GFFW2013 by The Greek America Foundation

MAY 11-18, 2O13

TORONTO, ON

ABOUT GREEK FILM & FOTO WEEK A week-long photo exhibition and related events will take place in Toronto, Canada from May 11-18, 2013. The exhibition will feature works from photographers of Greek descent from throughout North America and is hosted in conjunction with the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival, one of the largest photography festivals in the world. The photo exhibition will be hosted at one of Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

OPENING WEEKEND SCHEDULE

SAT MAY 11

GFFW EXHIBITION OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION

SUN MAY 12

SUNDAY SHORTS

7 - 9PM

1 - 3PM

The Burroughes 639 Queen Street W, 6th Floor Toronto, ON

Jackman Hall at the Art Gallery of Toronto 317 Dundas Street Toronto, ON

most unique event spaces, The Burroughes, compliments of Greek America Foundation supporter Queen Street Partners, a company that has demonstrated a proven track record of supporting neighborhoods and brands before they are broadly recognized. The group has been integral to the founding and growth of Greek Film & Foto Week. 2013 Greek Film & Foto Week has been made possible

exhibition SCHEDULE

SUN MAY 12 11AM - 6PM

by the generous support of Lee Polydor (Founder & CEO, Queen Street Partners). Special thanks to Hellenic Heritage Foundation for their sponsorship and continued support as well as Steve Kriaris, CEO of the Kolonaki Group for providing wines for the opening reception of Greek Film & Foto Week.

MON MAY 13 1OAM - 6PM

THROUGH

FRI MAY 17 1OAM - 6PM

SAT MAY 18

1OAM - 12PM

Greek America Foundation 910 West Van Buren Street, Suite 7SW, Chicago, IL 60607 Phone: 312-733-4633 www.greekamerica.org/GFFW

Or, by appointment. Contact the venue for appointment details: 416-360-5757

CURATORIAL BIO

CURATORIAL STATEMENT TONY KOUKOS After a 7-year career in finance, Tony Koukos resigned from the corporate world, to become a World Travel Photographer.

As the Curator of the 2013 Greek Film & Foto Week (GFFW) exhibition I welcome you to this year’s event. We are pleased to be hosting once again in conjunction with the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival. Exhibited in the historic revival Burroughes Building, GFFW 2013 is the Greek America Foundation’s third annual public exhibition of artists working in a photo-based medium.

His passion for Art, Travel & Design have blended together to create his reality. To date, he has traveled to 44 countries and has a collection of over 50,000 images in his archives.

The exhibition will once again feature works from photographers of Greek descent from throughout North America. The images gathered for this year’s exhibition attempt to showcase the experiences that make up what it is to be Greek. The inspiration that moves each one of our 22 photographers is visible in what they have captured through their lenses and are able to share with us today.

Koukos has used his own images to curate art for The Four Seasons, IKEA and numerous other channels. Based in Toronto, he travels regularly to capture new images, but also enjoys being home and in his own gallery located downtown Toronto. “My obsession to always keep moving forward has pulled 44 countries into my camera lens, and I am only half way done!”

We are also pleased to exhibit never before seen prints by acclaimed Magnum Photographer Constantine Manos, from his time as the set photographer from Elia Kazan’s award winning film, “America, America” which celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of its release date. Adventure was always one of my main motivators; the ability to seize an opportunity and not let it pass by. It was this, along with my passion for travel, photography and design that lead me to a career of World Travel Photography & Design. It was my love for Greece and my Greek heritage that led me in the path of the Greek America Foundation and the Greek Film & Foto Week exhibition. The process of meticulously curating the collections from the hundreds of talented images submitted was an exciting process. There are so many talented photographers of Greek decent and my goal as curator was to capture the essence of Greece and the talents of its diaspora. This exhibition is presented by the Greek America Foundation, along with Lee Polydor and The Burroughes Building. Thank you to Gregory Pappas, Constantine Manos, and the dedicated staff of the Greek America Foundation for making this event possible. I am thankful of the enthusiasm of each of the photographers and, of course, thankful to the Greek America Foundation for this opportunity. Tony Koukos Curator

