Greek director Athina Rachel Tsangari’s comedy “Chevalier” won best film at the 59th BFI London Film Festival at the award ceremony at Banqueting House in London Saturday, while Robert Eggers’ “The Witch” took the first feature prize, known as the Sutherland Award.

In her film, Tsangari, who earned critical acclaim with “Attenberg,” lampoons male antagonism and competitiveness. A group of six men are on a fishing trip when they discover a mechanical issue with their yacht, and moor in a harbor to make repairs. While stuck there, they kill time by playing “Chevalier,” a game designed to determine who is “best in everything.”

Jury president, Pawel Pawlikowski, the director of Oscar-winner “Ida,” described “Chevalier” as a “study of male antagonism seen though the eyes of a brave and original filmmaker.” He added: “With great formal rigor and irresistible wit, Athena Rachel Tsangari has managed to make a film that is both a hilarious comedy and a deeply disturbing statement on the condition of Western humanity.”

Pawlikowski’s fellow jurors were producer Christine Vachon, actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Kristin Scott-Thomas, and director and screenwriter Mabel Cheung.

“The Witch” is about a 17th-century New England family torn apart by tension and the suspicion of witchcraft. Jury president, “Appropriate Behavior” director/screenwriter Desiree Akhavan, said “The Witch” “stood apart as the announcement of a new voice in contemporary cinema. A horror film that felt as though it were reinventing the genre with each frame and truly shocking moments that evoke both terror and empathy. With an impressive command of cameras as well as truly heartbreaking performances — it presented a fresh, feminist take on a timeless tale.”

The jury also commended Martin Butler and Bentley Dean’s “Tanna,” saying “It’s a rare skill to give a voice to a typically marginalized community that doesn’t condescend or patronize and for this reason the jury would like to give special mention to ‘Tanna’.”

Akhavan’s jury comprised director and fine artist Clio Barnard, who won the Sutherland Award in 2010 for her feature debut “The Arbor,” James Kent, the director of “Testament of Youth,” actor Allen Leech (“The Imitation Game”), and chief film critic of The Times, Kate Muir.

To read more, please visit: Variety

In an effort to help refugee children in Greece complete their education, the Greek Ministry of Education and UNICEF have teamed up to devise short-term and long-term plans to fulfill this goal.

UNICEF’s Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe, Marie-Pierre Poirier, visited Athens and Lesvos recently with the aim to collaborate with Greek authorities. While meeting with Greek education officials, she was informed about the current situation and the effects on refugee children.

According to UNICEF’s data, around 22,000 children are among the 55,000 migrants and refugees stranded in Greece. After interviewing 75% of school aged refugee children, 1 in 5 had never even begun their education. As a jumpstart, Greece’s Education Ministry has initiated pilot education and activities for children at refugee camps over the summer with the aim of beginning proper classes in the fall in their native language, English, and basic Greek.

While in Athens and Lesvos, Ms Poirier presented two plans to address the educational needs of the children. The first plan is a programme developed for younger children, which will allow for the immediate intervention at reception centers and the second plan is a programme to address the needs of adolescents, which include both education and career orientation.

For the younger children, the goal is to learn their mother tongue and English so they will be prepared once they settle in a host country. The goal for school aged children is to place them in Greek schools.

Apart from the educational needs Poirier was informed about, there are children who are unaccompanied. These children need to be aided by Greek institutions, prosecutors, and social workers to place them in foster care and eventually unite them with their families. UNICEF is also collaborating with the Migration Policy Ministry and the Social Solidarity Ministry to provide protection for unaccompanied minors.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda

Known for its pleasant weather, Athens is a great city to go outside for a walk or run. Discover some of our favorite coastal routes to explore stunning waterfront locations by foot!

Faliro To Voula

The Flisvos Marina is located 8 km south of Athens, offers a beautiful seaside path. Head north to the Peace and Friendship Stadium, about 5 km, where you will find shops, cafes, restaurants, and an open-air cinema. If you head south, you will reach Glyfada and Voula. There is a path along the road for part of the route, and an off-road path in sections. The distance from Flisvos Marina to Glyfada and Voula is 9 km and 11.7 km, respectively. Along the way, you will pass by numerous beaches and beach clubs, while if you get off the path, you will be able to explore the local marinas and piers.

