Greek Directors

Below are some of the best Greek directors ever. Click on their pictures to discover more about them.

A Brief History of Greek Cinema

Greek cinema has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 20th century. The first Greek filmmaker was the Manakis brothers, who started recording in 1905, but the first actual Greek film, “Golfo”, was made in 1914 by director Spiros Dimitrakopoulos. However, Greek cinema truly began to flourish in the 1950s and 1960s, a period known as the Golden Age of Greek cinema. This era was marked by both commercial successes and critical acclaim, with films often focusing on social issues and everyday life in Greece. The Thessaloniki Film Festival, established in 1960, played a significant role in promoting Greek films both nationally and internationally.

Among the most notable directors from this period was Michael Cacoyannis, best known for his 1964 film “Zorba the Greek”, which received international acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. Another prominent figure was Theo Angelopoulos, whose work in the 1970s and beyond is renowned for its poetic and philosophical depth. Angelopoulos won numerous awards at prestigious international film festivals, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes for his film “Eternity and a Day” in 1998.

In recent years, Greek cinema has witnessed a resurgence, often referred to as the “Greek Weird Wave”. This movement is characterised by its unconventional narrative style and often surreal themes. Yorgos Lanthimos is a key figure in this new wave, achieving international success with films like “Dogtooth” and “The Lobster”.