FROM GREGORY C. PAPPAS Founder & Chairman Greek America Foundation The Greek America Foundation is a non-profit organization that I founded in 1997 with a mission to “promote, preserve and perpetuate the Greek culture, history and heritage in the Americas.” With a series of publications, programs, concerts, special events and institutional endeavors, the Foundation seeks to bring elements of Greek culture, history and heritage—also known as Hellenism—to the forefront of mainstream America, making it a relevant component of our followers’ everyday life. The ideals we espouse as an organization are central to our DNA as Greeks. They are core components of our heritage like innovation (kainotomia), paideia, and philanthropia. The Hellenic Legacy Scholarship fund sends students to Greece for fullsemester study abroad experiences at US-accredited academic institutions and our internship program offers life-changing experiences to students to live and work abroad for an entire summer, simultaneously expanding their professional networks and opportunities for personal growth. Paideia and personal growth for the young people of our community is core to our mission. The Gabby Awards (Greek America’s Best and Brightest Stars) have become our signature event that celebrates arête (excellence) and honors individuals who have touched their industries and those around them. Our Forty Under 40 awards recognize young leaders from throughout North America who not only strive for excellence in all they do, but who serve their communities through emphasis on philanthropy and community service.

Our National Innovation Conference is an international gathering of opinion leaders, business people and innovators who, together with an audience of like-minded people, create a modern day Athenian agora where ideas are exchanged. The Foundation also publishes Greek America Magazine, the continent’s most widely circulated periodical for followers of all things Greek and features a diverse range of stories consistent with the mission of the Foundation, as well as news and announcements for the Foundation’s donors and supporters. This event —now in its third year and growing — was the brainchild of a foundation supporter from Toronto: Lee Polydor, whose vision and support have enabled the growth of Greek Film & Foto Week into a major cultural institution. None of this would be possible without his personal vision and support, as well as that of his company, Queen Street Partners. We are grateful for the continued support and participation of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation, who is, for a second year now, also financial sponsor of our efforts and important partner in what we strive to accomplish. Finally, the people of the Greek America Foundation who donate their talents and time to our cause is what differentiates us from everyone else. We have an army of dedicated people who support this vision, including Anthony Koukos who freely and exuberantly gave of him time and energy to curate this show.

TOM “THANAZ” AVRAMIS San Fransisco, CA

A first generation Greek-American, born in Tucson, AZ, Athanasios Avramis (aka ThanaZ) grew up in a traditional Greek-American community retaining strong Greek values. ThanaZ proudly holds strong nostalgia for his childhood, arising from his strong Greek upbringing. Avramis describes his Cretan Sfakian / Mytilinean roots as contributing to the perfect merging of warrior/poet, and are a strong influence in his artistic practice. Coming from a lineage of priests, Avramis was ordained an Orthodox priest in his mid-twenties. Believing he has more potential to give to his community as a lay person, he now works in the social services non-profit sector, giving back to society and the most vulnerable of persons. His love of photography is his focal point, his anchor, and refuge. Avramis takes thousands of images of his favorite subjects: Greece and people whose eyes reflect the depth of Hellenic history and heritage: “My two passions when I peer through a camera lens.” Avramis now calls the San Francisco Bay Area his home.

ELENI BAKOPOULOS

ELENA BALKOS

Toronto, ON

Eleni Bakopoulos was born in 1972 in Toronto, Ontario. A painter and photographer, Bakopoulos studied fine arts at York Univeristy and the University of Guelph. Her many achievements include a Discovery Award nomination for Les Rencontres d’Arles photography festival in France and a silver medal in photography for team Canada at the V Games of La Francophonie in Niger. Bakopoulos’s work has also been featured in a number of solo exhibitions, including the in Turin, Italy, and at the Rossella Junck Gallery in Berlin, Germany. Bakopoulos was the Beaverbrook Art Gallery’s Emerging Artist in 2005.

Based out of Toronto, Balkos is a tax lawyer by trade and has been capturing images for 16 years.

KATERINA CHRONOPOULOS

ANGELA DIZES

Toronto, ON

Katerina Chronopoulos earned a Bachelor of Designgraduating from OCAD University. She specialized in Advertising as an art director moving on to work with ad agency Gee Jeoffrey & Partners. In October 2008 she traveled back to Bermuda, for a second time that year, returning home to Torontocompletely inspired by her trip. Her interest in the advertising industry had faded as her new awoken passion for photography flourished.

Angela Dizes is an amateur photographer, writer and filmmaker. Angela first became interested in photography in 2005 when she borrowed a friend’s camera for a trip to Europe. She immediately bought a camera upon returning and has continued to pursue her interest in photography both by traveling to new places and more closely observing familiar ones. She enjoys taking photos of landscapes, scenes of urban life, animals and the many wonders in her parent’s garden.

