Two Fresh Productions are thrilled to announce that the Greek film Stelios will premiere in UK cinemas on 25 April 2025. Following its historic success at the Greek box office, where it debuted on 19 December 2024, the film—originally titled Yparcho, after one of Stelios Kazantzidis’ most iconic songs—brings the legendary Greek singer’s remarkable story to the big screen. Directed by Yorgos Tsemberopoulos and produced by Tanweer Productions, Stelios stars Christos Mastoras, frontman of the band Melisses, in the titular role.
The film tells the inspiring tale of a child from a Pontic refugee family who overcame immense adversity through his extraordinary talent and unwavering resilience. It weaves together a vibrant tapestry of music, love, family, friendship, fishing, creativity, nightlife, devoted fans, and personal struggles, painting a vivid portrait of Kazantzidis’ life. A must-watch for lovers of music and cinema, Stelios captures both the highs and lows of his journey.
Director Yorgos Tsemberopoulos shares, “Through this film, I wanted to delve into the soul of a man whose voice resonated with millions. Stelios Kazantzidis’ songs opened doors for him and those around him, yet his personal happiness was often overshadowed by family pressures, love affairs, and the weight of fame. The film not only showcases the birth of timeless songs that Greeks still cherish today but also traces Greece’s transformation from poverty to modernity, offering a window into the roots of our contemporary world. Cinematically, we prioritised authentic characters and emotional depth, using evolving settings and costumes to reflect the passage of time—echoing classic black-and-white Greek films while embracing modern storytelling. My goal was to reintroduce Stelios Kazantzidis as the hero of his own story.”
Stelios marks the first acquisition for Two Fresh Productions, the team behind the acclaimed documentary The Divided Island, which explored the Cyprus problem and hit cinemas in November 2024 before streaming on Prime Video. Founded by Enfield-based Turkish Cypriot Cey Sesiguzel and Greek Cypriot Andreas Tokkallos, alongside film distribution expert Lucy Savage (formerly of Pathe, Studio Canal, Kaleidoscope, and Film Soho), Two Fresh Productions aims to bring Mediterranean stories to UK audiences.
The team commented, “In Greece, audiences have flocked to cinemas to celebrate the life and legacy of this cherished singer, adored by generations young and old. We’re incredibly excited to bring this powerful and beautiful film to the UK’s large Greek diaspora, where we believe it will find just as much love and success.”
Secure your tickets now at www.twofresh.co.uk/stelios-movie.
