PRESS

2023 PRESS RELEASES

Hellenic Film Society USA Presents FREE Movie Screening—
MAMMA MIA HERE WE GO AGAIN!
Sunday, August 27 at Athens Square Park in Astoria

Astoria, NY – August 16, 2023 – The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS), in association with the New York City Parks Department, will present a free screening of Mamma Mia Here We Go Again! on Sunday, August 27 at 7:45pm at Athens Square Park, 30th Avenue/30th Street, in Astoria, NY.

The film, with its lively ABBA soundtrack, is a sequel to the earlier film based on the popular Broadway show. Sophie, who got married in the first Mamma Mia movie, is now pregnant, and dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her grandmother, played by Cher, and her mother’s old friends and boyfriends on the Greek island of Kalokairi. The cast includes Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Christine Baranski.  

“While this is not the type of film our fan base has come to expect from us, it captures the Greek love of life and celebration,” says Jimmy DeMetro, president of the Hellenic Film Society USA. “When we showed the original film last summer, the audience was literally dancing in the aisles. It’s a fun family movie, ideal for a summer evening.”

The free screening of the film, rated PG-13, is being presented in cooperation with NYC Parks Arts, Culture & Fun and Movies Under the Stars. Viewers may bring chairs for their comfort. For further information, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org or call 347-934-9497 and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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 annually. When the pandemic forced movie theaters to close, HFS began streaming Greek films worldwide and created a YouTube channel to satisfy audience demand for Greek film.

Support for the Hellenic Film society is provided by The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Kallinikeion Foundation, Flushing Town Hall, and Antenna Satellite TV. 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

The Hellenic Film Society presents a free screening of the movie musical Mamma Mia Here We Go Again at sundown on Sunday, August 27 at Athens Square Park, 30th Avenue/30th Street in Astoria, NY. The popular family movie, featuring a fun ABBA soundtrack, stars Meryl Streep and Cher. For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org.

Download the press release in its pdf version

Hellenic Film Society USA Presents
Romantic Drama, WHAT IF—Christopher Papakaliatis’ Directorial Debut
Sunday, June 4 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY

Astoria, NY – May 23, 2023 – The Hellenic Film Society USA presents the romantic drama, What If, starring the renowned actor-director Christopher Papakaliatis, on Sunday, June 4 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. The film is the directorial debut of Papakaliatis, who created and stars in the popular series Maestro in Blue, currently streaming on Netflix.

The film, recipient of two Hellenic Film Academy Awards, underscores how life can be forever changed by a chance encounter, or an action not taken. Two parallel stories demonstrate how mysterious, dangerous, yet enthralling life can be. A trailer for the film can be found on the Hellenic Film Society’s YouTube channel. The film is in Greek with English subtitles.

What If broke box office records when it was first released in Greece in 2012, and it established Papakaliatis, who was already known for his television work, as a young film director to take note of,” says Jimmy DeMetro, president of the Hellenic Film Society. “We are happy to present the film for those who want to experience it again and for those who have never seen it. It’s as fresh as the day it was originally released, a truly worthy addition to the canon of great cinematic romantic dramas.”

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 annually. 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

The Hellenic Film Society USA presents the romantic drama, What If on Sunday, June 4 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org.

Download the press release in its pdf version

Hellenic Film Society USA Presents
MAN OF GOD, Award-Winning Box Office Hit
Sunday, May 7 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY

Astoria, NY – April 19, 2023 – The Hellenic Film Society USA presents the inspiring drama, Man of God, on Sunday, May 7 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. Directed by Yelena Popovic, the film stars Aris Servetalis, one of Greece’s most highly regarded actors, and Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke.

The award-winning biopic tells the story of Saint Nektarios of Aegina, a humble Greek Orthodox priest who lived in the 20th century and was persecuted by religious superiors jealous of his popularity. Man of God was a box office hit in Greece and during limited release in the US. A trailer for the film can be found on the Hellenic Film Society’s YouTube channel. The film is in English.

“American filmgoers have been asking for this film since it was first released to sold-out audiences in Greece,” says Jimmy DeMetro, president of the Hellenic Film Society. “Many will be inspired by this modern-day saint who endured unjust slander and humiliation, but who led by example and ultimately triumphed over adversity.”

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 annually. 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

The Hellenic Film Society USA presents the award-winning biopic, Man of God on Sunday, May 7 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org.

Download the press release in its pdf version

Hellenic Film Society USA Celebrates Women’s History Month—
Presents Three Films By or About Women: On Demand and In Person,
Plus Interviews with Acclaimed Women Filmmakers

Astoria, NY – March 3, 2023 – The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) proudly celebrates Women’s History Month with programming that salutes the contributions of women in Greek film. Two films by acclaimed director Olga Malea will be available on demand March 3-12; the Always on Sunday monthly Greek film screening at the Museum of the Moving Image will present the film Patchwork, featuring a powerful lead performance by Angeliki Papoulia; and HFS will release a fascinating interview with actor/writer/director Mimi Denissi on its YouTube channel on International Women’s Day, March 8.

“Many creative women are playing an increasingly prominent role in Greek film as directors, writers, and actors and when we have shown their films over the years, they have been very well received,” says Jimmy DeMetro, president of the Hellenic Film Society. “These are artists whose voices need to be heard and whose perspectives need to be shared, and we are proud to present their films to American audiences.”