Katerina exhibits her work in artists galleries and various Starbucks locations across the GTA. Of course, she is most proud to have been an artist in CONTACT amongst the first group exhibition of the Greek America Foundation’s Greek Foto Week 2011, 2012 and now 2013.

Angela lives in Toronto where she works as an elementary school teacher.

Establishing a successful self-promotional career as an artist and photographer, she launched her new website photosbykaterina.com in May of 2013.

JOHN GRAMMATIS

DANNIS KOROMILAS

Chicago, IL

Toronto, ON

DJ John Grammatis is a mind reader, Yes, DJ not photographer! At least that’s how music lovers and club goers around the world have explained. John’s uncanny ability to read a crowd’s energy and play just the right tracks at the right times. John’s career as a DJ started in 1986 and has been a full time Job ever since. His dad always said, “if you enjoy your job, you never have to work a day in your life”! That was his goal. Playing around with some turntables and throwing house parties to touring the world yearly as a nightclub DJ. Even as a teenager, John’s innate ability to connect with a crowd and impressive technical expertise earned him a residency at Chicago’s famed Cairo Club when he was only 17- the youngest club DJ in the entire city. In 1990, John packed his vinyl and headed to Europe where he worked in Copenhagen, as well as Greece. In 1992, he was invited back to Europe for a fiveweek gig and has traveled the globe extensively since then. But, Chicago is John’s home and where he likes to keep under the radar and spend time with his family. His life changed (for the better) when his triplets were born (two girls and a boy). Not being able to catch every move his kids were making John bit the bullet and picked up his first SLR Camera. And like many others, the photography obsession started. Never taking a photography class, he insists he really has no clue when it comes to taking pictures. “I just get lucky and people like them.”

Dannis Koromilas co-created and was writer/producer of the police drama “The Bridge.” His writing career began with the publication of his first novel, “East Rockaway Station,” an immigrant saga that was published by a small press in Toronto in 1992. In the 1990’s, Dannis lived between Toronto, New York and L.A. working as a writer’s assistant, script editor, and ghostwriter for several Oscar and Emmy nominated writers and directors. Dannis is also the co-author of the #1 bestselling book “Call Me Russell” (Doubleday/Random House), the memoirs of Canadian Comedy superstar Russell Peters. Dannis is currently writing and producing, “Greece Year Zero” an essay film about the last century of Greek History. He is also the Director of the Greek Film Retrospective of Toronto.

JOHN KOSMOPOULOS

TONY KOUKOS

Toronto, ON

John Kosmopoulos is an internationally awarded photographer specializing in Architecture, Abstract, Long Exposure and Minimalist B&W photography. He espouses an “eclectic aesthetic fine art” (EAFA) philosophy of photography that focuses on the complexity of beauty found in the simplest of moments. He is also a consultant and college professor in the Toronto area.

Tony Koukos, photographer, has found inspiration throughout the world. Currently residing Canada, it is not uncommon for him to board a jet plane at the last minute to complete a project or embark on a new adventure. Whether it’s climbing the medieval towers of Tuscany or scuba-diving the Great Barrier Reef, he does whatever it takes to find a distinctive angle, that perfect shot. His pictures speak for themselves, each a piece of art, conveying a message of history, character and natural beauty. His obsession to keep moving forward in life, has brought him to 38 countries including; Italy, Cuba, Australia, Thailand, Morocco, Japan, Turkey, Croatia, Brazil, Argentina and many more. He regularly ventures off on a photo shoot to one of the many corners of the world, seeing new subject matter to create his newest collection. He faithfully returns to Greece each year, where his roots lie, to capture the shadows cast on the white-washed villas of the sun-drenched Greek Isles. The future of this world travel photographer brings him on adventures to Africa and India, where we anticipate his new images that will surely captivate us.

CHRISSA MARKOS

ANASTASSIOS MENTIS

Boston, MA

Astoria, NY

Chrissa Markos was born in Boston to a Greek immigrant family from Sparta. After completing high school in the US she moved to Athens Greece immersing herself in her cultural roots and language. While in Athens, Chrissa completed college at University of LaVerne and went on to teach Greek, English and work as a translator for various publications. Her interest in photography grew while traveling extensively around the Greek countryside and purposefully seeking remote villages and lives. In 2003 she returned to Boston permanently and attended New England School of Photography pursuing her passion professionally. Today, Chrissa resides permanently in Boston with her husband and two sons and works as a professional photographer. She continues to travel back to Greece during the summers and immerses herself and her family in the local culture.

