“Greek Film Days” reaches its fourth year, and we are delighted to bring this event to life once again — thanks to the interest and affection shown by our audience over the past editions. Your presence is what has kept this festival growing.
This year’s programme turns to Greek cinema of the 1990s: a decade rich in stories through which we can explore the country’s history, culture, and the roots of its present. As in previous years, our aim remains the same — to introduce the Turkish cinema-loving public to landmark works from the neighbouring country and to discover its major filmmakers together.
At the same time, we are introducing a competition section of Greek short films from the past five years, hoping to offer a fresh and contemporary glimpse into today’s Greece through the eyes of its young filmmakers.
As we welcome the fourth edition of Greek Film Days with great enthusiasm, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make it possible.
See you in the dark room!
Emeis Cultural Collective
istos film
istos publishing
SPECIAL THANKS
We would like to express our thanks; to the Board of the Greek Film Center, and to Yianna Sarri, Natassa Haharidaki and Kleopatra Nikolaou; to the General Consulate of Greece in Istanbul, and to the General Consul Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras; Also to the copyright owners: Kyriakos Aggelakos, Eleni Alexandrakis, Angeliki Antoniou, Marina Danezi, Katerina Evaggelakou, Sotiris Goritsas, Nikos Grammatikos, Vasiliki Iliopoulou Dimitris Indares, Ioanna Karystiani, Antonis Kokkinos, Panagiotis Papahadzis, Pantelis Voulgaris, Dimitris Yatzouzakis, and The Family of Theo Angelopoulos; We also express our thanks for their valuable contribution as our sponsors to Ares Kalandides and to Authorwave studio and especially to Liza Chrysochoou; to our venue sponsor Pera Museum and especially to Gülçin Kaya; Finally for their contribution and collaboration to Amalia Balaska, Eleni Berde, Dimitris Doufexis, George Kallipetis, Sofia Kastanara, Yiannis Kolozis, Manolis Kostidis, Ilias Maroutsis, Karine Moley, Xanthippi Mouriki, George & Zoi Nikolakopoulos, Sofia Prokou, Maria Rimba, Tuğberk Saklıca, Ilias Tisarhondou, Danai Vasilaki, Christos Voupouras; And to each and everyone who participated in the realization of this event!
GREETINGS Leonidas Christopoulos, Managing Director of EKKOMED for the "Greek Film Days" festival
It is with great pleasure that I welcome the fourth edition of the Greek Film Days festival, which once again opens its doors to friends of Greek cinema, inviting them to share stories, images, and emotions from our contemporary cinematic creations.
When this initiative began in 2022, few could have imagined that in just a few years it would evolve into an institution that cinema lovers in Istanbul eagerly await each year. And yet, with faith, consistency, and passion, this initiative not only continues but is essentially expanding.
This year, for the first time, a competition section for Greek short films is being launched, a significant development that proves that the festival is now firmly established and is carving out its own place on the map of film events in the region. The impressive participation of 75 films – from an open call alone – confirms that this new endeavor is already receiving a warm response from filmmakers. Warm congratulations to the organizers for their courage and persistence in breaking new ground.
At the same time, this retrospective of Greek cinema in the 1990s allows us to revisit an era that shaped the vision of many of today's Greek filmmakers. A decade of artistic exploration, bold narratives, and multidimensional themes. The presentation of these works in the heart of Istanbul, with free admission and subtitles, embodies the desire to bring the two societies together through culture.
Because that is the deeper goal of the Greek Film Days festival: to create a real bridge of understanding. To bring us closer together, to talk about our stories, our experiences, the way we see the world. To offer a space where art does not divide, but unites. Cinema, the most direct and open form of contemporary art, is undoubtedly one of the most suitable means for such a fruitful dialogue.
EKKOMED consistently supports this event because we believe in actions that make a real cultural impact abroad and foster meaningful relationships between people and communities. I would like to warmly congratulate EMEIS AmKE, istos film, the Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Pera Museum for their cooperation and continued support.
I hope that this year's screenings, discussions, and meetings will be another step towards deeper mutual understanding, and will continue to inspire, open new paths, and give space to new voices and new ideas.
I wish everyone good screenings.
Greetings Andreas N. Fiorentinos Secretary General of the Greek National Tourism Organisation for the “Greek Film Days” festival
The Greek National Tourism Organisation is committed to supporting key initiatives that promote the essence of Greece on a global scale and encourage cultural exchange through modern arts. In line with this vision, we are thrilled to support the "GREEK FILM DAYS" event, which has been held at Pera Museum in Istanbul since 2022.
Greece has been a top tourist hotspot in Europe since the 1970s, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, numerous charming islands, stunning beaches, delectable local cuisine, and, above all, its vibrant culture.
Not only is Greece steeped in classical heritage, but it also features a dynamic modern arts scene, especially in filmmaking. Greek cinema is gaining international recognition, captivating audiences worldwide and highlighting the creativity of Greek auteurs along with the lively image of contemporary Greece.
I am confident that events such as the “GREEK FILM DAYS” will encourage the exchange of ideas, feeling, and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding between Turkish film enthusiasts and Greek filmmakers.
I wish the organizers all the best and hope the viewers have a fantastic time!
Andreas N. Fiorentinos
Secretary General
Greek National Tourism Organisation
