By Nick Christophers
Opening night at the Village East Cinema in Manhattan was a welcome turnout for the
Greek Film Society. The Society was the brainchild of Jimmy DeMetro who has been a
leader in promoting Greek film since 2006. In 2018 he decided to take it one step further
and founded the Greek Film Society whose goal is to showcase films from Greece to
the American and Greek audiences. The Society which is a non-for-profit organization is
supported by volunteers who are passionate about their culture and Greek filmmaking.
The current President, Mary Miles, has been on board with the Society since 2021 and
only recently was elected to her new position. Since being installed she has been
working hard to develop new ways of presenting the film festival that would elevate its
image on the world stage.
“I would like to do something new where I can place my own mark on the organization in
a positive way moving forward,” added Mary.
The Society has developed a strong partnership with the Museum of the Modern Image
where every month one Greek film is being featured. Hence, the Society does not only
focus only on the Film Festival but works yearly to promote and offer Greek filmmakers
a platform. Currently, Mary is working to assist other cities like Chicago or Atlanta to
create their own Greek Film Society. Florida has already developed their own version.
Even though the festival focus’ around Greek films from Greece they are on the cusp on
producing events like it that would be celebrating Greek American filmmakers. This
year’s Life Achievement Award went to seasoned actress Vangelio Andreadaki who has
made her mark in the Greek film industry. Her career has spanned four decades, and
she has proven to be a versatile actress.
“I enjoyed all the projects I have worked on. There is not one that supersedes the other.
I am blessed to have worked on these works and with talented individuals I worked
with,” said Vangelio.
Her career took off in 2008 when she won Best Actress at the 44 th Thessaloniki
International Film Festival for her role in the film “Eyes of the Night”. Vangelio began
acting in theatre first before taking on film and TV roles. Theatre was her first love as
was the other actor who was being honored at this year’s Film Festival, Thanos Tokakis.
In 2019 she won the Hellenic Film Academy Award for Best Actress on her role in the
project “SMAC” which was directed by Elias Demetriou.
“Even though we do not have the financial or promotional means that say the US film
industry has, we do have amazingly talented actors who have paved the way for the
Greek film industry to prosper in some way on the world stage,” added Vangelio.
On Opening Night one of the premier films to be shown as Thanos Tokakis’ “Little
Things That Went Wrong”. Thanos so far has directed three projects and acting in
many. His first stab at a short film was in 2017 called “Cowboys” which earned him
praise among his peers. It must be noted that he is an actor first and foremost where
theatre was his first love. Thanos also acted on TV shows since 2005 until he began
working as a filmmaker. He enjoys both acting and directing but acting is where he feels
most creative and free.
“For this film that is being presented here at the festival it was exciting to take on the
lead role. But to be part of this event is very special and dear to my heart and honor to
share my work with audiences outside of Greece,” said Thanos.
According to Thanos he believes that Greek film industry has much to offer and can be
a driving force in the Film World. Yet he thinks if the Greek industry were more united it
would bring more of a spotlight on the great talent pool it has and play a bigger role
globally. The Greek Film Expo would run from October 3 rd to the 13 th .
