2024 PRESS RELEASES
Hellenic Film Society Presents DODO,
Quirky Comedy Drama
Sunday, May 19 at the Museum of the Moving Image
Astoria, NY – May 6, 2024 – The Hellenic Film Society (HFS) will present the quirky comedy drama Dodo on Sunday, May 19 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. The film, which garnered 15 Hellenic Film Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, is part of the Society’s Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series.
The cast includes some of Greece’s best-known actors and promising newcomers, including Smaragda Karydi, Akis Sakellariou, Marisha Triantafyllidou, Angelos Papadimitriou, Natasa Exintaveloni, Mariella Savvides, and Polydoros Vogiatzis.
Immediately following the screening, actor Mariella Savvides will appear via Zoom to conduct an interactive Q&A with the audience.
Directed by Panos Koutras, the film unfolds as a dodo, a bird extinct for the past 300 years, inexplicably appears at the villa of a financially troubled family on the eve of their daughter’s marriage to a wealthy heir. Wedding preparations are disrupted, and the line between sanity and madness collapses as the situation spins out of control. The film, in Greek and French with English subtitles, is recommended for mature audiences. A trailer for the film can be seen here.
“Dodo premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was a theatrical success in France. It was equally well received in Greece and New York, where it premiered at our New York Greek Film Expo this past fall,” says Maria C. Miles, Hellenic Film Society president. “It’s a fun, offbeat film with a terrific ensemble cast and we expect it to be popular in this encore presentation.”
For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram. The Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue in Astoria, is conveniently located near public transportation.
The screening is part of Always on Sunday, the Greek film series presented monthly by the Hellenic Film Society at the Museum of the Moving Image. The series is partially supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by Flushing Town Hall.
About the Hellenic Film Society USA
The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to sharing Greek films as a way of promoting cultural diversity, while strengthening the communities it serves. It is rooted in the belief that Greek cinema deserves to be part of the American cultural landscape. Founded in 2018, the organization promotes feature films, documentaries, and film shorts made by Greek filmmakers and those of Greek descent, as well as films that promote the cultures of Greece and Cyprus. In addition to collaborating with the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image for its series of monthly Greek film screenings, HFS presents the annual New York Greek Film Expo film festival. HFS also hosts a YouTube channel offering free Greek films and interviews with filmmakers.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and the Kallinikeion Foundation are the lead supporters of the Hellenic Film Society USA. Additional support is provided by Microsoft, Greek National Tourism Organization, AHEPA, the New York City Council, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Flushing Town Hall, Antenna Satellite TV, and NYC & Company. For additional information, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org or call 347-934-9497.
Press Contact for information or photos: Nancy Nicolelis/718-898-7002/nancy.nicolelis.hfs@gmail.com
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The Hellenic Film Society presents Dodo, the quirky comedy drama that received 15 Hellenic Film Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture. The film will be shown on Sunday, May 19 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY. The screening is part of the Society’s Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series. | |
Hellenic Film Society Presents 1968,
Rousing Docudrama About Greece’s First European Cup
Sunday, April 21 at the Museum of the Moving Image
Astoria, NY – April 8, 2024 – The Hellenic Film Society (HFS) will present the award-winning film, 1968, which depicts the improbable victory of the Greek AEK basketball team over the Czech team in one of the most epic basketball games of all time. The film, part of the Society’s Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY, will be shown on Sunday, April 21 at 3pm.
Director Tassos Boulmetis, who also directed the acclaimed film, Politiki Kouzina, weaves archival footage of the historic game with recent interviews with players from both teams, along with fictional stories, to reveal the fascinating personal and political histories that came to play on the court that night against a backdrop of upheaval that rocked the entire world in 1968. The game, a thrilling David and Goliath story, holds a Guinness world record for the largest attendance at a basketball game (80,000 in the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens), and a victory that is still talked about. The film is in Greek with English subtitles. A trailer for the film can be seen here.
“There will be a lot of interest in this film,” says Maria C. Miles, Hellenic Film Society president. “It’s not just another inspirational sports movie…it’s a tribute to the human spirit and captures a moment in time during one of the most eventful years of the 20th century.”
For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram. The Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue in Astoria, is conveniently located near public transportation.
