by FilmInk Staff
The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney, proudly presented by Benchmark Greek Law, paid tribute to the efforts of Hellenic-background filmmakers from its city in an in-depth conversation event with three local talents in Alex Lykos, Kay Pavlou and Billy Cotsis.
The event titled ‘Sydney Silver Screen: A Tribute to Local Legends’, that took place on Monday 20th October, saw the three Sydney-based filmmakers engage in a Q&A session at Steki Taverna led by Ouzo Talk’s Tom Skolarikis.
The trio shared keen insights into various subjects regarding their respective journeys, while also discussing larger topics centred around the film industry, including some of the harsh realities the industry itself faces and its impact on creators.
They noted the Greek Film Festival provides critical support for Greek Australian filmmakers, a sentiment shared when visiting director from Greece Kostas Macheras appeared towards the end, who remarked it is also an important vehicle for providing an insight into modern Greece.
All the aforementioned filmmakers have had works of theirs included as part of this year’s Film Festival program, with Mr Cotsis highlighting it as an immense privilege to have been included in that list.
“We (himself and his collaborators) created a film specifically for this year’s Festival. That’s how much this Festival means to us,” Mr Cotsis said.
Ms Pavlou added her pleasure that the festival spotlights documentaries such as hers (‘Two Homelands’), while stating:
“It’s a beautiful, inclusive experience for us as Greek Australian filmmakers. It’s embracing of us and of our audiences,” she said.
Mr Lykos expressed that the festival’s biggest asset is how it cultivates and celebrates Hellenism through its honouring the film exploits of talented creators.
“Tonight was about community, coming together and celebrating our Greekness, and I always see that as a very, very big privilege,” he said.
Ms Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Film Festival of Sydney and Secretary of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, stressed events such as these are critical in achieving one of the key goals of the Film Festival.
“The Greek Film Festival of Sydney has always wanted to showcase not only international Greek films but also the works in our Greek Australian film industry from talented directors, writers, producers, and all other types of creators,” Ms Karteris said.
Among the guests in attendance at the event included the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Georgios Skemperis, and Vice President of the Community Con Apoifis.
The Sydney Silver Screen event delivered exactly what it promised: a masterful tribute to local legends! Our homegrown talent had much to say about the filmmaking industry and the great support the Greek Film Festival provides to its Sydney-based community.
Featured Filmmaker Biographies:
Alex Lykos: Renowned for the popular Alex & Eve stage series, which has sold over 40,000 tickets, Alex Lykos successfully adapted and co-produced the film version, which grossed nearly $700,000 at the Australian box office and secured international distribution. His most recent film, Disconnect Me, was pre-selected by the Venice International Film Festival in 2023 and is now streaming globally. With ten stage productions and a one-man show, Alex has established himself as a versatile writer, director, and actor.
Billy Cotsis: Born in Sydney to Greek parents, Billy Cotsis has dedicated his life to exploring and documenting his heritage. A prolific author of eight books, he has also written over 350 articles for various media outlets. His creative work includes 27 short films and documentaries. In addition to his creative pursuits, Billy is a human rights advocate and works in community building and economic development. He is currently working on a feature film titled Once Upon A Time In Crystal Palace.
Kay Pavlou: Kay Pavlou is an award-winning director, writer, and producer known for exploring themes of ancestry, identity, and political struggle. Her work spans both documentary and drama, focusing on emotive stories of people who thrive against adversity. Her documentary credits include Two Homelands and Who Do You Think You Are?, while her drama work includes episodes of popular series like McLeod’s Daughters and All Saints.
About Ouzo Talk: Ouzo Talk is a podcast for Greeks of the diaspora, hosted by Sydney-based Greek-Australians Tom Skolarikis and Nick Athanassiou. They bring the “Ouzo-fuelled conversations of kaffeneia” to a global audience, discussing everything from music and history to science and philosophy. The podcast is all about “parea” (friendship and company) and celebrating the things that connect the
For more information, please visit www.greekfilmfestival.com.au
