“Man of God” has its panhellenic premiere at the 11th Athens Open Air Film Festival
In Attendance of the Cast & Crew | Tuesday, 24th August 2021 Byzantine And Christian Museum | Free Admission.
The 11th Athens Open Air Film Festival concludes its cinematic summer journey by hosting a special screening of the season’s highly-anticipated Greek film: “Man of God” by Yelena Popovic, in attendance of the cast & crew.
It is with great pleasure that we announce that on Tuesday 24th August at the Byzantine And Christian Museum the 11th Athens Open Air Film Festival will host the premiere of the film “Man of God” by the Sebrian director, Yelena Popovic, featuring the music of legendary composer Zbigniew Preisner ( he has composed music for the films of Krzysztof Kieślowski, Louis Malle, Terrence Malick) and an exquisite cast of Greek and international actors including: Aris Servetalis, Alexander Petrov, Mickey Rourke, Christos Loulis, Karyofyllia Karabeti, Nikitas Tsakiroglou, Giannis Stankoglou, Tania Tripi, Marthilia Svarna, Ieronymos Kaletsanos, Yannis Anastasakis, Gerasimos Skiadaresis, Vassilis Koukalani, Alexandros Mylonas, Michalis Mitroussis, Mihalis Oikonomou, Tonia Sotiropoulou, Korina Anna Gougouli, Manos Gavras, Sarantis Geogleris, Panagiotis Marinos.
Plot summary:
The popularity of Saint Nektarios, then Metropolitan Bishop of Pentapolis, inspired the jealousy of certain clergymen in Alexandria. In fear of him becoming the next Patriarch of Alexandria, a section of the clergy embark on a slanderous campaign against him resulting in his expulsion from Egypt. Once in Athens, he becomes well-known and beloved thanks to his sophisticated didactic techniques and invests himself into producing an important literary body of work. The workload, however, overwhelms him and he decides to retire to Aegina where he rebuilds a deserted monastery with his own hands and thanks to his reputation the monastery’s reputation also grows. Unfortunately, the Monastery is never formally recognised as Saint Nektarios is unjustly accused of being immoral. Shortly after his death, at the Aretaieion Hospital, he will perform one last miracle.
According to director, Yelena Popovic, through the series of events that take place throughout Saint Nektarios' life , the film communicates a global and powerful message as this story makes evident that “the notion of struggle affects all of us. The greatest victory is that achieved within. His story is known globally. This inspired me. Regardless of people’s beliefs, their religious orientation, the world will identify with him and I believe everyone will gain something by watching his story. It will inspire people. That’s why I don’t believe the film is intended solely for Greece. His story must be told everywhere and will have an impact”.
The lead, Aris Servetalis, points out that Saint Nektarios’ life full of trials and tribulations reminds us the importance of morality, humility and devotion. “There is a multifaceted meaning. On an individual level, we must fall and rise again, we must continue our daily struggle with faith in order to reveal who we really are. It’s difficult but it’s the only way”.
The film “Man of God” will be released in cinemas on the 26th August 2021 by Feelgood Entertainment.
Screening Information:
Tuesday 24th August | 21:00
Byzantine And Christian Museum | 22 Vasilissis Sofias Ave, Athens
Free admission
* A Q&A session with director Yelena Popovic and composer Zbigniew Preisner will follow the screening.
MAN OF GOD (2021, 109’)
Screenwriter - director: Yelena Popovic | Starring: Aris Servetalis, Alexander Petrov, Mickey Rourke, Christos Loulis, Karyofyllia Karabeti, Nikitas Tsakiroglou, Giannis Stankoglou, Tania Tripi, Marthilia Svarna, Ieronymos Kaletsanos, Yannis Anastasakis, Gerasimos Skiadaresis, Vassilis Koukalani, Alexandros Mylonas, Michalis Mitroussis, Mihalis Oikonomou, Tonia Sotiropoulou, Korina Anna Gougouli, Manos Gavras, Sarantis Geogleris, Panagiotis Marinos | Music: Zbigniew Preisner | Cinematography: Panagiotis Vasilakis | Film Editing: Lambis Haralambidis | Costume Design: Eva Nathena | Production: Simeon Entertainment, View Master Films | Produced - in collaboration with: Vatopedi Monastery, St Maxim the Greek Institute, Eurogroup Ltd
With the support of: The Holy Metropolis of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki, Deep Dream, Ingenuity-FO, NP Insurance, Minetta Insurance, the National Centre of Audiovisual Media and Communication, the Greek Film Centre.
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION for attending the screenings*
In order to protect public health and ensure that members of the audience attend screenings in an orderly manner, we would like to inform you that:
- Entry into the screening venue will only be possible with tickets bearing the ticket holder’s name. Audience members will be able to acquire these tickets FREE OF CHARGE through online reservation, which will commence on Friday 20th August at midday on aoaff.gr.
- Each audience member will be entitled to ONLY ONE ticket, so please make sure you arrive on time along with your companion in the event that you wish to be seated near each other.
- Social distancing will be strictly observed.
For updates and more information tune into the sites of cinemagazine.gr , aiff.gr and aoaff.gr and the relevant social media pages: Facebook AIFF, Instagram, Twitter.
