2024 PRESS RELEASES
Always on Sunday Resumes After Summer Hiatus
at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria
With Encore Screening of Fonissa on Sunday, November 10
Astoria, NY — October 28, 2024 – The Hellenic Film Society (HFS) begins a new season of monthly Greek films with a screening of the dramatic film, Fonissa, which played to a sold-out audience during the Society’s recent New York Greek Film Expo, a film festival for all New Yorkers, October 3—13. Following the screening, director Eva Nathena, who HFS is hosting from Greece, will participate in an audience Q&A. The screening, to be held on Sunday, November 10 at 3pm at the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image, is part of HFS’s Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series. Fonissa will be co-presented with New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT).
Based on the classic 1903 novel by Alexandros Papadiamantis, Fonissa tells the story of a midwife who, traumatized by the patriarchal society in which she lives, decides to take matters into her own hands to spare the baby girls she delivers from the oppression and abuse that village women were forced to endure at that time. The film received 16 2024 Hellenic Film Academy Award nominations, including Best Film, Best Director (Eva Nathena), Best Actress (Karyofyllia Karabeti) and Best Screenplay (Katerina Bei). Despite disturbing themes of domestic violence, feminicide, and infanticide, Fonissa was a box office hit in Greece before its sell-out screening at the Expo.
“Fonissa is one of the biggest commercial hits in Greece in recent years and we are thrilled to be able to show it again, since so many people didn’t get a chance to see it the first time,” says Maria C. Miles, Hellenic Film Society president. “It’s a powerful film with very moving performances by the entire cast and particularly the star, Karyofyllia Karabeti. It’s a film that will remain with audiences for a very long time.”
For further information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram. A trailer for the film and an interview with the creative team that brought Fonissa to life can be seen through the HFS website. The Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue in Astoria, is conveniently located near public transportation.
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 should be part of the American cultural landscape. Based in Astoria, NY, 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. HFS collaborates with other film festivals in the US, including the Chicago Film Expo, the South Florida Greek Film Festival, and the Atlanta Greek Film Expo, all of which are hosting Greek film festivals this fall.
The Kallinikeion Foundation and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) are the lead supporters of the Hellenic Film Society USA. Additional support is provided by Microsoft, Greek National Tourism Organization, the New York City Council, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and Antenna Satellite TV. 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.
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’s Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series resumes November 10 at 3pm at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria with an encore screening of Fonissa, one of the biggest box office hits in Greece in recent years. |
Hellenic Film Society Closes Out a Successful Run of NY Greek Film Expo 2024
Festival Audience Award for Most Popular Film Goes to The Promotion
Kostas Koronaios wins Best Performance in a Feature Film for The Last Taxi Driver
Astoria, NY – October 17, 2024 — The curtain came down on Sunday on the Hellenic Film Society’s New York Greek Film Expo 2024, after an 11-day run of 13 screenings of nine of the latest and best films from Greece. The Audience Award for most popular film went to The Promotion, directed by Periklis Choursoglou, a drama about a father and son attempting to sharpen their relationship. The award for Best Performance in a Feature Film went to Kostas Koronaios for his title role in The Last Taxi Driver, the story of a cabbie whose life is upended when he witnesses the suicide of a customer.
Screenings, including three that played to sell-out audiences, were held at the Village East Cinema in Manhattan, the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, NJ, and the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens. HFS hosted filmmakers from Greece, who had the opportunity to discuss their films with the audience following most screenings.
The Expo, a Greek film festival for all New Yorkers, was hosted by Thanos Tokakis, one of Greece’s most prolific character actors, and was sponsored by Axia Spirit. On opening night, October 3, the Hellenic Film Society presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran actress of stage, screen, and television, Vangelio Andreadaki. On Monday, October 7, the Consulate General of Greece hosted an interview with Tokakis, followed by a reception.
“This has been an exceptionally good year for Greek film and we were delighted by the turnout at the Expo,” said Maria C. Miles, Hellenic Film Society president. “New Yorkers are embracing Greek films and enthusiastically supported the Expo, and the visiting filmmakers were moved by their response.”