The screening is part of Always on Sunday, the Greek film series presented monthly by the Hellenic Film Society at the Museum of the Moving Image. The series is partially supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by Flushing Town Hall.
About the Hellenic Film Society USA
The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to sharing Greek films as a way of promoting cultural diversity, while strengthening the communities it serves. It is rooted in the belief that Greek cinema deserves to be part of the American cultural landscape. Founded in 2018, the organization promotes feature films, documentaries, and film shorts made by Greek filmmakers and those of Greek descent, as well as films that promote the cultures of Greece and Cyprus. In addition to collaborating with the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image for its series of monthly Greek film screenings, HFS presents the annual New York Greek Film Expo film festival. HFS also hosts a YouTube channel offering free Greek films and interviews with filmmakers.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and the Kallinikeion Foundation are the lead supporters of the Hellenic Film Society USA. Additional support is provided by Microsoft, Greek National Tourism Organization, AHEPA, the New York City Council, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Flushing Town Hall, Antenna Satellite TV, and NYC & Company. For additional information, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org or call 347-934-9497.
Press Contact for information or photos: Nancy Nicolelis/718-898-7002/nancy.nicolelis.hfs@gmail.com
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The Hellenic Film Society presents 1968, the thrilling docudrama that tells the story of the Greek AEK team victory over Slavia of Prague to win the European Cup in basketball. The film will be shown on Sunday, April 21 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY. The screening is part of the Society’s Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series. | |
Hellenic Film Society Presents Robust Lineup of Greek Film Programming Throughout March
March 4, 2024
Hellenic Film Society Presents
Robust Lineup of Greek Film Programming Throughout March
Programming includes Celebration of Women’s History Month,
Two In-Theater Film Screenings
Astoria, NY – March 4, 2024 – The Hellenic Film Society (HFS) has announced a robust slate of programming that it will begin unveiling March 8. Throughout the month, they will present two in-theater screenings of women-driven films. In celebration of Women’s History Month, they will post on their YouTube channel an exclusive interview with three acclaimed women filmmakers who created the film Fonissa, which has been a blockbuster hit in Greece.
On March 10 at 3pm, HFS will present the US premiere of Polydroso, a moving drama about the evolving bond between a mother and her daughter, who returns to her hometown to care for her. The film received the prestigious J.F. Costopoulos Foundation Award at the 2023 Thessaloniki International Film Festival. The screening is part of HFS’s Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series presented at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY. Polydroso will be preceded by the short film, AirHostess – 737. A trailer for Polydroso can be seen here and an interview with the film’s director, Alexandros Voulgaris, is available for viewing here.
On Monday, March 18 at 6pm, HFS will co-present, with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, a free screening of Tailor, the award-winning film about a struggling tailor determined to reinvent himself as a bridal designer. Director Sonia Liza Kenterman will appear in person to discuss the film. The screening will be held at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Research Library, Fifth Avenue at 40th Street, 7th floor, in Manhattan. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required.
Both films are in Greek, with English subtitles.
“March is going to be a big month for Greek film in the US,” says Maria C. Miles, Hellenic Film Society president. “We are proud to present so many film screenings and interviews, especially since so much of it focuses on the brilliant work of Greek women filmmakers.”
About the Hellenic Film Society USA
The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to sharing Greek films as a way of promoting cultural diversity, while strengthening the communities it serves. It is rooted in the belief that Greek cinema deserves to be part of the American cultural landscape. Founded in 2018, the organization promotes feature films, documentaries, and film shorts made by Greek filmmakers and those of Greek descent, as well as films that promote the cultures of Greece and Cyprus. In addition to collaborating with the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image for its series of monthly Greek film screenings, HFS presents the annual New York Greek Film Expo film festival. HFS also hosts a YouTube channel offering free Greek films and interviews with filmmakers.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and the Kallinikeion Foundation are the lead supporters of the Hellenic Film Society USA. Additional support is provided by Microsoft, Greek National Tourism Organization, AHEPA, the New York City Council, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Flushing Town Hall, Antenna Satellite TV, and NYC & Company. For additional information, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org or call 347-934-9497.
Press Contact for information or photos: Nancy Nicolelis/718-898-7002/nancy.nicolelis.hfs@gmail.com
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The Hellenic Film Society presents the US premiere of Polydroso at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria on Sunday, March 10 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image. The screening, part of the Society’s Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series, is just one of the presentations planned for March, that includes a celebration of Women’s History Month. | |
Hellenic Film Society USA Presents DIGNITY
At Museum of the Moving Image, Sunday, February 18 at 3pm
Astoria, NY – February 5, 2024—The Hellenic Film Society continues its Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series with a screening of the powerful domestic drama Dignity on Sunday, February 18 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. A trailer for the film can be seen here.
The film, which won the 2022 Thessaloniki International Film Festival Audience Award, is the directorial feature film debut of Dimitris Katsimiris, who also wrote the screenplay. The strong ensemble cast includes veteran actress Vangelio Andreadaki, who received a Hellenic Film Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The story follows a family gathering celebrating their ailing father’s birthday that turns into an intense confrontation when the subject turns to who will care for him. Secrets and mistakes of the past are revealed, changing the lives of all involved.
Katsimiris credits his early career as a social worker for sharpening his understanding of seniors. “I hope my film raises questions and inspires conversation about caring for the elderly. Do we stand by them in difficult times, or do we take the nursing home solution? These are tough questions.”
“Dignity is a powerful film that raises provocative questions that most families will have to face at some point,” says Hellenic Film Society president Maria C. Miles. “We are proud to present an encore screening of this film, which was so enthusiastically received when it had its premiere at the New York Greek Film Expo 2023.”
For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram. The Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue in Astoria, is conveniently located near public transportation.
The screening is part of Always on Sunday, the Greek film series presented monthly by the Hellenic Film Society at the Museum of the Moving Image. The series is partially supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by Flushing Town Hall.
About the Hellenic Film Society USA
The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization rooted in the belief that Greek cinema deserves to be part of the American cultural landscape. The organization promotes feature films, documentaries, and film shorts made by Greek filmmakers and those of Greek descent, as well as films that promote the cultures of Greece and Cyprus.
In addition to collaborating with the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image for its series of monthly Greek film screenings, HFS presents the annual New York Greek Film Expo film festival. HFS also hosts a YouTube channel offering free Greek films and interviews with filmmakers.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and the Kallinikeion Foundation are the lead supporters of the Hellenic Film Society USA. Additional support is provided by Microsoft, Greek National Tourism Organization, AHEPA, the New York City Council, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Flushing Town Hall, Antenna Satellite TV, and NYC & Company. For additional information, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org or call 347-934-9497.
Press Contact for information or photos: Nancy Nicolelis/718-898-7002/nancy.nicolelis.hfs@gmail.com
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The Hellenic Film Society presents the powerful domestic drama Dignity on Sunday, February 18 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. Written and directed by Dimitris Katsimiris, the film won the 2022 Thessaloniki Internaitonal Film Festival Audience Award. | |
Hellenic Film Society USA Names Maria C. Miles President
Jimmy DeMetro to Remain Active on the Board as President Emeritus
Astoria, NY – January 25, 2024 – The Board of Directors of the Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) has elected Maria C. Miles as president of the organization. The election followed the announcement by founding president Jimmy DeMetro that he was stepping back from day-to-day operations. He remains on the board as president emeritus and will continue to be active in the organization that promotes Greek film in the United States.
“It is time to pass the baton to a new generation of Greek film enthusiasts,” says Mr. DeMetro. “I am very confident that Mary has the leadership qualities, vision, and energy to lead the board and the Society to even greater heights as we bring Greek film to both Greek and non-Greek audiences.”
Ms. Miles, who has been a member of the board since 2019, brings much experience to her new role. She is the founding partner of an entertainment law firm in New York that focuses on all areas of entertainment and media law, including film, television, literary publishing, and digital media. Maria has served as counsel to numerous award-winning producers, directors, writers, actors, television hosts, multi-platinum recording artists, and sports teams. She is also an adjunct professor at the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema and the School of Visual Arts, teaching entertainment law to filmmakers.
She has extensive connections in the Greek and US film industries and has served as secretary of the board of New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT). She has deep roots in the Greek-American community. Born and raised in New York City, she graduated from The Cathedral School of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and later served on its school board.
