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

LAGFF Orpheus Awards

Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Closing Night Orpheus Awards & Party

Karyofyllia Karabeti Honored with 2024 Orpheus Award

Photo credit: Vanessa Skopeo (@HeartSparkStudios)

Several hundred guests attended Closing Night of the 18th Los Angeles Greek Film Festival on June 9 at Silver Screen Theatre, Pacific Design Center. The critically acclaimed MURDERESS (FONISSA), starring Karyofyllia Karabeti and directed by Eva Nathena, was featured and included a live dialogue with the film’s star and director. The screening was preceded by a lively red carpet hosted by influencer Becca Brazil and followed by the Orpheus Awards. 

The Orpheus Awards hosted by Arianna Papalexopoulos honored renowned Greek actress Karyofyllia Karabeti with the 2024 Orpheus Award. Awards Presenters were Angelo Hatgistavrou: Best Animation, Maria Korinthiou: Best Short Film, Jaswant Shrestha: Best Documentary, Eliza Gerontakis: Honoree Award, Elena Evangelo: Best Performance + Best Director, Marie Avgeropoulos: Best Film. 

The Closing Night reception and party were presented by The Kolovos Family, appetizers and catering by NICK THE GREEK, wines by AVRA, VIP Room catering by Petros, Cocktails from Kleos Mastiha, Dulce Vida Tequila, and Empress Gin, Water from Smart Water, soft drinks and cookies by Optima Foods and VIP gift bags from Chrysofora olive oil and Hellenic Aesthetic.

LAGFF 2024 Jury Panelists: Spiro Skentzos, Colin Campbell, Andrew Wagner, Jaswant Shrestha, María Elena de las Carreras, Eugene Brancolini, Cheng Guo, Portlynn Tagavi, Chris Tsirgiotis, Hugh O’Gorman, Lisa Ogdie, and Jourdain Searles.

LAGFF 2024 showcased 80+ films over 9 days in theatres and one week online (June 9-16), including feature films, shorts, documentaries, animation, and retrospectives, highlighting the depth of the Greek Film Industry today. The on-line portion of the Festival (June 9-16) offers virtual screenings and events on the LAGFF platform powered by Eventive and presented by the GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION. On June 13, a Distribution Agreements Webinar with Entertainment Attorney Carol T. Contes and Freestyle Digital Media's Head of Digital Film Distribution Bill Vergos is geared toward independent filmmakers.

The 2024 Orpheus Winners:

ANIMATION

Ready by Eirini Vianelli - Best Animation

Claw Machine by George Salameh - Special Jury Award

SHORTS

Wings by Fivos Imellos - Best Short

Buffer Zone by Savvas Stavrou - Special Jury Award

DOCUMENTARIES

Kristos, the last child by Giulia Amati - Best Documentary

Laughing in Afghanistan by Anneta Papathanassiou - Special Jury Award

BEST PERFORMANCE

Best Performance - Dimitra Vlagopoulou for her role in Animal 

Special Jury Award - Karyofyllia Karabeti for her role in Murderess

BEST DIRECTOR

Best - Adonis Florides for Africa Star

Special Jury Award - Eva Nathena for Murderess

BEST FILM

Animal by Sofia Exarchou

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Audience for SHORT

ONE NOTE MAN by George Siougas

Audience Award for DOCUMENTARY

Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field by Michael Selditch

Audience Award for FEATURE FILM

JAUNT by Alexi Papalexopoulos

Discovery Days Honorable Mention

Four Funerals And A Wedding (Montenegro) 

Director / Writer: Nikola Mijovic

Producer: Maja Kecojevic (Parangal Film)

Discovery Days Winner

Nearby Faraway (Greek, Germany) 

Director / Writer: Sonia Liza Kenterman

Producer: Myrto Stathi (BYRD)

Photo credit: Vanessa Skopeo (@HeartSparkStudios)

