SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Greek Film Festival (SFGFF) presents two screenings May 23-24 of the critically acclaimed biographical film ‘Stelios’ (original Greek title: ‘ΥΠΑΡΧΩ’) about legendary Greek singer Stelios Kazantzidis, whose music shaped generations and gave voice to the Greek diaspora worldwide. This is more than a film- it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and heritage.
The screenings are on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, both at 7 PM, at the Delancey Screening Room, 600 The Embarcadero in San Francisco.
Tickets are $20, available online: https://shorturl.at/pBRT5
More information is available on the SFGFF website: https://grfilm.com/.
The touching story of a child from a Pontic refugee family who managed to survive and thrive against all odds, thanks to his immense talent and resilience in the face of social and personal challenges. Music, love, family, friends, fishing, creativity, people of the night, hardcore fans, and intense conflicts come together to create the mosaic of his life. This film is a tribute to legendary singer, Stelios Kazantzidis (1931-2001), whose voice touched the hearts of all Greeks around the world. A film for those who loved him and those who wish to discover him.
Stelios blended traditional rebetika with modern influences, giving his music a unique sound that appealed to a wide audience. But what really made him popular and beloved was that his songs spoke directly to the struggles and hopes of ordinary Greeks, especially those who had to leave their homeland for work. He captured the essence of their pain, longing, and resilience, making him a powerful symbol of Greek identity, whose music continues to be cherished and celebrated, making him an enduring figure in Greek cultural history.
During its theatrical engagements in Greece, ‘Stelios’ became the fourth highest-grossing Greek film of all time, and counting. It received 10 nominations for the Greek Film Academy’s 2025 Iris Awards:
Best Feature Fiction Film
Best Direction
Best Leading Actor – Christos Mastoras
Best Leading Actress – Asimenia Voulioti
Best Supporting Actress – Klelia Renesi
Best Production Design – Antonis Daglidis
Best Costume Design – Maria Kontodima
Best Sound – Giannis Antypas, Kostas Varimpopiotis, Aris Louziotis
Best Makeup, Hairstyling, & Special Effects Design – Katerina Varthalitou, Chronis Tzimos
Best Special and Visual Effects – Elena Topouzoglou, Tony Alamo.
The trailer for the film is available on YouTube: https://shorturl.at/DsN2g.
