Greek Immigrant Film Festival
The Greek Immigrant Film Festival, which began with a screening of Nestoras Matsas’s THE IMMIGRANT on October 16, concludes with two more films concerning the diaspora of Hellenic culture. Organized by the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, in collaboration with the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center, the Gene Siskel Film Center, the Hellenic Parliament, and the Chicago Greek Film Festival. This series is presented as part of the Film Center’s November-December focus on preservation of our international film heritage.
UNTIL THE SHIP SAILS
(MEHRI TO PLIO)
1966, Alexis Damianos, Greece, 93 min.
With Alexis Damianos, Christos Tsangas
Also well-known as an actor (Pantelis Voulgaris’s THE THIEF), Alexis Damianos directed only three films before his death last year. They are all considered landmarks of Greek cinema, noted for their individualistic style and their potent combination of violence and lyricism. UNTIL THE SHIP SAILS, Damianos’s first film, is divided into three parts, following its hero from a mountain village to the port city of Piraeus, from which he hopes to emigrate to Australia. In Greek with English subtitles. 35mm. (MR)
Friday, November 2, 8:15 pm
Monday, November 5, 8:00 pm
Marco Gastine in person!
MARSEILLES, DISTANT DAUGHTER
(MASALIA, KORI MAKRINI)
2004, Marco Gastine, Greece, 87 min.
Former architect Gastine specializes in portraits of cities and their people. Beginning with wealthy merchants from Constantinople in the 19th Century, Greek immigrants settled in Marseilles and formed a vital community there. Gastine’s documentary explores the dual identity of this Franco-Greco enclave, centering on one woman, Yetou, who acts as our guide. In Greek, French, and English with English subtitles. Beta SP video. (MR)
Director Marco Gastine will be present for audience discussion at both screenings.