Anastassios Mentis was born in Neapolis, Lakonias in Greece and studied at “The Technological Educational Institute Of Athens” with Bachelor of Qualified Topographer Engineer. Also he has studied photography in Berlin, Germany and at International Center of Photography in NYC. He has an extensive experience in Interior | Architectural and still life and food photography and he has been working in these fields for over twenty years. He has worked for a large number of well known international magazines and his client list includes: Martha Stewart, Casa Vogue, Maison & Decoration, Hampton Cottages and Gardens, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens, German Country Homes, Shop. Today he is living in Astoria, NY and continues to capture The Greek America Diaspora.

LEAH MICHALOS

JOHN MILIOS

Brooklyn, NY

Los Angeles, CA

Leah Michalos is a photographer, writer and producer who aims to capture the essence of storytelling in all of her work. Her work as a writer and photographer has been published in print and online media throughout the country Her photography has been installed in various venues and boutiques in New York. Her plays have appeared in Chicago and New York, most recently her series, That Something. Leah is the Managing Director of The Directors Company, whose successful OffBroadway production of Irene’s Vow transferred to Broadway. Recent Managing/ Production Off-Broadway credits include: Poetic License, Murder in the First, and The Best of Everything. In addition to her work in professional theatre, Leah is the Program Director for S.T.A.R. Theatre, a youth advocacy program, whose mission is to provide young people with a comprehensive understanding about the issues they face growing up in today’s world. She is proud to have directed the 2011 Gabby Awards on Ellis Island and is excited to be a co-producer of the 2013 Gabbys at L.A.’s El Capitan Theater – and to be involved in some way, with not only the telling of our Greek history, but in the celebration of its future and successes. Leah holds a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a graduate of The Ohio State University. Originally from Canton, Ohio, Leah currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.

John Milios has a natural photographic instinct, capturing the emotional essence of a moment. Recognized as an artist who intuitively connects with people he photographs, John has been sought after to shoot, actors, models, musicians, athletes, world leaders and royalty alike. Some of his notable subjects include President Clinton, Donald Trump, Mike Tyson, Natalie Cole, Jamie Presley, Billy Crystal and Bon Jovi to name a few. His celebrated work has won him several International Portrait Photography awards. Many of his photographs have been featured in various books and publications. John’s love of photography was born from his desire to document his journey to Asia while training and competing in Martial Arts. In the midst of pursing his sport, photography began as a hobby and quickly became a passion. It was the perfect marriage. The accelerated reflexes and presence of mind his skill in Martial Arts afforded him, gave John an instant advantage in his ability to capture an image. John brings a unique quality to all of his photographs, giving them a timeless sense of beauty with a splash of contemporary flare. He knows how to capture a single moment and preserve it, making an instant last a lifetime. He creates a visual memory that touches the heart and grabs the soul. His images are elegant, artistic, timeless and unique. Originally from Greek heritage, John moved to New York as a teenager. It was here, in his beloved New York City, that John experienced a transformational shift, he recognized photography as an essential medium in capturing moments in time. John currently resides in Los Angeles and travels around the world wherever his camera takes him.

ANTOINE NIKOLOPOULOS

ANDREW PATERAS

Toronto, ON

Aurora, ON

Born in Athens Greece, Antoine Nikolopoulos and his family moved to Canada shortly thereafter and remained there ever since. Although his formal education was completed in Toronto, Antoine travels back to Greece every year to recharge and to experience everything Greece has to offer. He has been employed by the City of Toronto as a Public Health Inspector for the past 22 years. While Antoine has had great pleasure from his chosen profession, photography has provided an incredibly fulfilling creative outlet. Completely self taught, it was he who was holding the camera and taking pictures on those many family vacations. Thus began his journey into the world of photography. In 2003, Antoine decided to register a photography business and build his portfolio, and showcase his latest works by holding one-night events throughout the city. Word spread through his circle of friends and professional associations, and those one-night events became regular. Antoine has been the featured artist in various Toronto locations, most notably Harry Rosen (2003), SNAP Toronto Photographic Competition (2005), a published finalist in the Photographic Laureates Competition (2006), and staff photographer for Liberty Entertainment Group (2007). In addition, celebrity chefs Marc Thuet, Roger Mooking, and nightclub impresario Charles Khabouth have acquired his work.

