VIC
Psarokokalo – Athens short film festival
A selection of Greek and Cypriot short films from the Athens Short Film Festival
Look At The Stars sci-fi | Dir. Aris Kouvaras
In the twilight of his life, an elderly man revisits a bittersweet memory and reshapes it in the way he would have liked to have lived it.
– Short Draft comedy | Dir. Spyridon Papaspyrou
A man hijacks a taxi when the taxi driver refuses to take him where he wants. Two men will share a ride where everything will go wrong and a girl will change their way, where the end will be a mystery even for the heroes of Short Draft
– Until You See Me comedy | Dir. Eleanna Santorinaiou
Petros takes an emotional journey whilst he walks through the corridors of a cemetery, holding an old Hi8 camera and burying a beloved person.
– The Armchair on the Pavement drama | Dir. Mary Kolonia
An old song from the radio suddenly triggers memories of youth in an elderly ex-army General suffering from dementia, making him momentarily recall the evening of his engagement to his wife.
– Dustlight drama | Dir. Chryssanthi Kouri
While facing pivotal life changes Matina arrives at the family summer house to clear out her late mother’s things. There she begins to unravel, as past and present collide until she reaches a personal epiphany.
– Buffer Zone drama | Dir. Savvas Stavrou
Two young soldiers across enemy lines fall in love and find an escape from their oppressive environments through music.
When: Sunday May 19, 5pm-7pm
Where: Greek Centre, Mezzanine 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1206506
Monthly MYTH meet-ups
Monthly MYTH meet-ups are an ongoing opportunity for young people curious and passionate about mythology to explore and enter this wonderful world.
Each month they explore a different Greek myth.
Once inspired, children are supported to collaboratively and theatrically invent their very own myths.
In the spirit of celebration, children are invited to share their myth stories with fellow myth lovers.
Hosted by Loukia Vassiliades, whose journey began when a little over ten years ago she devised a workshop for babies for ArtPlay Victoria.
She has since collaborated with children & young people of all ages and is part of the St Martins Youth Arts Centre.
Her fascination with myth stories began as a child growing up on the island of Cyprus, where she played along the coast, where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is believed to have first emerged.
Suggested for ages 8-13.
When: May 26, 10-1pm & June 23, 2-5pm
Where: Address is provided to attendees, South Yarra VIC 3141
Bookings: events.humanitix.com/monthly-myth-meet-ups
Greek Feast Ela! Ela!
Inspired by chef Ella Mittas’ time working in a village in the mountains of Crete and the hot, loud streets of Istanbul, as well as her Greek heritage, this cookbook is a journey of food, culture and belonging.
These simple, comforting recipes are a mix of things Ella saw, ate and was taught on her travels. Above all, they represent community – the reason Ella ever wanted to cook at all.
Ella Mittas is a chef and food writer who built her career working under prolific figures such as Brigitte Hafner, Annie Smithers and Ismail Tosun in Australia, honing her skills at London’s NOPI.
She shares her expertise and culinary skills through cooking classes, curating and catering events, and contributing recipes for publications.
Entry includes one copy of the book or a $30 gift voucher, a four-course dinner and a welcome drink.
When: Wednesday May 22, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Where: Kuzina Greek Kitchen/Bar 1092 Main Road Eltham
Bookings: Call 9439 8700 or visit elthambookshop.com.au/p/ela-ela
Kaiti Garbi
The Greek singer is here in Australia.
With a career spanning over 35 years, Kaiti Garbi is known for her numerous hits such as “Tha Melanholiso,” “Perasmena Ksehasmena,” and “To Kati.”
Her impressive discography includes over 2,000,000 records sold and the distinction of being the only Greek singer with over 30 duets in her repertoire.
During her Australian tour, she will be joined by her son and musician, Dimitris Schinas.
She will be performing in Sydney (sold out) and Melbourne on May 24 and 25, having performed her first show in Melbourne on May 17 and another in Adelaide on May 18.
When: Saturday May 25, 9pm
Where: Kinisi at Trak, 445 Toorak Road, Toorak
Bookings: 0417 399 986
Battle of Crete co*cktail Party
The Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria are hosting a co*cktail party to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
The night will feature visiting guests from Greece, Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos, Lieutenant Commanders Stylianos Mitsiotis and Colonel Ioannis Fasianos.
There will also be entertainment by musical guests from Crete, Yiannis Giannakakis (Lyra) and Stelios Papadakis (Lute).
When: Friday May 24, 7pm
Where: Cretan Brotherhood, 148-150 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1216184
Demotika – Historic & Heroic
Demotika brings vibrant melodies and ancient lyrics to life through unique musical performances that find their roots in ancestral stories and traditions.
Experience the enchanting nature of the fiddle, the hypnotic strumming of the lute, the heartbeat of the drum, the cry of the clarinet and the serenity of the acoustic guitar.
Section 1 dedicates itself to the fascinating themes of resilience and bravery and explores the significant role these themes have played in both contemporary and traditional Greek music.
Section 2 will invite the audience to the dance floor to experience the fascinating nature of Greek dance music.
Paddy Montgomery – Violin, Bouzouki & Vocals.
Tony Iliou – Lute & Vocals.
Nikos Kapralos – Acoustic Guitar & Vocals.
Arthur Kostarakis – Clarinet & Vocals.
John Kostarakis – Percussion & Vocals.
When: Sunday May 26, 6pm
Where: Brunswick Ballroom, 314 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
Bookings: www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/demotika-historic-heroic/163873
NSW
Sydney Writer’s Festival
The Sydney Writers’ Festival is set to have a distinct Greek flavour this year with the participation of three Greek-Australian writers in Christos Tsiolkas, Peter Polites and Will Kostakis, along with other literary works covering Greek topics also to be featured.
It will boast 223 events that highlight recent literary works, among which will include events covering the latest books of Tsiolkas (The In-Between) and Polites (God Forgets About The Poor).
Acclaimed writer Tsiolkas will also take part in a discussion with K Patrick titled ‘Queer Love and Longing’, focusing on the topic of romance, desire and the pleasures of writing queer love stories.
Highlighted Greek Events:
– Your Favourites’ Favourites: Christos Tsiolkas and Peter Polites, May 23, 1-2pm, Carriageworks, Bay 19
– Christos Tsiolkas: The In-Between, May 24, 10-11am, Carriageworks, Track 8
– Peter Polites: God Forgets About the Poor, May 24, 6.30-7.30pm, Hurstville Library and Service Centre
– The Gift of Greek Myth, May 24, 12-1.00pm, Carriageworks, Track 8, Kate Forsyth ‘Psykhe’
– Natalie Haynes: Divine Might, May 23, 7.30-8.30pm, Carriageworks, Bay 20, The ARA Stage
– Queer Love and Longing, May 23, 7.30-8.30pm, Carriageworks, Track 12
Bookings: www.swf.org.au
Greek Fest @ Brighton-Le-Sands
The Greek Fest will be returning to Brighton-Le-Sands for the first time in 21 years.
The free event will feature live Greek music and dancing, Greek food stalls, tastings and demonstrations and children’s activities.
Acclaimed Greek-Australian Iho Nyx Band will be on stage.
The last time the Greek Fest took place at Brighton was in March 2003 when it attracted up to 100,000 people throughout the day.
When: Sunday May 26, 11am
Where: Bay Street, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney
