excited to showcase that to the world,” Richardson says.
“Nicky stunned us with his raw talent, and it was great to see Costas, who is such a legend in Hollywood and so well known for his role in the SAW franchise, tackle such a challenging and different kind of role.
“Both actors brought a lot of energy to the set that was very welcome.”
The famed Greek rapper, LIGHT, will make his acting debut in the film, starring as the charming, sinister businessman, Khristos.
“I was also wowed by the talent LIGHT showed. He brought such an energy and vitality to the role. He was great to work with and he really made the villain character his own, making it feel scary, menacing and terrifying
“He’s a great rapper, but I would even say he’s a better actor. I think LIGHT’s fans are going to love his performance in this role.
“Seeing this film come to life has been huge for me and I’m exceptionally proud of what we’ve achieved with this cast and crew. I can’t wait for it to hit the big screens so we can share this unique story with the world.”
A truly international piece, with a hopeful and upbeat message that cuts through the crises of our time, The Aegean has designs on major film festivals around the world with a focus on compassion, love in the most unlikely of places, and friendship across borders, all set against the wanderlust inspiring backdrop of the Greek islands.
“There’s something inspiring about bucking the trend of shock and awe, of non-stop trauma and pain, with a story that is very sincere and honest. I think audiences will really resonate with the film, because it wears its heart on Theodore’s little sleeve.”
The Aegean will be released globally, with a release date to be confirmed.