New York Greek Film Expo 2024 was made possible with support from the Kallinikeion Foundation, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Microsoft, the Greek National Tourism Organization, Axia Spirit, ConnectOne Bank, NYWIFT (New York Women in Film & Television), the New York City Council, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr, Antenna Satellite, and the family of Nikos A. Andriotis. The Expo was also funded in part by a grant from the New York City Tourism Foundation. It was also made possible, in part, with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a program of the New York State Council on the Arts 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 should be part of the American cultural landscape. Based in Astoria, NY, 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 presenting its annual film festival, HFS collaborates with the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image on Always on Sunday, a series of monthly Greek film screenings. HFS collaborates with other film festivals in the US, including the Chicago Film Expo, the South Florida Greek Film Festival, and the Atlanta Greek Film Expo, all of which are hosting Greek film festivals this fall.
Press Contact for information or photos: Nancy Nicolelis/718-898-7002/nancy.nicolelis.hfs@gmail.com
 |
| Hellenic Film Society USA presented the New York Greek Film Expo, a Greek film festival for all New Yorkers, October 3-13 in the theaters across the NY metro area. |
 |
| Director Haris Vafeiadis and Expo host, award-winning actor, Thanos Tokakis take questions from the audience following the opening-night screening of their film, Little Things That Went Wrong. |
 |
| Hellenic Film Society president Maria C. Miles presents the HFS Lifetime Achievement Award to award-winning actress Vangelio Andreadaki |
 |
| HFS hosted filmmakers from Greece who came to present their films and do Q&As with media and the audience. |
 |
| fiOpening night reception hosted by Axia Spirit. |
Hellenic Film Society USA presents New York Greek Film Expo 2024,
a Greek film festival for all New Yorkers, October 3—13
Screenings of the Latest Films from Greece in theaters across NY Metro Area,
with filmmakers in attendance.
Hosted by Award-Winning Actor Thanos Tokakis
Actress Vangelio Andreadaki to receive HFS Lifetime Achievement Award
Opening Night, Thursday, October 3
Astoria, NY – September 24, 2024 – The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) will present its annual New York Greek Film Expo, a Greek film festival for all New Yorkers, October 3—13. Screenings of the latest Greek films will be presented at the Village East Cinema in Manhattan, the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in Astoria, NY, and at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, NJ.
Many of the filmmakers from Greece whose films are being shown will attend and participate in Q&A sessions with the audience following their screenings. HFS will present 13 screenings of nine feature films, and a film short. All films are in Greek with English subtitles. An opening night reception, sponsored by Axia Spirit, will be held immediately following the screening on October 3.
On opening night, HFS will honor actress Vangelio Andreadaki with its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. In a career spanning more than four decades, Andreadaki has embraced a wide range of roles, bringing her characters to life through memorable performances, including in Eyes of Night (2008), The Building Manager (2010), and SMAC, which earned her the 2019 Hellenic Film Academy Award for Best Actress.
“This year’s Expo film lineup represents the best that Greek cinema has to offer in 2024,” said Maria C. Miles, president of the Hellenic Film Society. “We are proud to show these critically acclaimed and Greek box office hit films. The Expo is the culmination of the Hellenic Film Society’s celebration of Greek culture through film, not only with Greek Americans, but with audiences at large.”
The Expo will be hosted by Thanos Tokakis, one of Greece’s most prolific character actors, and winner of the Hellenic Film Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Eftyhia). Two of his 2023 films will be shown at this year’s Expo. The Consulate General of Greece in New York will host a discussion with Tokakis on Monday, October 7 at 6:30pm.
Ticket packages are available through the Hellenic Film Society’s website: www.HellenicFilmUSA.org.
New York Greek Film Expo 2024 is made possible with support from the Kallinikeion Foundation, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Microsoft, the Greek National Tourism Organization, Axia Spirit, ConnectOne Bank, NYWIFT (New York Women in Film & Television), the New York City Council, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr, Antenna Satellite, and the family of Nikos A. Andriotis. The New York Greek Film Expo is also funded in part by a grant from the New York City Tourism Foundation. It is also made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by Flushing Town Hall.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org or call 347-934-9497.