This route is one of the most pleasant on the coast of Athens; however, you will need to be cautious of the traffic and tram lines in a couple of sections. An added bonus is that you an run one way and take the tram back to Flisvos.

Terrain: Flat
Maps: Flisvos Marina to Peace & Friendship Stadium Route & Flisvos Marina to Voula Route

Piraeus, Zea Marina and Kastella

Located just 8km southwest of Athens, Piraeus is a popular day-trip destination and one of the world's largest passenger ports. There are a handful of excellent running routes in Piraeus, primarily located along the Saronic Gulf coast.

1.Piraeus Port

Take in the bustling energy of Europe's largest passenger port with this route around Piraeus's docks and ships; there are red painted pedestrian lanes along the whole port. A popular starting point is the port's western peninsula, near the "Hellas Liberty" Floating Museum.

If you head north along the water, you'll catch glimpses of the Eetionian Gate of the Piraeus Ancient Walls on your left. As you continue right and bend around the port; between Port Gates E8 and E9, you'll see Themistokleous Square and the Church of Saint Spyridon across the street. The path continues southwest to the Church of Saint Nicholas. Here, runners can turn around for another 7.5 km run back.

Terrain: Hilly
Map: Piraeus Port Route

2. Akti Themistokleous to Zea Marina

This scenic route follows a lamplit promenade along a stretch of rocky coastline. Near the Hellenic Maritime Museum, the path briefly bends inland, then follows along the waterfront of the Zea Marina. Pick up the waterfront trail at the corner of Akti Themistokleous and Alexandrou Zaimi street, and turn around at the Monument to the Pontic Greek Genocide for a 9 km out and back run.

Terrain: Hilly
Map: Akti Themistokleous to Zea Marina Route

3. Kastella

The neighborhood Kastella is perched high above the Athens basin and offers stunning views of the coast below and the Athens Acropolis above. This affluent part of Piraeus is famous for its neoclassical buildings and landmarks and the Church of Profitis Ilias. Runners will find this is a great area to see the sights and a killer hill workout. This route is a quick, hilly 2.5 km loop, starting near the Faros Marina.

Terrain: Very Hilly
Map: Kastella Route

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This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab

Fulbright Greece is celebrating 70 years of educational and cultural exchanges between the Unites States and Greece!

The Fulbright Program is the premier international educational exchange program in the world. It was established in the United States in 1946 by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. The Fulbright Foundation in Greece offers scholarships to Greek and American citizens – students, teachers, scholars, and artists – to pursue a wide variety of educational projects. Since 1948, more than 5,000 Greek and American citizens have received scholarships from the Fulbright Foundation in Greece to participate in US-Greece educational and cultural exchanges.

The Foundation awards grants to Greek and US citizens to study, teach, lecture, or conduct research in the United States and Greece respectively. Fulbright Greece collaborated with filmmaker, alumna Eirini Steirou and cinematographer Antonis Katrakazis to produce a series of portraits of US and Greek scholars, who share their Fulbright experience.

“Education is life-changing, I‘ve seen it change lives. It changed my own”.

Breiana, with a background in psychology and experience in incarcerated youth education came to teach English in Greece, out of her love for Greek mythology. She believes that education has the power to change lives.

“Education is about opening your heart, opening your eyes, going into places, into thoughts, into experiences that are new”.

Elizabeth came to Greece with her teenage son, to teach American Studies in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and research on how the humanities and academy can deal with real issues people are facing today. She believes education has the power to make people and the world better.

To read this article in full and to watch the videos, please visit: Greek TV

Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane S.p.A. recently signed an agreement to buy 100 percent of TrainOSE for 45 million euros, ending a four-year tender process and opening a new page in the Greek railways' future.

Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane S.p.A. is the third largest railway company in Europe and has agreed to enhance and grow TrainOSE using its know-how and expertize to create a significant railway services company.

To read this article in full, please visit: AMNA

The summer is over, and fall is gradually making its presence with autumn showers and chilly evenings. Even though the memories of the warm Greek summer holidays are still fresh, there is something about the transition between seasons that invites us to explore unknown and remote destinations.

 

Visit these 5 great international destinations in October to take advantage of the affordable rates and thinner crowds, while being able to visit world-famous attractions in a more relaxed manner.

