The Greek Festival of Sydney will host a one-off screening of the docu-drama Our Maria Callas, on Wednesday, February 21.
The event includes a pre-film reception and Q and A with the director of Our Maria Callas, Babis Tsokas, from Greece.
The Greek Festival of Sydney is celebrates and showcases Greek culture through a series of events including theatre, film, literature, music and dance.
The festival will have its official launch at Darling Harbour on February 16 and will run until June 17.
This year, the festival organisers have decided to extend the festival program into the St George area, home to one of Sydney’s biggest Greek communities, by offering a special screening of Our Maria Callas.
The film is a dramatized documentary honouring opera singer Maria Callas, the internationally famous opera diva of Greek heritage, whose life was as stunning and beautiful as it was sad.
The film concentrates on Callas’ personal history, artistic achievement and her Greek heritage.
It explores the life of the famous opera singer, weaving archival footage with new scenes featuring actress Myrto Kamvisidi.
Greek Festival of Sydney Chair Nia Karteris said the film is certain to appeal to local audiences.
“When looking for a venue to host this special screening event, we knew that a location in the heart of Sydney’s Greek community was a natural fit,” Ms Karteris said.
“It’s a standout addition to the program to share a story of someone so important to Greek arts and culture.”
The event on Wednesday, February 21 will feature a pre-film reception with refreshments including wine and Greek sweets.
Following the screening, the film’s director Babis Tsokas will hold a Q and A session with the audience.
GU Film House General Manager Costas Meligonis said GU Film House is thrilled to be hosting this screening on behalf of the Greek Festival of Sydney and the Pammessinian United Association of NSW.
“Our cinema hosts patrons from such diverse cultural backgrounds, including many of Greek descent who will love to see their culture and heritage on screen,” he said.
“To share and exhibit a screening of Our Maria Callas with the Greek Festival of Sydney in one of the flourishing areas of Greek culture is terrific.”
Event Cinemas general manager film festivals, Anthony Kierann said film festivals offer an insight and understanding of the stories relevant and paramount to the diverse landscape that shape our culture,
“We look forward to the positive impact this screening will have at Beverly Hills”.
Tickets are $20 and includes pre-film reception with refreshments from 6.20pm and Q and A with Director Babis Tsokas.
Film starts at 7pm. Tickets on sale here.