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 should be part of the American cultural landscape. Based in Astoria, NY, 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 presenting its annual film festival, HFS collaborates with the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image on Always on Sunday, a series of monthly Greek film screenings. HFS collaborates with other film festivals in the US, including the Chicago Film Expo, the South Florida Greek Film Festival, and the Atlanta Greek Film Expo, all of which are hosting Greek film festivals this fall.
Press Contact for information or photos: Nancy Nicolelis/718-898-7002/nancy.nicolelis.hfs@gmail.com
 |
New York Greek Film Expo 2024 Feature Films
All films are in Greek with English subtitles
ANIMAL – New York Premiere. An aging, modestly talented entertainer realizes that it is time to give up her career.
Directed by Sofia Exarchou. With Dimitra Vlagopoulou, Flomaria Papadaki, Ahilleas Hariskos. Seven 2023 Hellenic Film Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Vlagopoulou), and Best Supporting Actress (Papadaki). Followed by audience Q&A with lead producer Maria Drandaki. Co-presented with NYWIFT, New York Women in Film & Television.
ATHENS MIDNIGHT RADIO – US premiere. On the evening of his 50th birthday, a radio announcer decides to use the air waves to find the woman he loved and lost years ago. Directed by Renos Haralambidis. With Haralambidis, Eleftheria Stamou, Margarita Amarantidi, Maria Zervou. The feature film will be preceded by a short, The Armchair on the Pavement, directed and written by Mary Kolonia. The program will be followed by audience Q&A with Haralambidis.
FONISSA (Murderess). Despair over women’s oppressive living conditions in her island community circa 1900 drives a midwife to find a violent solution to confront the evils of a male-dominated society. Directed by Eva Nathena. With Karyofyllia Karabeti, Maria Protopappa, Elena Topalidou, Dimitris Imellos. Sixteen 2024 Hellenic Film Academy Award nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress (Karabeti) and Best Screenplay (Katerina Bei). Followed by audience Q&A with director Eva Nathena. Co-presented with NYWIFT, New York Women in Film & Television.
GUEST STAR – New York Premiere. The hapless son of famous actors gets a chance to earn his own place in the public eye. Directed by Vasilis Christofilakis. With Christofilakis, Elli Tringou, Natasa Exintaveloni. Followed by audience Q&A with Christofilakis.
THE LAST TAXI DRIVER – New York Premiere. The suicide of a customer prompts a taxi driver to attempt to change his dead-end life. Directed by Stergios Paschos. With Kostas Koronaios, Kleilia Andriolatou, Marisha Triantafyllidou, Ektor Liatsos. Five 2024 Hellenic Film Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress (Andriolatou), Best Actor (Koronaios), Best Supporting Actress (Triantafyllidou), and Best Screenplay (Stergios Paschos). Followed by audience Q&A with Koronaios.
LITTLE THINGS THAT WENT WRONG (Opening Night Screening) – New York Premiere. Two fathers from opposite ends of the social scale come together in a situation that captures the desperation lurking in each man’s psyche. Directed by Haris Vafeiadis. With Thanos Tokakis, Mihalis Siriopoulos, Hristina Heila-Fameli, Maro Papadopoulou. Nominated for five Hellenic Film Academy Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay (Vafeiadis), Best Actor (Tokakis). Opening night screening followed by audience Q&A with Tokakis and Vafeiadis.
THE PROMOTION – New York Premiere. A trip becomes the occasion for a father and his adult son to sharpen their connection through cathartic healing. Directed by Periklis Choursoglou. With Alexandros Logothetis, Vasilis Kolovos, Eleni Gerasimidou, Dimitris Naziris, Vangelio Andreadaki. 2024 Hellenic Film Academy Award: Best Supporting Actor (Kolovos). Followed by audience Q&A with Choursoglou and Andreadaki.
