ASTORIA, NY – Greek News USA
The Hellenic Film Society USA starts off the New Year with the New York screening of the acclaimed documentary Dourgouti Town, directed by Dimitris Bavellas, on January 12, at 3pm at the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. The screening is a part of the Always on Sunday monthly Greek film series.
Dourgouti Town (2024, 88 min) explores the profound historical and cultural significance of the Dourgouti district (Neos Kosmos), located just south of the Acropolis in Athens.
Narrated by renowned Greek singer Haris Alexiou, who traces her roots to the neighborhood, the film chronicles the neighborhood’s evolution—from housing World War I refugees in the 1920s to becoming the Armenian ghetto of Athens, and later a center of resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. In the 1960s, the area underwent significant redevelopment with public housing initiatives, setting the stage for the gentrification challenges faced today.
Director Dimitris Bavellas, with personal ties to the district, underscores the importance of balancing progress with the preservation of cultural identity. “We must acknowledge change”, he says, “but it is crucial to prevent the mass exploitation of historically significant neighborhoods and protect the well-being of local residents”.
The documentary has received international recognition, including the Grand Festival Award for Foreign Documentary at the 2024 Berkeley Video & Film Festival.
The film’s trailer can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzmXEDgdHic
The film is in Greek with English subtitles.
According to a press announcement by the Hellenic Film Society USA, “this screening underscores the Society’s commitment to presenting compelling stories that resonate with global audiences”.
Hellenic Film Society
The Hellenic Film Society USA (HFS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Greek cinema and sharing the richness of Greek films with American audiences. Based in Astoria, NY, HFS presents an array of feature films, documentaries, and shorts by Greek filmmakers and those of Greek descent, as well as works that highlight the cultures of Greece and Cyprus.
HFS is known for its annual New York Greek Film Expo and its ongoing Always on Sunday monthly film series, hosted in collaboration with the Museum of the Moving Image. Additionally, the organization partners with other prominent film festivals across the United States, including the Chicago Greek Film Festival, the South Florida Greek Film Festival and the Atlanta Greek Film Expo.
The Kallinikeion Foundation and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) are the lead supporters of the Hellenic Film Society USA. Additional support is provided by Microsoft, Greek National Tourism Organization, the New York City Council, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, and Antenna Satellite TV. Promotional support provided in part by the New York City Tourism Foundation.
For more information, to volunteer, or to support the mission of the Society, visit www.hellenicfilmusa.org or contact HFS USA at [email protected].