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Due to popular demand, seats for Sunday’s film screening are ‘Sold Out’.
For those unable to secure a seat, we’re pleased to announce a repeat screening in honor of Papaflessa’s valiant sacrifice for freedom, commemorating his death at The Battle of Maniaki on May 20th. Stay tuned for more information. Thank You

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A tender look at the hero of the Greek Revolution of 1821. Papaflessas traveled to Constantinople in the age of enlightenment and romanticism, and became a member of the revolutionary organization “Filiki Eteria” (Society of Friends), taking on the task of inciting his compatriots against the Ottoman Empire. What sets the heroes apart? Can their mistakes be justified?

Pammessian “Papaflessas” invites you to the screening of the 70-minute film “My Grandfather Papaflessas,” which will take place on Sunday, March 17, 2024, 5pm, at Messinia House on the corner of Kalamata Lane and Gooch Street in Thornbury. This event coincides with the upcoming annual celebration of Independence Day in March 1821. At the beginning of the screening, the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Mr. E. Kakavelakis, will speak, offering his insights into “Papaflessas” and his contribution to the War of Independence, and whether he truly deserves to be considered a hero.

From it’s founding day, the Pammessinian organisation took the name ‘Papaflessas’; in honour of the freedom fighter of the Greek Revolution, the fervent Archimandrite Grigorios Dikaios Papaflessas and are dedicated to upholding his legacy by collaborating with Director Kleoni Flessa to present her film, ‘My Grandfather Papaflessas’ for all to enjoy.

“My Grandfather Papaflessas” is a documentary shot by Papaflessas’ family, Kleoni Flessas that follows in his footsteps in Greece, Turkey, Romania and Ukraine, where he traveled during the Romantic era. A tender look at the hero of the Greek Revolution of 1821. What are heroes made of? Do they have mitigating factors for mistakes?

Papaflessas traveled to Constantinople and became a member of the revolutionary organization “Friendly Society”, taking on the task of inciting his enslaved countrymen against the Ottoman Empire. What stuff are heroes made of? Do they have mitigating factors for mistakes? This hybrid documentary is a unique visual experience, with Babis Alexiadis’ animations depicting all the historical events. The photography was handled by Katerina Maragoudakis, while the original jazz music written by Arion Gyftakis accompanies us on this dreamlike journey and invites us to become partakers of essential moments in our history.

The film received the Photography Award at the 16th Chalkida Documentary Festival 2022. The screenings will be in Greek with English subtitles Here is a sneak peak of the trailer: https://www.filmfestival.gr/el/movie-tdf/movie/14240

About the director: Kleoni Flessa has a background in Directing, Architecture, and Photography, with studies in America, Italy, and Greece. She has taught for several years at the School of Fine Arts in Thessaloniki and Athens and has directed films, documentaries, and plays, receiving Greek and international awards for her work. She is also an accomplished writer, having written plays and screenplays, and has been recognized for her contributions to the films she has directed.

CREDITS
Director/Screenplay: Kleoni Flessa
Historical documentation: Vassilis Panagiotopoulos
Animation: Babis Alexiadis
Director of photography: Katerina Maragoudaki
Original music: Arionas Gyftakis