 

Visit Spain in October, and you are in great luck. In the fall, you'll be able to go chestnut picking, and wine tasting in Catalonia, surf in the Basque Country, or climb the Teide volcano. Compared to other European countries, Spain is warmer and drier in October, making it an excellent destination for an autumn retreat! Most probably, you'll even still be able to swim as waters are still warm in October.

 

Great Things To Do: Visit the Alhambra, and explore the cities of Seville and Barcelona

Ideal For: Honeymooners

 

 

Prague is one of the most exquisite destinations in Europe. Airfares are more affordable in October, there are many festivals and events happening around the city in the fall, and the temperature hasn't yet started to drop to its low winter grades. Furthermore, the traditional beers, local foods, and delicious pastries will definitely treat your taste buds too.

 

Great Things To Do: Walk on the Charles Bridge, visit Prague Castle, cruise Vltava River, and watch a Black Light Theater Performance

Ideal For: Families, friends, and couples

 

If you have the time and the budget for a more extended trip outside Europe, Canada is an excellent option. Packed with beautiful landscapes and amazing sites, Canada is one of the ideal holiday destinations in the world. Not only is Canada the second-largest country in the world, but it's also home to the breathtaking Niagara Falls and other incredible natural sites. With such a variety of places to visit, don't be surprised if you manage to explore snowy mountains, quaint port towns, and the Arctic Ocean on the same trip.

Great Things To Do: Go to Niagara Falls, visit a maple syrup farm, and explore Toronto's Sugar Beach
Ideal For: Families and honeymooners

 

 

 

Great Things To Do: Visit as many pubs as you can, discover Irish music, and take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher

Ideal For: Young travelers and families

 

 

Greek locals probably haven't thought of October as a great time to explore our beautiful country.However, October is the best time to visit Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete, and Kefalonia. In October, the weather is still quite warm, the crowds are thinner, and travel costs can plummet by as much as 20%! From hiking beautiful island trails to bird watching, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can pursue in Greece in the fall.




Great Things To Do: Climb Mount Olympus, watch the Santorini sunset in peace, or visit a year-round destination like Crete

Ideal For: Couples and families

 

It's a well known fact that Greece is a beautiful country so we don't like to brag about it... well maybe just a little bit! In this week's newsletter discover some of the most beautiful towns in Greece to visit for a lovely time and find out which Greek resorts were named the best ones in the world!

• Optimistic
• Communicative
• Honest (literally she cannot lie for a damn thing)
• Patient
• Sleepaholic

Since February 9th was officially declared International Greek Language Day in 2017, the Greek language is getting more and more attention. The principal aim for celebrating International Greek Language Day is to celebrate the vital, fundamental role played by the Greek language in the shaping of Western civilization throughout the centuries

February 9 was selected because it is the official remembrance day of Dionysios Solomos, who died on February 9, 1857. Dionysios Solomos is the Greek national poet famous for writing the Greek national anthem, titled ”Hymn to Liberty” (Ύμνος εις την Ελευθερίαν). This initiative encourages anyone interested in the Greek language and culture to learn our ancient and fascinating language and instigate more initiatives that will spread the Greek language and culture around the world.

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Here are 5 surprising facts about the Greek language you may have never heard of: 

1. The Longest Word In Literature is Greek

According to the Guinness World Records, the longest word ever to appear in literature can be found in Assemblywomen, a comedy written by the Greek playwright Aristophanes.

The word is transliterated as:
lopadotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimhypotrimmatosilphiokarabomelitokatakechymenokichlepikossypho
phattoperisteralektryonoptekephalliokigklopeleiolagoiosiraiobaphetraganopterygon 

or, in the Greek alphabet:
λοπαδο­τεμαχο­σελαχο­γαλεο­κρανιο­λειψανο­δριμυπο­τριμματο­σιλφιο­καραβομελιτο­κατα­κεχυμενο­κιχλεπικοσσυφοφαττο­περιστεραλεκτρυονοπτο­κεφαλλιο­κιγκλοπελειο­λαγῳοσιραιο­βαφητραγανο­πτερύγων

It is the longest Greek word, with 183 letters and 78 syllables. 