Now in its 10th edition, the DISCOVERY DAYS story & screenplay lab continues to serve as an industry leader in developing artistic international feature film projects as well as fostering ties between filmmakers from Southern Europe / the Balkans and the Los Angeles community of cinema. Many films that have participated in the lab go on to successful paths, including MEDIUM directed by Christina Ioakeimidi, screening at this year's LAGFF. Under the leadership of director Araceli Lemos, Discovery Days received a record number of submissions and ultimately selected seven projects. The team includes Joel Garber (Producer), Karina Logothetis (Producer) and Nasos Gatzoulis (Programmer). To celebrate Discovery Days' 10th anniversary edition, Greek sculptor Kyriakos Rokos created this year's award.

DISCOVERY DAYS 2024 Jury: Mo Perkins, Orly Ravid, Dea Vasquez, and Jonathan Wysocki.

DISCOVERY DAYS 2024 Mentors - https://www.lagff.org/discovery-days/meet-the-experts-2024/

LAGFF 2024

18th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
June 1-9 - Regal L.A. Live!    June 9-16 - Virtual

THE 18TH LOS ANGELES GREEK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2024 PROGRAM WITH 80+ FILMS IN COMPETITION

The 18th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) returns with an expanded program and over 80 films in competition. Artistic & Festival Director Aristotle Katopodis announced the 2024 Festival lineup of premieres, screenings, events and masterclass (June 1-9), followed by a virtual film program of screenings and industry webinars (June 9 -16). “We’re thrilled and honored to feature some of the most exciting films and filmmakers available today,” explains Katopodis. “Showcasing over 80 films in 9 days, including feature films, short films, documentaries, animation, and retrospectives, illustrates our intent to highlight the breadth and depth of the Greek Film Industry that continues to surprise us with top awards in all major film festivals and innovative international co-productions."

Red Carpet Opening Night on June 1 features Sofia Exarchou’s multi-awarded ANIMAL, which also received the Golden Alexander, Thessaloniki International Film Festival’s top prize last fall. Opening Night Reception is generously presented by European Languages & Movies in America (www.ELMA.org) and will be catered by NICK THE GREEK, wines offered by AVRA, liquor and crafted cocktails by DULCE VIDA TEQUILA and EMPRESS GIN, water provided by SMARTWATER, non-alcoholic beverages offered by OPTIMA FOODS. The event will take place at the Harmony Gold Theater in West Hollywood.

Red Carpet Closing Night & Orpheus Awards Celebration on June 9 features MURDERESS based on the classic by Alexandros Papadiamantis. The screening will be preceded by red carpet & appetizers and followed with the Orpheus Awards honoring Greek renowned actress and MURDERESS star Karyofyllia Karabeti. The Closing Night Reception is generously presented by The Kolovos Family and features catering by NICK THE GREEK, wines offered by AVRA, Mastiha drinks by KLEOS, liquor and craft cocktails by DULCE VIDA TEQUILA and EMPRESS GIN, water provided by SMARTWATER, non-alcoholic beverages offered by OPTIMA FOODS. The event will take place at Pacific Design Center - Silver Screen Theater in West Hollywood.

Now in its 10th edition, the DISCOVERY DAYS story & screenplay lab continues to serve as an industry leader in developing artistic international feature film projects as well as fostering ties between filmmakers from Southern Europe / the Balkans and the Los Angeles community of cinema. Many films that have participated in the lab go on to successful paths, including MEDIUM directed by Christina Ioakeimidi, screening at this year's LAGFF. Under the leadership of director Araceli Lemos, Discovery Days received a record number of submissions and ultimately selected seven projects. The team includes Joel Garber (Producer), Karina Logothetis (Producer) and Nasos Gatzoulis (Programmer).

Festivities also include the HOLLYWOOD SCENE & BE SEEN BASH, co-produced by Los Angeles Greek Film Festival, Global Greek Film Initiative and The Hellenic Initiative. The event will feature live entertainment by Greek American singer Angelina Alexon on June 6 on the rooftop of The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, which is also one of LAGFF 2024 sponsors. 

