Lost on Kythera, the fourth feature film by one of the most unusual and beloved directors of independent Greek cinema, will premiere at a special screening at the Ritz Cinema Randwick in Sydney on Sunday, October 8, before being released in cities across Australia. The premiere, which begins at 4 p.m., promises to be an exciting afternoon for the whole family, with a drinks reception after the screening, a meet-and-greet with the film's screenwriter and director, and a special souvenir for the audience, all included in the ticket price.
A quirky comedy with romance at its heart, the film Lost in Kythira features a cast of top-tier Greek talent—audiences will be charmed by Greek screen legend Effie Stamouli and beloved actors Yannis Tsironis, Giorgos Katsoulis, and Giorgos Karipidis. Efi Stamouli, and screen favorites George Papageorgiou and Danae Michalakis, who are perfectly cast as the goddess Aphrodite and the hapless demigod Eros – and charismatic locals from Kythira who are undoubtedly just as famous in the island's local lore. This diverse talent creates a film that is as charming as it is hilarious, instantly endearing its strange characters, unrealistic adventure plot, and eccentric island antics to the audience.
“James has the gift of fitting so much into a film and doing it in such a way that it melts the hearts of viewers everywhere,” said actor George Papageorgiou about his collaboration with screenwriter and director James Prinia, who also happens to be an old friend of his. “Ancient Greek history, the lively locals, his truly wonderful imagination, and his ability to instinctively capture life in Kythira through stunning cinematography—all these things make James's films truly unique. He uses people and places that mean a lot to him, and I think that's why his films are so beautiful—there's so much love in them!’
Born in Sydney, it is no surprise that Prineas chose to return to his hometown for the premiere of his latest film. After all, Sydney's Kytherian diaspora is one of the oldest and largest Kytherian communities in the country. It is believed that 100,000 Kytherians currently live in Australia, with most of them based in Sydney. And while Lost on Kythera is ostensibly a love story about two young lovers on vacation, it is clear that this film has greater ambitions than romanticism.
“Kythira is an island with such incredible history, culture, and beauty, so this film is an opportunity for me to share it with the Kythirian diaspora in Sydney, who may not have been home for a long time. It is really an attempt to reconnect the people of Kythira and the wider Greek diaspora with their heritage and with each other. It is a celebration of their origins, a tribute to mythology in the form of Aphrodite (who is said to have been born in the waters of Kythira and whose most sacred temple was built there) and a love letter to this incredibly resilient island that I have spent my career trying to adequately capture.
About James Prineas
James Prineas is a director, screenwriter, photographer, and founder of the independent production company Join the Plot Films, based in Berlin. Born in Sydney, Australia, to parents of Kythirian descent, James has always been fascinated by Kythira, making it the central focus of his cinematic work.
He made his directorial debut in 2016 with the feature film Kythera mon Amour. It won several awards, while its short film version, The Beekeepers, was a finalist at Sydney Tropfest 2017. His other feature films include Winter on Kythera (2018) and An Island named Desire (2020). James' short films have been just as successful as his feature films, winning awards and recognition at various international film festivals. A short version of Winter on Kythera was also selected for the Cannes Short Film Corner in 2018.
Lost on Kythera
Written and directed by James Prineas Produced by Colleen and Anthony Cordato
Length: 100 minutes
Starring:
Danae Mikalakis (Goddess Aphrodite)
Giorgos Papageorgeou (Demigod Hymeros)
Effi Stamouli (Aliki Mavromatti)
Penny Boukouvala (Maria)
Louie Betton (Louie)
Georgos Fatseas (Blind Taxi Driver)
Poppy Koroneo (Poppy)
Georgos Koroneos (Georgos)
Nancy Boukli (Professor Nancy Filodoxopoulou) Andreas Anipsakis (Benson)
Makeup: Amalia Ignatiadou Wardrobe: Markella Georgolopoulou Co-writer: Laurence Rosier Staines
