NEW YORK – The 14th New York City Greek Film Festival (NYCGFF) takes place September 11-14 and promises a rich spectacle – an ode to Greek cinema, with quality Greek films, interesting side events, the personal presence of popular Greek actors and directors, as well as a tribute to the culture of Crete, supported mainly by the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce (HAAC).

NYCGFF Artistic Director Maria Tzobanaki, a gifted actress in her own right, spoke with The National Herald about the return of the historic institution, the efforts for its further development, as well as key elements of the program, which will give a special color to this year’s event, as a guide for the future.

TNH: Mrs. Tzobanaki, let’s first talk about the return of the NYCGFF. How important is this year’s event, more broadly?

Maria Tzobanaki: The NYCGFF has a history of about 20 years, within the Greek community of New York. The HACC, with worthy partners, was there from the beginning of its history, as a nostalgic need of its Greek audience for Greek cinema.

In recent years, it has evolved into a film festival worthy of international standards. With the participation of 55 films and the presence of very important artists. The previous two festivals, the 12th and 13th, were run under my direction. The goal was – and is – to develop it into an international festival, with a competition section and awarding of prizes. In the 13th iteration, this was achieved in the field of short films, with the submission of 240 films from around the world to our festival through FilmFreeway. A jury of notable personalities from New York and Greece judged the best of them, which were awarded together with the audience awards given to the other films. After COVID-19, and after a four-year hiatus, the NYCGFF reopens, bringing its goals back to the fore. We live in an era where the global culture needs many and strong voices, to spread the message of the evolution of the human species and peace.

TNH: What are the main features of this year’s program? Will you have side events as in previous years?

MT: This year we attach great importance to the comeback of the NYCGFF! With great emphasis on the opening and closing nights and the dedication of this year’s festival to Cretan culture. The award-winning film by Eva Nathena, ‘Fonissa’ (Murderess), with Karyofyllia Karabeti in the title role and Maria Protopappa as co-star, will be played at the opening and the finale. Also, the series ‘Sasmos’ will be awarded by the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce Foundation for its contribution to Cretan culture and the excellent performance of the Greek actors, some of whom will honor the event with their presence. On the last day of the festival, when the audience awards will also be awarded, the renowned actors Karabeti and Protopappa and director Nathena will talk about their film. In between, a documentary about Eleftherios Venizelos will be screened out of competition, as part of the tribute to Crete, with the presence of the World Federation of Cretans. The audience will enjoy, a performance by the ten-member dance group of the historic Rethymno Vrakoforos Association, with live Cretan music and singing. On the grand opening night, the excellent Tania Breazou, among others, will sing live. We will offer three different receptions, at three different events, with dishes that will feature the aromas and tastes of Crete!

TNH: Up to this moment, has the program of films been finalized?

MT: Excellent features and short films will be shown such as ‘Fonissa’, ‘Behind the Haystacks’, ‘Medium’, ‘Captain Michalis’, and others.

The public will be informed in the pages of TNH, from the flyers that will soon be in their hands, and online: https://nycgrff.com and on social media.

TNH: Which famous actors and directors will be present?

MT: The protagonists of ‘Fonissa’ Karyofyllia Karambeti and Maria Protopappa, and the ‘Sasmos’ actors. Also, the artists who will dance and sing as well as people of the spirit and culture.

TNH: How important, for you personally, is your involvement and staff position in a historic institution such as the NYCGFF?

MT: Very important! On behalf of Greek cinema, I have the opportunity to whisper cultural messages from our homeland, in addition to presenting screenings of excellent films. The HACC promotes and supports the NYCGFF, in any case, and is also the main point of its actions, with an emphasis on the creation of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which will be active purely in cultural matters. Finally, I would like to emphasize that this year, when the festival reopens, it is a celebration for everyone, spectators and participants where we will also announce its future actions, which will connect Greek Cinema with the cultural development of our country.