For more information, please visit: LAGFF2024

Key Dates

• June 1 - Red Carpet Opening Night with Sofia Exarchou’s multi-awarded ANIMAL.

Reception presented by ELMA. Harmony Gold Theater, 7655 W. Sunset Blvd.

• June 2 to 8 – In Person Screenings & Events, Regal LA Live, 1000 W Olympic Blvd DTLA. Validated parking in structure behind the theater.

• June 2 - Cinematography Masterclass with emerging Greek Director of Photography and GGFI-LAGFF Dignitary Akis Konstantakopoulos. Regal LA Live at 2PM following the film Light Falls where Akis was the DP.

• June 4 - Cinematic Tribute to Cyprus in partnership with Honorary Consul General of Cyprus Andreas Kyprianides, Michael Cacoyannis Foundation and Saint Sophia Cathedral at Saint Sophia Huffington Center.

• June 5-9 – Discovery Days Screenplay & Pitch Lab, final presentations audit on June 9. Regal LA Live (Gold/Platinum Pass holders only). 

• June 6 – The Hollywood Scene & Be Seen Bash at the Godfrey Hotel Rooftop at 1400 N. Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood. (Ticketed Event or Platinum Pass holders).

• June 8 – Filmmaker Brunch at the home of Consul General of Greece (Gold/Platinum Pass holder only).

• June 8 – Greek Television Production Roundtable, Regal LA Live at 4 PM.

• June 9 – Red Carpet Closing Night & Orpheus Awards featuring MURDERESS based on the classic by Alexandros Papadiamantis. Pacific Design Center - Silver Screen Theater, 8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood. 

• June 9-16 – Virtual Screenings & Events on LAGFF platform powered by Eventive. 

• June 13 – Distribution Agreements – An informative free webinar with Entertainment lawyer Carol Contes geared toward independent filmmakers (10am, PDT).

 

          

LAGFF 2023 Winners

2023 Los Angeles Greek Film Festival - Orpheus Award Winners

 

The red carpet Closing Night of the 17th Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) on Sunday, June 11 at the Silver Screen Theatre, Pacific Design Center featured the LA Premiere of award-winning film LISTEN written and directed by Maria Douza. Douza and actors Efthalia Papakosta and Dimitris Kitsos were in attendance.

The 2023 Orpheus Award ceremony followed the screening and was emceed by AFI’s Chris Schwartz. Guests included VIPs, celebrities, dignitaries, jurors, and sponsors, along with filmmakers from Greece and Cyprus and international filmmakers of Greek descent. A lively reception catered by Nick The Greek concluded the evening.

LAGFF 2023 included films, filmmakers, Masterclasses, Workshops, events and a virtual program of screenings following the Festival. “Over the past 17 years, LAGFF has screened over 650 films and hosted over 550 filmmakers supporting their films,” Festival Director Aris Katopodis stated. “The Festival is getting bigger, stronger and bolder. Over 80 films were either screened or available on our platform. While looking outwards, LAGFF is expanding its collaborations with a host of US based and international institutions.”

LISTEN director Maria Douza with the fim stars Efthalia Papakosta and Dimitris Kitsos 

 

Orpheus Award Winners

 

Fiction Feature Film

Best Fiction Film: LISTEN by Maria Douza 

Special Jury Award for Best Film: IMAN by Corinna Avraamidou and Kyriakos Tofarides 

Best Director: Panos Koutras for DODO 

Honorable Mention for Best Director: Spiros Jacovides for Black Stone

Best Performance: Efthalia Papacosta for Listen

Honorable Mention for Best Performance: Stephanie Atala for IMAN

 

Documentaries

Best Documentary: The Other Half by Giorgos Moutafis – (from the online slate)

Special Jury Prize for Documentary Directing: Queen of the Deuce by Valorie Kontakos 

