– The biographical film about Stelios Kazantzidis, one of Greece’s musical legends, has had an impressive run in national cinemas and will be distributed in the UK by Two Fresh Distribution
Stelios by Yorgos Tsemberopoulos
Stelios, a biopic directed by Yorgos Tsemberopoulos and produced by Tanweer Productions, has struck a chord with Greek audiences, and its success is generating buzz beyond Greece’s borders. The film chronicles the life and legacy of Stelios Kazantzidis, one of Greece’s most beloved music legends, whose story resonates with generations of fans. Born a Pontic refugee, Kazantzidis overcame personal hardships and achieved greatness through his musical talent, navigating tumultuous relationships and other struggles, but enjoying unwavering devotion from his fanbase.
Christos Mastoras, lead singer of the band Melisses, takes on the role of the iconic singer, lending authenticity to the portrayal. This connection to Kazantzidis’ spirit has propelled Stelios to impressive box-office numbers. In January, the film surpassed 800,000 admissions in Greece, marking a significant milestone that speaks to the enduring popularity of the music legend and the deep cultural ties that Greek audiences maintain with their artistic icons.
This success is not the first for Tanweer Productions, which previously made Eftyhia [+see also:
trailer
film profile], a biopic about revered Greek lyricist Eftyhia Papagiannopoulou. It was directed by Angelos Frantzis and co-penned by Katerina Bei, who also signed the Stelios script. The film, which was released at the end of 2019, attracted over 600,000 viewers, further proving that Greek cinema, when it taps into the nation’s musical heritage, can draw in audiences in large numbers.
The buzz around Stelios also comes at the debut of a new distribution venture, Two Fresh Distribution, which is bringing Mediterranean cinema to international markets. Co-founded by former StudioCanal and Kaleidoscope executive Lucy Savage along with Cey Sesiguzel and Andreas Tokkallos, Two Fresh Distribution is already positioning itself as a key player in the Mediterranean film scene.
The distribution company is now eyeing international expansion. Stelios is set for a UK release on 25 April, aimed at reaching both the Greek diaspora and other ethnic communities who hold Kazantzidis’ music in high regard. The team behind the movie believes its cultural richness and narrative will resonate on a global scale, offering audiences a window into Mediterranean heritage.
Alongside Stelios, the company has also acquired rights to The Divided Island, a 2024 documentary by Cey Sesiguzel, exploring the complex history and identity of Cyprus. This move reflects the company’s broader strategy to curate content that delves into the cultural and historical experiences of the Mediterranean region.
