LAGFF 2025

The 19th Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Program Announced
With 65+ Films in Competition May 27-June 1, Virtual on June 2-8

The 19th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) returns with expanded programs and 65+ films in competition. Artistic & Festival Director Aris  Katopodis has announced the 2025 official selections, a Tribute to legendary filmmaker Costa-Gavras, a collaboration with American Cinematheque, Discovery Days industry program, Hollywood Scene & Be Seen Bash, Greek TV Presentations, virtual screenings (June 2-8), including animation. “Showcasing 23 International and World premieres, 19 North American and US premieres, and 12 LA premieres, Greek cinema continues to have a vibrant presence in Hollywood,” said Mr. Katopodis. 

For the complete festival program, schedule, and passes, please visit www.lagff.org

OPENING NIGHT FILM: MAY 28 

• Z – Award-winning feature by Greek-French filmmaker Costa-Gavras. John Landis and Professor Deborah Nadoolman Landis will present him with the Honorary Orpheus Lifetime Achievement Award. Red Carpet Opening Night Reception will be catered by Petros Restaurant, Greek wines from AVRA, cocktails from KLEOS Mastiha Spirit, Dulce Vida Tequila, Empress Gin, and non-alcoholic drinks from Greece by Optima Foods. The multi-event tribute celebrating Costa-Gavras’ achievements is presented by ELMA.org

           
CLOSING NIGHT FILM: JUNE 1

• ARCADIA – Feature LA Premiere, directed by Yorgos Zois (who will attend) and starring Vangelis Mourikis, Angeliki Papoulia, and Elena Topalidou. The screening is followed by Red Carpet Orpheus Awards Ceremony, hosted by KNX news writer-producer Vivianne Linou Gabriel and a comedy set by Angelo Tsarouchas. Closing Night is presented by the Kolovos Family, and the reception is catered by PETROS Restaurant; wines by AVRA; drinks by KASTRA ELION, soft drinks & snacks by OPTIMA FOODS and water by SMARTWATER. 

LAGFF 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

• LAST BREATH - West Coast Premiere of Costa-Gavras’ new film starring Hiam Abbass, Denis Podalydes, Angelia Molina, and Charlotte Rampling will be followed by a Conversation with Oliver Stone and Costa-Gavras, and Reception. The event is hosted by the UCLA Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture. (May 31, James Bridges Theatre, UCLA)

• MEAT – LA premiere, award-winning film directed by Dimitris Nakos, in attendance

• KYUKA BEFORE SUMMER’S END – US Premiere, award-winning drama-comedy directed by Kostis Charamountanis

• MISSING and THE CONFESSION - The American Cinematheque in Collaboration with LAGFF screening of two Costa-Gavras films with Costa-Gavras and Michèle Ray-Gavras in attendance at Egyptian Theater. (June 2-3).

• MILLER’S CROSSING – Feature by Joel & Ethan Coen with Gabriel Byrne in person for a Q&A (June 3).

FREE FESTIVAL EVENTS

Masterclass with Gareth Ellis-Unwin presented by Antenna Group. Gareth Ellis-Unwin is an Academy and BAFTA award winning producer, best known for the film THE KINGS SPEECH (Oscar 2011, Best Picture). Now living and working in Greece, Gareth brings 30+ years of international filmmaking experience to a new venture within Antenna Group. During his 60-minute masterclass Gareth will reflect on his career to date, a journey that saw him go from being an assistant director all the way to picking up his Oscar and BAFTA Award, and discussing practical advice on pitching, developing and producing movies. He will also share details on the new venture in Greece, the values and ambitions of the new company in shaping Greek filmmaking, and most importantly how they will be looking to work with Greek talent from around the world. (May 31) 

SKAI Greek TV Presentation and documentary film screening TAKIS –  international premiere - directed by Michael Roubis with creative producer Eleni Alafouzos in attendance. TAKIS shares the inspiring journey of a former nightclub owner who gave up everything to rescue stray dogs on the island of Crete. Takis created a model animal shelter, where 2,500 abused dogs have been rescued and 1,500 adopted, mostly abroad. His commitment to doing good has created a snowball effect. May 31