 

Short Films

Best Short: Pebble by Karina Logothetis 

Special Jury Award: Air Hostess - 737 by Thanasis Neofotistos 

Honorable Mention: 5 pm Seaside by Valentin Stejskal 

 

Animation

Best Animation: My Mother the Sea by Aspasia Kazeli 

Honorable Mention: The Trojan Horace by Scott Graham 

 

Audience Awards 

FEATURE FILM: Black Stone 

DOCUMENTARY FILM: Venizelos: the Struggle for Asia Minor

SHORT FILM: Share For Me

 

Discovery Days, formerly the International Project Discovery Forum (IPDF), is a Los Angeles pioneer in the promotion of international independent film development. It is the industry section of the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival. Utilizing the innumerable cinematic resources in Los Angeles, the mission is to create a bridge between two very different worlds – those of American and European independent cinema.

The 2023 Jury: Producer & Sundance’s Catalyst Program Director Giulia Caruso, Programmer-Producer Drea Clark (A VIEW OF THE WORLD FROM FIFTH AVENUE), Director Yannis Sakaridis (AMERIKA SQUARE) and Filmmaker-Editor Nicole Otero (SLIP).

DISCOVERY DAYS Co-Founder/Director Araceli Lemos states, “The ninth edition of Discovery Days brought six unique projects that are currently in development to Los Angeles to be workshopped and presented to industry professionals here. We thank the filmmakers for trusting us to help them with their stories during this exciting and vulnerable stage. I am always amazed by how large a leap forward the filmmakers take, thanks to the support of the generous creative community that has been built around the lab throughout the years.”

Winner:

The jury was impressed by this film's ability to weave cultural specificity into a contemporary world, to bridge ancient stories with fresh resonance. It reminded us all of the devastating yet critical moment when we finally see our parents as imperfect beings. And yet all of these themes are inside of an adventure we all want to go on with our families. With a very clever title to boot. We are happy to grant the Discovery Days award to A Girl Named Zeus by Nikos Dayandas. 

Honorable Mention:

We give honorable mention to a project that shows a lot of promise in its premise, perspective, and ambition. We hope this acknowledgment will encourage you to take your ideas to script, to craft an exceptional cast of characters to support all the nuance in the world you want to create. Our honorable mention is Story from A Southern Coast by Alki Politi. 

LAGFF 2023

 

17th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
June 3-11 - Regal L.A. Live!    June 12-18 - Virtual

The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) showcases new films from Greece and Cyprus, and includes works by international filmmakers of Greek descent.

The Festival’s Orpheus Award is named for the legendary Greek poet and “father of songs” and is the annual prize honoring the best in Greek and Greek inspired cinema. Since the Festival’s inception in 2007, the awards night has become an integral event serving to highlight filmmakers who are changing the way we think about film.

Buy Gold Pass here which offers all-inclusive access to:

• All theatrical screenings and live Q&As at Regal LA Live, June 4-10, 2023
• Opening Night Gala including the George Pelecanos Tribute at UCLA James Bridges Theater, June 3, 2023
• Orpheus Awards and Closing Night Gala at Pacific Design Center, June 11, 2023
• Filmmaker Brunch (exclusive) at the Consul General’s house, June 10, 2023
• All panels and industry events, June 3-11, 2023
• Discovery Days auditing (exclusive), June 11, 2023
• All virtual screenings, June 12-18, 2023

Opening Night Gala including the George Pelecanos Tribute at UCLA James Bridges Theater

BLACK STONE

A documentary crew stumbles on Haroula, a desperate, overprotective Greek mother in search of her son, who is accused of fraud. Haroula, accompanied by her other son, who is disabled, and a Greek-African taxi driver, sets out to bring him back home where he belongs–even if this means Haroula will discover who her son really is.