2. Greek Is The Oldest Recorded Living Language

Greek is the oldest recorded living language with written records in Greek spanning over 34 centuries. Greek derives from Proto-Greek, the first form of spoken Greek which dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. The language later evolved into Ancient Greek, which was spoken during the Antiquity, while Modern Greek emerged after the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453.

3. Originally, Greek Was Written From Right To Left

Like modern-day Hebrew and Arabic, Ancient Greek was written from right to left. Subsequently, Greek was written boustrophedon, meaning that lines alternated between right-to-left and left-to-right script. During the 5th century BC, the direction of Greek writing was standardized as left to right, and all the letters adopted a fixed right-facing orientation.

4. The Word ‘Alphabet’ Derives From The 2 First Letters Of The Greek Alphabet

The first two letters of the Greek alphabet are alpha (α) and beta (β). And while the English language uses Latin characters, the word ‘alphabet’ actually refers to Greek letters.

5. An Estimated 12% Of The English Vocabulary Has A Greek Origin

Did you know that almost every English word starting with ph such as philosophy, philanthropy, phobia, and phenomenon, comes from Greek? Greek hugely influenced the English language that is why many technical and scientific terms such as astronomy, biology, and mathematics, originate from Greek.

This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab

The leading golf tournament for the shipping community, Greek Maritime Golf Event, is expected to gather the Greek and global shipping industry for the 7 th year, on September 3-5, 2021, at Costa Navarino, Messinia.

The Greek Maritime Golf Event is a tournament that is always distinguished not only for the competitive level of its participants but also for its social work. This year, the great golf event will strengthen through its actions the Non-Profit Organization KARKINAKI. More specifically, during this year’s award ceremony to the winners, and winning teams respectively, on Saturday, September 4, participants will have the opportunity to directly contribute with their desired amount at the specially designed area. The total amount to be collected will be given to the Non-Profit Organization KARKINAKI, which claims intervention in the effort of stopping Childhood and adolescent cancer being a taboo issue, but also finding as many allies as possible so that every child who suffers from cancer has equal access to high-quality hospitalization, effective treatment and, ultimately, the right to life. 

The awards ceremony will be glamorous and full of surprises and gifts for its participants. The event will be presented by the Euroleague legend, Joe Arlauckas and the international model Ioanna Papadimitriou. The shipping community is expected to “embrace” and actively support the event’s good cause for yet another year.

Registration for this year’s tournament continues with an undiminished pace, as participants are already forming their teams. Amateur golf enthusiasts, all of them being shipping executives, will have the opportunity to compete in the two signature 18-hole courses, The Dunes Course and The Bay Course, in an idyllic landscape of Messinia with a unique view of the Ionian Sea and the historic Bay of Navarino.

At the same time, non-golfers will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of the Olympic sport of golf. They will learn the rules and the basic hits by attending the golf lessons that will be implemented within the golf clinic of the schedule.

MOTODYNAMICS SA is the Signature Sponsor of the Greek Maritime Golf Event, actively supporting the Greek golf industry. The company is the official importer of Porsche AG in Greece, the German automobile manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports cars.

Greek Maritime Golf Event is attended by some of the leading shipping companies from Greece and Cyprus as well as great Greek companies that support the event.
The Marshall Islands Registry IRI is the event’s Platinum Sponsor. Mainline Shipping Company, Onego Shipping Company, Jotun Hellas and Swift Marine are Golden Sponsors. Arrow Hellas, DNV and Drew Marine are Silver Sponsors.
MOTODYNAMICS SA is the Signature Sponsor.
Marine Tours is the event’s Official Travel Partner.
IYC is the Official Sponsor.
Tototheo Maritime, Standard Club and Poseidonia are the Official Supporters.
Under Armour is the Official Clothing Partner.
The Margi, Domotel Kastri, Karalis Beach Hotel, Dinner in the Sky, Athi Rodi and Unique Flowers Creations are the event’s Partners.
Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.
Greek Maritime Golf Event, is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias.

The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production.

The tournament is addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community. The tournament will be held in a completely safe destination, with a health protocol and the necessary approvals of the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports, taking into account the strict specifications set by the Hellenic Golf Federation. More information about the full schedule of this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Hashtag: #greekmaritimegolfevent

Photo credit: Charis Akriviadis