This year marks 100 years since the birth of Manos Hadjidakis, one of Greece’s greatest composers. To celebrate, the Megaron – Athens Concert Hall pays tribute to his extraordinary contribution to cinema with a full-day film marathon dedicated to his work for the silver screen. Organized in collaboration with the Friends of Music Association and the Greek Film Archive, the event highlights Hadjidakis’ unique relationship with film, revealing the sensitivity, imagination, and aesthetic vision that left an indelible mark on both Greek and international cinema.
Music Beyond the Screen
Hadjidakis’ music did more than accompany images—it transformed them. Iconic melodies such as Never on Sunday, which won him an Academy Award for Best Original Song, became instantly recognizable worldwide. Works like The Great Love Songs (O Megalos Erotikos) serve as artistic manifestos of love, poetry, and Greek lyricism.
The marathon features four emblematic films spanning different phases of his cinematic career, showcasing Hadjidakis not only as a composer but also as a storyteller whose music colored images and elevated the role of sound as a dramatic narrative tool. As Hadjidakis himself once said:
“Good music for cinema always brings the image to life within us.”
Discussion: “Like Old Cinema…”
Dimitris Mitropoulos Hall | 18:00
The tribute is complemented by an open discussion, “Like Old Cinema…”, moderated by Maria Komninou, President of the Greek Film Archive. Participants include journalist Fotis Apergis, Associate Professor Renata Dalianoudi (Ionian University, Department of Sound and Image Arts), and composer Nikos Kypourgos, exploring Hadjidakis’ multifaceted relationship with cinema and the timeless impact of his music.
Screening Schedule | Alexandra Trianti Hall
- 12:00 | Topkapi (dir. Jules Dassin, 1964 | English with Greek subtitles)
A small-time thief with passport troubles joins a gang planning to rob Istanbul’s Topkapi Museum. Starring Melina Mercouri, Peter Ustinov, Maximilian Schell, and others.
Still frame from Topkapi.
- 14:30 | America America (dir. Elia Kazan, 1963 | English with Greek subtitles)
The story of Stavros Topouzoglou, a young Greek immigrant striving to reach America, navigating obstacles along his journey.
Still frame from the film, America America.
- 18:00 | Discussion: “Like Old Cinema…”
Dimitris Mitropoulos Hall
- 19:30 | Never on Sunday (dir. Jules Dassin, 1960 | Greek with Greek & English subtitles)
An American scholar meets Ilya, a Greek sex worker, and spends two weeks with her, shaping both of their lives. Featuring the bouzouki theme that won the Oscar for Best Original Song.
Melina Mercouri as “Ilya” sings “The Boys of Piraeus” and looks at a photo of the Olympiacos team, in one of the most iconic moments in Greek cinema.
- 21:30 | The Great Love Songs (O Megalos Erotikos, dir. Pantelis Voulgaris, 1973 | Greek)*
A cinematic interpretation of Hadjidakis’ song cycle, capturing the atmosphere of his music through a playful, visual exploration of Athens.
Co-Production
- Greek Film Archive
- Friends of Music Association
- Megaron – Athens Concert Hall
Tickets:
- €10 for one film | €15 for two films | €30 for all four
- 2-film blocks (morning or afternoon) available for €15
Booking: 210 72 82 333 | megaron.gr