• 2022 Thessaloniki International Film Festival – Best Newcomer Director, 4 Audience Awards
• 2023 Trieste Film Festival – Special Mention of the Jury Award, Audience Awards
• 2023 The Greek Film Festival in Berlin – Emerging Greeks Award
• 2023 Nominated for seven Iris Awards

Closing Night Gala and the Orpheus Awards at Pacific Design Center

LISTEN

Financial upheaval forces a sixteen-year-old deaf girl to leave her progressive Athens school and return to her father’s struggling island, where she is confronted by the danger of prejudice and intolerance—including, most shockingly, her own.

• 2023 Dhaka International Film Festival – Women Filmmakers Section – Best Feature Film Award
• 2023 Sofia Film Festival – SFF Teen Competition
• 2023 The Greek Film Festival in Berlin
• 2023 WOW Film Festival
• 2022, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
• 2022, Thessaloniki International Film Festival
• 2022, Cairo International Film Festival
• 2022 WIFT GR Film Festival

FEATURE FILMS 

Theatrical screenings and live Q&As at Regal L.A. Live

Click here for Full Schedule and Ticket info

CAVEWOMAN

During the Nazi invasion of Greece, a female resistance fighter embarks on a revenge operation to assassinate her own mother, in the name of God. Inspired by the tragedy Electra, by the ancient Greek playwright Euripides.

IMAN

Three stories about characters whose actions may mean the difference between life and death: an Arab Muslim civil engineer has to come to terms with his responsibility in the collapse of a building in an Arab refugee settlement; two young radicalized Europeans of Arab origin are sent on a secret mission; a lonely 17-year old girl falls for a handsome, domineering young man.

DODO

In their luxurious villa near Athens, Mariella and Pavlos, a couple on the brink of financial ruin, are about to celebrate the long-awaited wedding of their daughter Sofia to a wealthy heir. Then, a dodo, a bird that became extinct 300 years ago, appears, dragging all the protagonists into a crazy situation that will soon be out of control.

KARAGIOZIS THE MOVIE

The first CGI animation movie produced and created in Greece. The Commander decides to appoint a public secretary to serve the citizens in their need to communicate in writing. Hadjiavatis undertakes the task to find the right candidate for the job. He meets Karaghiozis, who shows off his grammatical knowledge and hilariously but paradoxically takes the job.

MAGNETIC FIELDS

Having met by chance on the way to an island, a man and a woman wander around together in search of a good place to bury a metal box.

TRAVELLING GHOSTS

Α Greek filmmaker finds himself in Trieste, Italy where he plans to make a documentary film on the occasion of the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution (1821-2021), following the footsteps of the Greek revolutionary Rìgas Feràios. While visiting the Greek Orthodox cemetery, a group of ghosts from the 18th century decides to follow his path. A modern comedy based on real historic events.

VENIZELOS: THE STRUGGLE FOR ASIA MINOR

Eleftherios Venizelos, one of Greece’s greatest statesmen, faces challenges that test his diplomatic and humanitarian skills during the critical decade from the Balkan Wars and World War I, up to the Asia Minor Catastrophe and the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne. His struggle is told through dramatized scenes, rare archival material, and expert interviews.

WHERE WE LIVE

It’s Antonis Spetsiotis’ birthday. Antonis is a down-on-his luck attorney, but this day will be a turning point: all his relationships and commitments will be challenged and re-examined as this modern Ulysses travels from the courthouses to remote Athenian outskirts. When the new dawn breaks, he will be a changed man.

 

LAGFF 2022 Winners

16th Los Angeles Greek Film Festival 
Red Carpet Closing Night - Orpheus Award Winners

The red carpet Closing Night of the 16th Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) on Sunday, May 15 at the Silver Screen Theatre, Pacific Design Center was a great success. The screening of Araceli Lemos’ award-winning “HOLY EMY”, Orpheus Awards & Reception at the state-of-the-art Silver Screen Theatre at the Pacific Design Center included VIPS, celebrities, dignitaries, along with many filmmakers from Greece. Guests enjoyed music by popular DJ Yiannis Markoulakis, Greek cuisine from Pietris Bakery and signature cocktails by Kástra Elión Vodka.

