LAGFF 2019 Winners

13th LA Greek Film Festival Announces the Winners

The red carpet Closing Night of the 13^th Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) was held Sunday, June 9^th at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. The West Coast premiere of Nikos Labôt’s  Her Job (Η δουλειά της), was followed by the Orpheus Awards Ceremony and an elegant reception in the outdoor courtyard of the Egyptian. Guests enjoyed Good Greek Grill, Georgos Wine, Pietris Bakery, Bakersland, and Sugarista. Music performance by Dimitris Mann & The Greek Rebetiko Trio.

Festival Director Aris Katopodis opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to guests that included filmmakers, industry professionals, Greek VIPS and dignitaries. The Awards were co-hosted by popular actresses Patricia Kara and Elena Evangelo. 

Emmy-nominated casting director and producer, Valorie Massalas was the 2019 Orpheus Award Honoree and received a standing ovation and cheers from the audience.  She is a longtime LAGFF Advisory Board member and co-produced and cast the acclaimed Gods and Monsters, which was nominated for three Oscar Awards.  Award winning actor-dancer and 2018 Orpheus Honoree, George Chakiris presented the Orpheus to Massalas.

Festival Director Aris Katopodis with Honoree Valorie Massalas

The following are the winners of the 13th edition of LA Greek Film Festival:

Jury Award Best Feature Film: Pause by Tonia Mishiali

Special Feature Jury Award: Still River by Angelos Frantzis

Best Documentary Film: Olympia by Harry Mavromichalis

Special Documentary Jury Award: Obscuro Barroco by Evangelia Kranioti

Van Vlahakis Best Short Film: I Am Mackenzie by Artemis Anastassiadou

Best Director: Maria Lafi for Holy Boom

Best Performance: Marisha Triantafyllidou for Her Job

Audience Award for Feature Film: ½ New Year directed by Tom Morash

Audience Award for Documentary: Obscuro Barroco by Evangelia Kranioti

Audience Award for Short Film: Flickering Souls Set Alight by Iakovos Panagopoulos

The Greek Rebetiko Trio (Photo by Georges Aintablian)