The Greek Film Centre is a state-subsidised organization, which functions as a “société anonyme”. It enjoys administrative and financial independence and operates in the public interest under the supervision of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. The aims of the Centre are the development and protection of the art of film in Greece and the promotion of Greek films both home and abroad.

The Ministry of Culture supports the Centre financially by funding the majority of its operational expenses; a portion of revenue collected from cinema admissions covers the remainder.

Since 1982, when the Greek Film Centre established policies based on cultural and growth criteria, it has supported Greek filmmakers ensuring favourable conditions for them in which to make their films. The Centre also assists filmmakers by exploring additional sources of finance, supporting local distribution, presenting and promoting Greek films at international events and overseas markets.

The greater part of the Centre’s budget is invested in film production, with particular emphasis given to young filmmakers. The Centre allocates a specific portion of its budget to the production of works by accomplished directors who have a distinguished filmography to their credit. On an annual basis, the Centre produces approximately twenty feature films, twenty shorts and three to four documentaries.

Hellas Films, a department of the Greek Film Centre, handles the commercial and artistic promotion of Greek film in both Greece and abroad. It secures and supports cinema distribution and provides funding for Greek film festivals, while on the international front it maintains a dynamic and organised presence at all major film events, festivals and markets.

Finally, in collaboration the national film institutes of the other countries, the Greek Film Centre organises retrospectives and other events aimed at ensuring international recognition for Greek films as well as access to overseas markets.

Message from the President of the Greek Film Centre

Some thirty-five years ago, I had the fortune to meet Theo Angelopoulos and produce my first film, Days of 36. In those difficult years of dictatorship, the first country, which bought our film was the Greek community of Australia. You were the first Greeks, who embraced what was later known as the New Greek Cinema; you were the first Greeks, who believed that art must be above dictatorships and ignored them.

In those days the films produced where scarce and a festival must have been only a dream. But history repeats itself and proves that devoted and determined people make these dreams happen.
Today, 35 years later, from a different post, I feel honored to be able to address the Festival and your audience and say THANK YOU for all the love and support you have shown to the culture we export through our films.

Thank you all.

George Papalios
Greek Film Centre - www.gfc.gr