Festival Director Aris Katopodis opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to the (sold out audience). “What an exceptional Festival week we have had - We are back and we are better than ever,” exclaimed Katopodis”. The Awards Ceremony was co-hosted by Lia Bozonelis and Alex Kalognomos. 

LAGFF 2022 consisted of 64 films, including 25 female filmmakers and showcasing 8 world premieres, 5 international premieres, 7 North American premieres, 9 West Coast premieres, 13 U.S. premieres, 10 Los Angeles premieres and 14 animated films. The virtual portion of the Festival continues through May 22^th, including on-line access internationally to 50% of the films.

Orpheus Award Winners:

 

Best Feature Fiction Film 

Holy Emy by Araceli Lemos

Best Director Feature Fiction Film

Araceli Lemos for Holy Emy

 

Best Performance in a Feature Fiction Film

Angeliki Papoulia for her role in Patchwork

Honorable Mention: Nikos Zegkinoglou for his role in 18

Honorable Mention: Aris Servetalis for his role in Pack of Sheep (This one was a supporting role, but the committee thought it was worth mentioning)

Audience Award: Smyrna, My Beloved

 

Best Documentary Film

The Students of Umberto Primo by Alessandra Maioletti

Special Jury Award: How to Train an Antihero by Yannis Bletas

Special Jury Award: Memento by Nikos Ziogas

Audience Award, Outer Space Kids by George Gounezos

 

Best Short Film

To Vancouver by Artemis Anastasiadou

Honorable Mention: Brutalia, Days of Labour by Manolis Mavris

Honorable Mention: Memoir of a Veering Storm: by Sofia Georgovassili

Audience Award: Nexting by Karina Logotheti

 

Best Animation

From The Balcony by Aris Kaplanidis, Elias Roumeliotis

Honorable Mention: Afterimage by Antonis Doussias

 

IPDF Award Winner

Glory B - Director: Konstantinos Antonopoulos, Producer: Fani Skartouli

Honorable Mention: Shibboleth - Writer/ Director: Alexandra Matheou

Group photo of the winners - Photo credit: Urbanite Media/Steve Sasaki

LAGFF 2022

16th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
May 9-15 - Regal L.A. Live! May 12-29 - Virtual

Artistic & Festival Director, Aristotle Katopodis has announced the 16th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) will be held on May 9-15, 2022, featuring in-person screenings and events. A virtual film program of screenings and exciting webinars follows from May 12-29. “We’re thrilled to physically welcome back filmgoers and filmmakers, Lets’ Meet Again” states Katopodis. “We received over 250 film submissions this year, many reflecting exceptional creativity and diversity. While the pandemic effect was evident in the number of films produced, the perseverance of the filmmakers is astounding.”

 

Venues & Key Dates

• May 9 - Opening Night Film & Reception, hosted by UCLA’s Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture, James Bridges Theater at UCLA

• May 10 to 15 – Theatrical Screenings, LA Live Regal Cinemas, DTLA

• May 11 - Hollywood Scene & Be Seen Bash, presented by Power Muse + LAGFF

• May 14 - Filmmaker’s Breakfast, Olympia Dukakis Tribute presented by Apollo Dukakis

• May 15 - Closing Night, Orpheus Awards & Festivities, Silver Screen Theater at Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood

The LAGFF Gold Pass ($175) - https://lagff2022.eventive.org/passes/buy

The LAGFF Gold Pass gives you access to all theatrical screenings (May 9-15); all virtual screenings, webinars and workshops (May 12-29); Opening Night; Preferred Seating for Closing Night; Hollywood Scene & Be Seen Bash; Filmmaker’s Breakfast; Olympia Dukakis Tribute event presented by Apollo Dukakis; Presentations from the International Project Discovery Forum, exclusive audit, May 15.

