Sydney is rearing up to welcome the Greek Film Festival in October with news that the festival will open with the Australian premiere of 1968 by internationally-renowned Greek filmmaker Tassos Boulmetis (A Touch of Spice, Mythopathy – GFF 2017). The festival will launch on October 8 at Palace Cinemas on Norton Street and run for 12 days.
The film stars Greek actor Ieroklis Michaelidis and is a docu-drama that follows the landmark event in 1968 when Greece won its first baskbetball championship against the apparently unbeatable Czechoslovakian team. The event smashed records with over 100,000 spectators in the marble Panathenaic Stadium.
“We are very excited to open the Festival with this excellent film from one of the country’s very best contemporary cinematic storytellers,” said Festival Chair, Nia Karteris. “With its cast of renowned Greek actors, the film shines crucial light on such a monumental historic event that altered our history forever.”
Focusing on the personal stories of real people who were involved in this unique sporting achievement, the film paints a vivid picture of 1960s Greece to the backdrop of political upheaval around the globe – from the mounting post-war rivalry between European nations, to the murder of Dr Martin Luther King and the raging Vietnam War.
The full line up of films is going to be announced very shortly, stay tuned to Novastream for more updates.
FESTIVAL DETAILS:
WHAT: 1968 – The Delphi Bank 26th Greek Film Festival Sydney Opening Night
WHEN: Tuesday 8 October, 2019, 6.30pm pre-film cocktail party, 8.30pm screening
WHERE: Palace Norton Street, 99 Norton Street, Leichhardt, NSW 2040
TICKETS: $45, available via www.palacecinemas.com.au or 02 9361 5398
WHAT: The Delphi Bank 26th Greek Film Festival Sydney
WHEN: Tuesday 8 October – Sunday 20 October, 2019
WHERE: Palace Norton Street, 99 Norton Street, Leichhardt, NSW 2040
WEBSITE: www.greekfilmfestival.com.au
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GreekFilmFestival