An open discussion on the alternative distribution of Greek films through Greek cinema festivals and universities in the USA and Australia took place on Friday November 10, 2017, in Pavlos Zannas theatre, as part of the 58th Thessaloniki International Film Festival.
The keynote speakers in this discussion, one of this year’s edition sidebar events, were Vassilis Loules (director), Jimmy DeMetro (NYC Greek Film Festival Director), Aristotle Katopodis (LA Greek Film Festival Artistic Director), Kyveli Short (San Francisco Greek Film Festival Co-Director), Nia Karteris (Sydney Greek Film Festival Chair), Lisa Linardou (Promotion and Film Festivals Hellas Film – Greek Film Centre), in the presence of Rebecca Fong, US Consul General in Thessaloniki.
Welcoming the distinguished guests and the audience at the event, the director Vassilis Loules thanked TIFF for the invitation noting: “This is a discussion which should have been made a long time ago. Greek cinema festivals around the world support Greek films both in terms of quality and of commerciality, and are of great importance for the film directors”.
Speaking immediately afterwards on behalf of the Greek Film Centre, Lisa Linardou stressed that interest for Greek films dates back to 80s and festivals are a direct and alternative way of distribution, that embraces all genres. “The various festivals turn to us in order to screen Greek films. Up to now we collect information as to domestic production. In countries with many expatriates, there is great interest for Greek films. Their first step is to turn to the Greek Film Centre, and we help them set up the festival according to their needs. In total, we have collaborated with 21 festivals, from Europe to Brazil, Lebanon and Canada”, she added.
Consequently, the Sydney Greek Film Festival Chair Nia Karteris stressed the expatriates’ need to express their opinion on culture. As she noted, Sydney Greek Film Festival is turning 24 this year and is the third biggest festival in Australia. “Our aim is to promote culture and preserve the Greek language. We dare to screen films that raise awareness and give food for thought. The program of the event also includes a short film section, with films created by children and their teachers. In last years we observe an increase of viewers thanks to the films’ high quality. Greek directors, in spite of the economic distress, create films that move expatriates. I believe that culture is going to get us out of the crisis, and our aim is to promote it”, Mrs Karteris said.
In her turn, Kyveli Short, San Francisco Greek Film Festival Co-Director, noted: “Our festival promotes Greek cinema and supports the dissemination of Greek studies. We are trying to open up to the American public; in fact, we are collaborating with San Francisco Film Festival that allocates various scholarships”.
Consequently, the LA Greek Film Festival Artistic Director, Aristotle Katopodis, said: “We are lucky to be in the heart of film industry, and we are trying to make Greeks part of it. We accept films from everywhere, from any place where there are Greeks. We also maintain good relationships with LA universities. In fact, in one of them we organize special courses on our festival and afterwards the students participate with various ways in the event. We also promote film screenings in various places, so as to show people there is this cinema as well”.
For Jimmy DeMetro, NYC Greek Film Festival Director, cinema was a part of his life since he was a kid. The festival he represents had humble beginnings 11 years ago, as he noted, but it has sold 46.000 tickets since. “The Greek community of New York is very active and all of us are doing voluntary work for the event. We have a balanced program of commercial and alternative films through which we are promoting Greece itself, since 27% of the viewers come from other countries. We are promoting the idea of creating a Greek Film Festival in every corner of America and I wish we will succeed”, he concluded.
