NEW YORK – A reception was held at the Consulate General of Greece in New York for the renowned director Costa-Gavras on February 10. The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) hosted Gavras and the screenings of two of his films, the classic Z and his latest Adults in the Room, at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria on February 8-9. The sold-out screenings were followed by fascinating Q&A sessions with Gavras and MoMI Curator of Film Eric Hynes on February 8, and on February 9 with the director, his wife and producer Michele Ray-Gavras, actors Christos Loulis and Alexandros Bourdoumis, and moderated by film professor and author Foster Hirsch.

At the reception, Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras and his wife Popita Pavli welcomed Gavras, his wife, the actors Loulis and Bourdoumis, HFS Founder and President Jimmy DeMetro, members of the HFS Board of Directors George Balafoutis, Eva Mallis, Maria Miles, and Stavroula Toska, and HFS’s Marketing and Communications director Nancy Nicolelis. Also present were the Consulate General of Greece Cultural Attache and Public Relations Officer Evelyn Kanellea, Chryssa Avrami, and artist Eirini Linardaki whose upcoming exhibition featuring 28 artists opens at the Consulate General on Thursday, Feb. 13.

The discussion at the reception revolved around Gavras’ films and Consul General Koutras noted that he lived through the events featured in Adults in the Room and though he was unable to attend the screening on February 9 due to the celebration of Greek Language Day, he is eager to see the film.

When asked if he has plans to visit Athens in the near future, Gavras told The National Herald that he is currently traveling to so many places for his film Adults in the Room that there are no immediate plans to visit the Greek capital.

As for the actors, both Loulis and Bourdoumis made an extraordinary impression on the audience in their respective roles in Adults in the Room. Many praised their efforts and noted that if they were in the United States they would certainly be major stars. When asked what they are working on next, Loulis told TNH that he would be taking a short time off before his next role. Bourdoumis told TNH that he is currently working on a TV series and also will be appearing onstage in a play soon.

Nicolelis told TNH that the plans are already underway for the New York Greek Film Expo which HFS will present in June.

More information about the Hellenic Film Society USA is available online: https://hellenicfilmusa.org.