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.

Smyrna my Beloved
Directed byGrigoris Karantinakis
Written byMimi Denisi
Martin Sirman
Based onSmyrna my Beloved
by Mimi Denisi
StarringMimi Denisi
Burak Hakkı
Rupert Graves
Susan Hampshire
CinematographySimos Sarketzis
Music byAndreas Katsigiannis
Distributed byTanweer Productions
Release date
  • December 23, 2021 (2021-12-23)
Running time
141 minutes
CountryGreece
LanguageGreek

Summary

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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]

Screenings

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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]

Reception

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Reviews

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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]

Awards

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Smyrna, My Beloved won The Audience Award for Feature Film at the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Papoutsis, Vasilis (2022-01-15). "Movie Review: My Beloved Smyrna". National Herald. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
  2. ^ "Smyrna, My Beloved". Greek Film Festival. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
  3. ^ "Smyrna, My Beloved". Museum of the Moving Image. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
  4. ^ Panayides, Elena (2021-12-23). "Smyrna: a poignant tale of loss and belonging". Athens Insider. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
  5. ^ McSorley, Tom (2022-09-29). "Ottawa Morning with Robyn Bresnahan: Film review: Smyrna My Beloved". CBC. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
  6. ^ Savvidis, Panagiotis (2022-11-22). "Turkish Media Disturbed By The Movie "Smyrna, My Beloved" - Hurriyet Talks About A "plan Of The Invader"". Retrieved 2023-04-25.
  7. ^ "Los Angeles Greek Film Festival's Orpheus Award Winners Announced". The National Herald. 2022-05-18. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
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