LAGFF Sponsors

GPK & Associates and the Kolovos Family — GPK & Associates is an established property management company and family-owned business. GPK & Associates takes a hands-on approach to managing communities and has successfully leased and managed a large portfolio of apartment homes in the greater Los Angeles area for over 40 years. It is the company's mission to provide residents with the highest quality customer service and ensure their homes are comfortable and the properties are well maintained. GPK & Associates take pride in their level of customer service and the quality of workmanship provided in their remodeled apartment homes. They believe this translates into a positive rental experience for all residents who live in their communities. www.gpkassociates.com

Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture - The mission of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture (LACDAC) is to advance arts, culture, and creativity throughout LA County. LACDAC provides leadership, services, and support in areas including grants and technical assistance for nonprofit organizations, countywide arts education initiatives, commissioning and care for civic art collections, research and evaluation, access to creative pathways, professional development, free community programs, and cross sector creative strategies that address civic issues. All this work is framed by the longstanding commitment to fostering access to the arts, and the County’s Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative.  www.lacountyarts.org

European Languages & Movies in America - The European Languages & Movies in America (ELMA) mission is to create new avenues for better cultural understanding between the people of Europe and the USA by celebrating alternative cinema. Since its inception in 2007, ELMA has supported over 100 events in 30 countries in over 20 languages. ELMA strives to provide more opportunities to view European films by supporting educational and nonprofit venues showing such movies. ELMA supports a wide spectrum of projects, from classic films to the works of emerging talent in order to provide new audiences with an alternative to Hollywood. www.elma.org/copy-of-home-1

UCLA Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture was established in 2019 by a lead gift from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and matching funds provided by generous members of the Hellenic and Philhellenic community of Southern California. The Center supports a comprehensive set of academic and public initiatives, both locally, through strategic collaborations with organizations in Southern California, and in Greece and Cyprus, through partnerships with universities and cultural institutions. https://hellenic.ucla.edu/

The Egyptian Theatre is a classic and beloved movie palace originally built in 1922 during the silent film era. A fixture in Hollywood’s Golden Age, the Egyptian was the site of the world’s very first movie premiere of ROBIN HOOD starring Douglas Fairbanks and remains to this day the ultimate destination for moviegoers. This historic venue has been the home of glamorous red carpet premieres, groundbreaking film festivals and incredible cinematic experiences over the near-century it has been presenting films for audiences in Hollywood, the movie-making capital of the world.

In 2007, Petros Benekos opened his flagship restaurant, Petros Restaurant, in Manhattan Beach California, which Zagat named “Top New Restaurant” and which continues to earn accolades and awards celebrating Petros’s meticulously handmade recipes inspired by his mother. Today three additional Petros restaurants serve the popular communities of Century City, El Segundo and Solvang; while Petros' ‘Villa and Vine‘ has become the premier place for hosting luxury private events in Santa Barbara.

The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood - Located a block south of Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Los Angeles’ iconic Hollywood enclave, The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood brings the distinct Chicago hospitality brand to the West Coast. Exuding the energy of old Hollywood, the hotel’s curated art program and immersive interior design set the stage for supreme Hollywood moments. www.godfreyhotelhollywood.com

Additional Supporters: Getty, Aris Anagnos Charitable Trust, ERTFLIX International, The Gianopulos Family, Alexander Payne, The Antholis Family, The Siafaris Family, Greek National Tourism Organization, AT&T, Elina Siafaris Realtor Berkshire Hathaway, AVRA Estiatorio, Aris Anagnos Charitable Trust, Gibson Dunn & Theane Evangelis, Dr. Stephen & Dr. Anna Yallourakis, West Coast Investors, ANTENNA Satellite, SKAI, GTG Law, BEGREEK.com

About: LAGFF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses its attention on bringing films and filmmakers from Greece, Cyprus, and the rest of the world to the United States. Over the past 18 years, LAGFF has screened more than 800 films and hosted over 700 filmmakers supporting their films. 

For Ticket info and details, please visit: www.lagff.org