HFS will be streaming two films for ten days. Little Greek Godfather is a family comedy about an American-born boy sent to Crete to baptize the baby of a local Greek politician, only to struggle with the Greek language and local customs. Marjoram is a psychological drama about a little girl whose mother enters her into a television cooking competition. Both films will be streaming for ten days beginning Friday, March 3.

Patchwork will be presented on Sunday, March 26 as part of the Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series at the Museum of the Moving Image on 35th Avenue at 37th Street in Astoria. The film is a tour de force featuring an award-winning performance by Angeliki Papoulia about a woman coming to terms with her ambiguous feelings about motherhood.

In addition, the Hellenic Film Society is proud to present an exclusive interview with Mimi Denissi, the acclaimed actor, writer, director and producer, whose long list of credits includes Smyrna, My Beloved.  HFS will launch the interview on its YouTube channel on International Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 8.

For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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 annually. 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

Download the press release in its pdf version

Hellenic Film Society USA
Presents 18, Award-Winning Drama
Sunday, February 26 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY

Astoria, NY – February 13, 2023 – The Hellenic Film Society USA presents the powerful drama, 18, on Sunday, February 26 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. Directed by Vassilis Douvlis, the film just won the Audience Award for Best Film at the Cypriot and Greek Film Festival of Barcelona.

The powerful coming-of-age film portrays the difficulties faced by misguided adolescents as they try to navigate a world forged by economic crisis, the resurgence of fascism, and the pandemic. The film is in Greek with English subtitles. A trailer for the film can be found on the Hellenic Film Society’s YouTube channel.

“Director Vassilis Douvlis has created a gripping film that holds viewers’ attention,” says Jimmy DeMetro, president of the Hellenic Film Society. “It is an important film that intelligently deals with alarming social issues that are not just Greek, but global. I am delighted that 18 is getting the accolades it deserves.”

For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram. When purchasing film tickets, please use discount code SUNDAY20. 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.

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 annually. 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

The Hellenic Film Society USA presents the award-winning Greek film, 18, on Sunday, February 26 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org.

Download the press release in its pdf version

Hellenic Film Society USA
Resumes GREEK FILMS ON DEMAND—
Two Greek Films will Stream February 3-12

Astoria, NY – January 30, 2023 – The Hellenic Film Society USA launches its winter streaming season with two films by the acclaimed Greek director, Giorgos Georgopoulos. Tungsten and Not to Be Unpleasant But We Have To Talk About Something Serious will be available online worldwide, February 3—12, through  www.hellenicfilmusa.org. Both films star Vangelis Mourikis and Omiros Poulakis.

The metaphorical title Tungsten references the metal with the highest melting point. Centered on Athenians living close to the edge during the Greek economic crisis, the film has been widely praised by critics as one of the best Greek films of recent years.

Not To Be Unpleasant offers a change of pace. A dark comedy about toxic masculinity, the film revolves around a young womanizer who must track down his former partners in an effort to help find a cure for a sexually transmitted disease that is fatal only to women.

“Georgopoulos is at the forefront of talented Greek directors. His films are compelling and always interesting to watch, and we are especially excited about offering them online,” says Jimmy DeMetro, president of the Hellenic Film Society. “In addition to showcasing the work of a talented director, the films offer the chance to see astonishing performances by the inimitable Vangelis Mourikis and Omiros Poulakis.”

Trailers for both films, and an interview with the director can be found on the Hellenic Film Society’s YouTube channel.

Greek Films on Demand has been popular with audiences since originally launched by the Hellenic Film Society (HFS) during the pandemic. HFS continues to present monthly Greek films in person at the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY, through its Always on Sunday monthly film series, but has resumed its online offerings to give audiences outside of New York the opportunity to enjoy Greek films.

For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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 annually. 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

The Hellenic Film Society USA resumes Greek Films on Demand with a tribute to director Giorgos Georgopoulos. Tungsten (shown above) and Not to Be Unpleasant But We Have To Talk About Something Serious (below) will be available online worldwide, February 3-12. For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org.

Download the press release in its pdf version

Hellenic Film Society USA
Presents Greek Comedy Classic My Friend, Lefterakis
Sunday, January 29 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, NY

Astoria, NY – January 11, 2023 – The Hellenic Film Society USA presents the classic Greek film comedy, My Friend Lefterakis, on Sunday, January 29 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. The beloved 1963 farce from Greece’s famed Finos Film Studio stars two of Greek cinema’s most accomplished comic actors, Dinos Iliopoulos and Kostas Voutsas.  The screening is part of HFS’s Always on Sunday series of monthly Greek film screenings at MoMI.

Directed by Alekos Sakellarios, the film is about a cheating husband who invents a friend, Lefterakis, as a cover for his womanizing. But his wife is onto him, so she devises a devilish plan to expose his cheating ways. Replete with intrigue and hilarious surprises, the film is in Greek with English subtitles. A trailer for the film can be found on the Hellenic Film Society’s YouTube channel.

“The comedy in My Friend, Lefterakis, really holds up 60 years later,” says Jimmy DeMetro, president of the Hellenic Film Society. “Seeing it again on the big screen at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival this past November was a real treat, and we knew we had to bring it to our American audience.”

For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram. When purchasing film tickets, please use discount code SUNDAY20. The Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue in Astoria, is conveniently located near public transportation.  

HFS will soon be announcing plans to bring back Greek Films on Demand beginning in February.

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 annually. 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

The Hellenic Film Society USA presents the classic Greek film comedy, My Friend Lefterakis, on Sunday, January 29 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org.

Download the press release in its pdf version