 

OPENING NIGHT FILM - SMYRNA, MY BELOVED (Σμύρνη μου Αγαπημένη)

Filio Baltatzi, an elderly Greek-American woman, goes to the island of Lesvos to help the refugees. She has a secret: almost a century earlier, her family lived on the island when they themselves were refugees, fleeing Smyrna after the destruction of the city. Filio’s grandmother’s diary tells the story of the family’s turbulent history, shaped by tragic international developments. Filio is accompanied to Lesvos by her reluctant granddaughter, and different generations of women in the same family come together in space and time, through the threads of history, as past and present become one.

CLOSING NIGHT FILM - HOLY EMY (Αγία Έμυ)

After their mother returns to the Philippines, sisters Emy and Teresa live in the tight-knit Filipino Catholic community in the port city of Athens. But when Teresa gets pregnant, Emy is increasingly drawn to mysterious forces that live within her.

2021, Locarno International Film Festival, Switzerland – Best First Feature – Special Mention

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:

THE POMEGRANATES OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH (Τα Ρόδια του Ναγκόρνο Καραμπάχ)

Thomas Sideris travels to the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a hotbed of fierce confrontation between Armenia and Azerbaijan and extensive military operations for at least thirty years, and records the mass exodus of Armenians from their ancestral homeland. Sideris focuses on people, as they leave their homes, jobs, and fields, following a long refugee path without knowing where or when it will end.

THE STUDENTS OF UMBERTO PRIMO (Οι μαθητές του Ουμπέρτο Πρίμο)

Under Nazi occupation. 96% of the Jewish population of Thessaloniki, Greece was sent to Auschwitz. The Students of Umberto Primo brings to life the adventures, hopes, and dreams of nine Jewish students, based on the archive found by an Italian professor and on testimony from two of the protagonists.

FEATURE FILMS:

18

In a working-class neighborhood of Athens, amid the economic crisis, the resurgence of fascism, and Covid-19, a group of 18-year-old students persecute immigrants, queers, and anyone else who is different. A classmate of theirs refuses to hide his dislike for their actions and soon becomes their target.

MUSA

The love story of Simos and Musa: A descent into darkness led by Simos. Musa wants to leave. In his attempt to stop him, Simos opens and closes the door that separates dream from reality. Will he lose Musa? Himself? Or himself in Musa?

MONDAY

Mickey and Chloe, two Americans in their mid-thirties who live in Athens, meet one whirlwind weekend in the heat of summer. Chloe’s time in Greece is drawing to a close, so she decides to explore whether one weekend’s passion can withstand the reality of the inevitable Monday.

MOON, 66 QUESTIONS (Σελήνη, 66 ερωτήσεις)

After years of absence, twenty-something Artemis returns to Athens to care for her frail father, whom she has never really known. She discovers a well-kept secret from her stoic father’s past, and for the first time, she is able to understand and truly love him.

PATCHWORK

Chara’s family is everything to her, yet she sometimes ponders a life without them. Unable to talk to anybody about her internal turmoil, she carries the burden of guilt and confusion by herself. When she strikes up a hesitant friendship with the shy yet defiant daughter of her new boss, she is forced to confront her existential angst and face a painful past she’s been trying to forget.

SAISON MORTE

A twisted story of deception and betrayal, Saison Morte is a thriller set on an island nearly deserted for the winter. Two mysterious, violent murders have taken place in a secluded hotel, and the only person who can explain what happened is a wounded man named Christos. But the police can’t confirm Christo’s far-fetched story, nobody is who they appear to be, and Christo’s situation grows ever more dire.

PACK OF SHEEP (Αγέλη Προβάτων)

Thanasis can’t pay off his debt to Stelios. When he finds out that Apostolis is in the same position, he asks Apostolis to join him to make a better deal with Stelios. As Thanasis tries to put more players into the game, two young gangsters arrive in town to push over the debtors.

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)