THE RHAPSODIST – New York Premiere. A storyteller captivates barroom patrons with stories that are as zany as they are entertaining. Directed by Nikolai Hamel. With Prometheus Aleifer, Thanos Tokakis, Maria Katsandri, Natalia Swift. 2023 Thessaloniki International Film Festival: Youth Jury Award. Followed by audience Q&A with Tokakis and director Nikolai Hamel.
YANI SPANOS: BEHIND THE MARQUEE – New York Premiere. The life of the beloved composer is examined in this song-filled documentary. Directed by Aris Dorizas. Followed by audience Q&A with Dorizas.
New York Greek Film Expo 2024 Screening Schedule
Village East Cinema, 181 Second Ave at 12th St., NY, NY
Opening Night
Th Oct 3
7 pm – LITTLE THINGS THAT WENT WRONG, followed by the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Vangelio Andreadaki and audience Q&A with lead actor Thanos Tokakis and director Haris Vafeiadis. Opening night reception immediately following.
Fri Oct 4
7 pm – ANIMAL, followed by audience Q&A with lead producer Maria Drandaki
Sat Oct 5
6 pm – THE LAST TAXI DRIVER, followed by audience Q&A with lead actor Kostas Koronaios
8:30 pm – ATHENS MIDNIGHT RADIO, followed by audience Q&A with director-actor Renos Haralambidis
Sun Oct 6
1 pm – GUEST STAR, followed by audience Q&A with director and lead actor Vasilis Christofilakis
3:30 pm – THE PROMOTION, followed by audience Q&A with director Periklis Choursoglou and actress Vangelio Andreadaki
6 pm – THE RHAPSODIST, followed by audience Q&A with actor Thanos Tokakis and director Nikolai Hamel
Barrymore Film Center, 153 Main St., Fort Lee, NJ
Tue Oct 8
7:30 pm – THE PROMOTION
Wed Oct 9
7:30 pm – LITTLE THINGS THAT WENT WRONG
Museum of the Moving Image, 35th Ave at 37th St., Astoria, NY
Fri Oct 11
7 pm – LITTLE THINGS THAT WENT WRONG
Sat Oct 12
6 pm – FONISSA, followed by audience Q&A with director Eva Nathena
Fri Oct 13
3 pm – THE PROMOTION
5:30 pm – YANI SPANOS: BEHIND THE MARQUEE, followed by audience Q&A with director Aris Dorizas
 |
FREE Movie Screening Presented by Hellenic Film Society USA—
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3
Sunday, August 25 at Athens Square Park in Astoria
Astoria, NY – August 16, 2024 – The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS), in association with the New York City Parks Department, will present a free screening of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 on Sunday, August 25 at 8pm at Athens Square Park, 30th Avenue at 30th Street, in Astoria, NY.
The comedy, released last year, is a sequel to the first My Big Fat Greek Wedding film, which was a huge box office hit when it was released in 2002. In the new film, the Portokalos family journeys to their ancestral village in Greece. It’s a big, fat Greek family vacation! Most of the original cast returns for the sequel, including Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Andrea Martin, and Joey Fatone.
“This is not the type of film the Hellenic Film Society typically presents, but this movie franchise has made such an indelible impression on all movie-goers—Greek and non-Greek—and it’s a fun family movie that’s ideal for a summer evening in the park,” says Maria C. Miles, president of the Hellenic Film Society USA.
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 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, a Greek film festival for all New Yorkers. This year’s Expo will be held October 3-13 at the Village East Cinema in Manhattan, the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, and the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, NJ.
Support for the Hellenic Film society is provided by The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Kallinikeion Foundation, the New York City Council, Flushing Town Hall, ConnectOne Bank, 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 comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 at sundown on Sunday, August 25 at Athens Square Park, 30th Avenue at 30th Street in Astoria, NY | |
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
 | |
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
 | |
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
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
 | |
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
 | |
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
 | |
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
 | |
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. | |
Reload document
Open in new tab 
Before Getting Started
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
) in the bottom right-hand side of the player.