“I want to thank Jimmy DeMetro for promoting Greek culture through cinema and curating a Greek film festival in New York for the last 17 years. Jimmy has also mentored other US cities in their efforts to launch their own Greek film festivals,” said Ms. Miles. “Without Jimmy’s leadership and drive, we would not have been able to experience Greek cinema in the US as we have for almost two decades. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Jimmy and the board in advancing the Hellenic Film Society as the premier organization for Greek film in the New York metropolitan area.”
About the Hellenic Film Society USA
The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization rooted in the belief that Greek cinema deserves to be part of the American cultural landscape. Founded in 2018, the organization promotes feature films, documentaries, and film shorts made by Greek filmmakers and those of Greek descent, as well as films that promote the cultures of Greece and Cyprus. In addition to collaborating with the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image for its series of monthly Greek film screenings, HFS presents the annual New York Greek Film Expo film festival. HFS also hosts a YouTube channel offering free Greek films and interviews with filmmakers.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and the Kallinikeion Foundation are the lead supporters of the Hellenic Film Society USA. Additional support is provided by Microsoft, Greek National Tourism Organization, AHEPA, the New York City Council, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Flushing Town Hall, Antenna Satellite TV, and NYC & Company. For additional information, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org or call 347-934-9497.
Press Contact for information or photos: Nancy Nicolelis/718-898-7002/nancy.nicolelis.hfs@gmail.com
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Maria C. Miles, Hellenic Film Society president | |
Hellenic Film Society USA Presents LISTEN
At Museum of the Moving Image, Sunday, January 14 at 3pm
Astoria, NY – January 5, 2024—The Hellenic Film Society kicks off 2024 with a screening of Maria Douza’s moving film, Listen on Sunday, January 14 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving image in Astoria. The screening is part of the Society’s Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series.
Listen, a major hit at the New York Greek Film Expo 2023, has been acquired for international distribution by Srceenbound Entertainment UK, as it continues its run at major festivals around the world, most recently representing Greece at the European Union Foreign Film Festival in both Toronto and Ottawa. The film focuses on deaf teen Valmira, who must leave her progressive Athens school and return to her father’s struggling island where she is confronted by prejudice and intolerance. The film is in Greek with English subtitles. The trailer for the film can be seen here.
“My film is about the importance of communication, the need to be heard and the need to hear, the need to be understood and loved,” says director Maria Douza. “Deafness is a metaphor for our need to hear, but also for our choice not to hear; our need to be understood, but also our reluctance to understand. I wanted to make a film about goodness as an antidote for selfishness. After all, it is compassion and goodness which determine our humanity.”
“Listen is a rich viewing experience that examines both the cruelty and kindness people are capable of in their relationships with others, and delivers a message of acceptance and reconciliation,” says Jimmy DeMetro, president, Hellenic Film Society USA. “This movie is a beautifully acted drama, skillfully directed, and a real audience pleaser.”
For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram. The Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue in Astoria, is conveniently located near public transportation.
The screening is part of Always on Sunday, the Greek film series presented monthly by the Hellenic Film Society at the Museum of the Moving Image. The series is partially supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by Flushing Town Hall.
About the Hellenic Film Society USA
The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization rooted in the belief that Greek cinema deserves to be part of the American cultural landscape. The organization promotes feature films, documentaries, and film shorts made by Greek filmmakers and those of Greek descent, as well as films that promote the cultures of Greece and Cyprus.
In addition to collaborating with the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image for its series of monthly Greek film screenings, HFS presents the annual New York Greek Film Expo film festival. HFS also hosts a YouTube channel offering free Greek films and interviews with filmmakers.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) is the lead supporter of the Hellenic Film Society USA. Additional support is provided by the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Kallinikeion Foundation, Antenna Satellite TV, and NYC & Company. For additional information, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org or call 347-934-9497.
Press Contact for information or photos: Nancy Nicolelis/718-898-7002/nancy.nicolelis.hfs@gmail.com
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The Hellenic Film Society presents LISTEN, Maria Douza’s moving film about a deaf teenager, on Sunday, January 14 at the Museum of the Moving Image at 3pm. | |
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