From award winning and acclaimed Greek Director Tassos Boulmetis (A Touch of Spice, Mythopathy), the heart-warming docudrama 1968 about the epic basketball game
between A.E.K., Athens and Slavia of Prague (Czechoslovakia) will open the 26th Delphi Bank Greek Film Festival on Wednesday 9th October.

Two special screenings will be held; The Opening Night Gala at The Astor Theatre followed by an After party including live entertainment ($59) and the Opening Night
celebration at Palace Cinema Como which will include drinks and snack pack upon arrival ($39). Tickets are on sale now at www.palacecinemas.com.au

The film tells the story of the Greek basketball team A.E.K. and their David and Goliath battle to win the first ever European championship by any Greek team during a time of political
instability in Greece and around the world including the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King and the escalating Vietnam war.

The year is 1968, the date the 4th April, Greece is ruled by military junta and a record breaking 80,000 people have gathered at Panathenaic Kallimarmaro Statidum to watch the game.
While this is happening, millions are glued to their radios… just like the tram driver who witnesses a miracle that night, the widow visiting the cemetery, a lovesick girl dreaming of her
wedding day and the communist prisoner cheering from his jail cell. We also catch a glimpse into the lives of the patrons at the PROPO betting shop, where old and new wounds resurface.

Interwoven in the film is the original footage from the 1964 European final, interviews/commentary from the players of both teams as well as the personal stories of the people who were involved
in this legendary sporting achievement. Also highlighted in the film are the historic events that led to the epic win including the formation of AEK in 1924 by Greek refugees from Constantinople.

“We are thrilled to screen this nostalgic, uplifting film as our Festival Opening Night offering as it is a befitting start to a festival featuring some of the most acclaimed and awarded contemporary Greek
story tellers in the industry” said Festival Co-Chairs Jim Bossinakis and Leonidas Vlahakis. “1968 is a film that highlights one of the most important sporting achievements in Greek history that needs
to be acknowledged, promoted and celebrated.”

The Greek Community of Melbourne is proud to present the 26th Delphi Bank Greek Film Festival which returns with an injection of Greek culture, history and stories over twelve days running until
Sunday 20th October. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Greek Australian Short Film Festival which will feature a 'BEST OF' program. Synonymous with the Festival is the Greek Student
Film Festival which makes a comeback this year as well. A full Festival program will be released soon.

OPENING NIGHT FESTIVAL DETAILS:
WHAT: 1968 - The Delphi Bank 26th Greek Film Festival Melbourne Opening Night Gala
WHEN: Wednesday 9 October 2019, 7pm screening followed by After party
WHERE: The Astor Theatre, Corner Chapel Street and Dandenong Road, St. Kilda
TICKETS: $59, available via www.palacecinemas.com.au or 03 9510 1414
DETAILS: Includes drink upon arrival, gift bag, after party and live entertainment

WHAT: 1968 - The Delphi Bank 26th Greek Film Festival Melbourne Opening Night celebration
WHEN: Wednesday 9 October 2019, 6.15pm pre-film celebration; 7pm screening
WHERE: Palace Cinema Como, Corner Chapel Street and Toorak Road, South Yarra
TICKETS: $39, available via www.palacecinemas.com.au or 03 9827 7533
DETAILS: Includes drink and snack pack upon arrival

FILM FESTIVAL DETAILS:
WHAT: The Delphi Bank 26th Greek Film Festival Melbourne sessions
WHEN: Wednesday 9 October – Sunday 20 October 2019
WHERE: Palace Cinema Como, Corner Chapel Street and Toorak Road, South Yarra
WEBSITE: www.greekfilmfestival.com.au
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GreekFilmFestival