Smyrna my Beloved | |
---|---|
Directed by | Grigoris Karantinakis |
Written by | Mimi Denisi Martin Sirman |
Based on | Smyrna my Beloved by Mimi Denisi |
Starring | Mimi Denisi Burak Hakkı Rupert Graves Susan Hampshire |
Cinematography | Simos Sarketzis |
Music by | Andreas Katsigiannis |
Distributed by | Tanweer Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 141 minutes |
Country | Greece |
Language | Greek |
Smyrna, my Beloved (Greek: Σμύρνη μου αγαπημένη) is a 2021 Greek historical epic film directed by Grigoris Karantinakis about the burning of Smyrna (today's Izmir, Turkey) by the Turkish army in September 1922.[1] The film stars Mimi Denisi, Burak Hakki, Rupert Graves and Susan Hampshire.
The story follows the wealthy Greek Baltatzis family in the multicultural city of Smyrna during the Greco-Turkish War 1919-1922 and after the Turkish army entered the city in 1922, and shows the suffering and exodus of the ethnic Greeks of the city.[2]
The film premiered at Megaron-Athens Concert Hall.[1]
The film screened at Redstone Theatre through Museum of the Moving Image in May 2022.[3]
A review in The National Herald said, "The film is also a lesson about showing compassion to others in their times of need."[1]
Athens Insider referred to the film as "a poignant tale of loss and belonging".[4]
The film was reviewed by Tom McSorley of the CBC.[5]
At least one Turkish publication, Hürriyet, criticized the film, calling it "propaganda".[6]
Smyrna, My Beloved won The Audience Award for Feature Film at the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival.[7]