The art of photography and the excitement of travel are Andrew’s two greatest passions. Andrew has visited forty-six countries on all six contents and has no plans to ever stop travelling. He has travelled to first-class cities over-flowing with riches, slept under the stars at Uluru and in a tent among the wildlife of the African savannah. Andrew has journeyed to remote and exotic locations in search of adventure and with the hopes of being exposed to authentic cultural experiences. Andrew aims to create timeless images with a narrative you can understand and emotions you can feel. Capturing these images is not always easy, and at times it is with great risk to himself that he manages to get the shot. Whether it is diving with great white sharks in South Africa, standing in a cage with adult tigers in northern Thailand or being perched atop a land cruiser, photographing rhinos and lions in the Serengeti, Andrew produces fine art with every click of the shutter. Based in Toronto, Canada, but working internationally, Andrew specializes in wedding photography of a photojournalistic style. He has extensive experience in the industry and has been flown all around the world to capture destination weddings. Andrew’s love of the art of photography and his ability to be committed to his passion has enabled him to become one of Toronto’s most sought after wedding photographers.

GEORGE RETELAS

KIRK STRATAKOS

Pleasanton, CA

Toronto, ON

Trained in the Jedi Digital Arts, George’s photography and short-films have been featured throughout the known Galaxy. He currently teaches College in New Media, and has recently completed his first feature-length screenplay to Direct. George holds a BA in Communications from CSU Stanislaus and a Masters in Mass Communications from San Jose State University. His personal motto is “Teamwork makes the Dream work”.

Kirk Stratakos is a self taught photographer. He enjoys the solitude of this art and exploring perspectives through imagery.

JOANNA SYMEOU

ANNA VASSILIOU

New York City, NY

Scarborough, ON

Joanna Symeou is a psychologist (pre-licensure) living in New York City. Originally from Cyprus, she was born in London, UK and later moved to Cyprus with her family of origin. She studied Clinical Psychology in Chicago, and currently works with college students and older adults. Psychology, art, and dance are Symeou’s passions. Through photography she attempts to capture the beauty in her surroundings, perceiving the world with an artistic and appreciative eye.

Anna Vassiliou born in Florina, Greece, raised in Toronto, Canada. The youngest of three, the family arrived in Canada in the early 70’s. Growing up north of the Danforth, a passion for the arts all came very natural. A love for music and dance started along with acting and writing all throughout school years. Teaching dance for the Toronto District School Board as well as judging dance competitions for the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Photography started in the summer of 2004, and has been growing since. A artist that is still advancing with photos, writing, producing, even playing the drums.

ALEXANDRA VOTSIS

VOULAVOUS .

Toronto, ON

“I like being in front of the camera, but my passion is behind it.” Alexandra Votsis is a Toronto based freelance photographer who combines fashion and art in her visual practice of photography and video. Her concepts are sparked from inspiration that is explored and integrated in the work she creates. Alexandra produces work driven by her passion that showcases her unique style and visual eye.

after an eight year career in marketing Voula left the corporate world to pursue her passion for photography, travel, and people. she now travels the world, capturing street life through her camera and iphone lens. voula’s work has been published in numerous online and print publications and is regularly displayed in exhibits. she is a proud canadian and Greek citizen who calls toronto home, but her bags are always packed ready to jet. she feels fortunate to be living her dream and strives to inspire others to live theirs.

FEATURED EXHIBIT ON THE SET OF AMERICA, AMERICA WITH ELIA KAZAN, GREECE, 1963 CONSTANTINE MANOS / Magnum Photos In 1963, while I was in Greece making pictures for my book A Greek Portfolio, I got an unexpected and welcome assignment to spend two weeks on the set of Elia Kazan’s movie America, America. The movie, though set in Turkey, was being shot in northern Greece - which had a large Turkish population. Many local extras appeared in the film, which was a rich tapestry of a certain time and place in the ongoing history of Greeks and Turks. Kazan welcomed me warmly and did me a favor by ignoring me and allowing me to shoot freely, even during tense scenes. I admired his calm professionalism and confidence. I never saw him lose his temper, and he was always in control. I think this control was a result of the fact that he was highly respected by all - the actors, the crew, and the local people. Often surrounded by a crowd of onlookers, Kazan would direct the most personal and intimate scenes as though no one was present. It was fascinating to watch him put his arm around an actor’s neck and whisper into his or her ear, often for long periods of time. I always wondered what he was telling them. Whatever he told them, the results were transformative. The expressions on Kazan’s face when a scene was being shot reflected a deep agony and searching for exactly what he was expecting from his actors. He did not do many reshoots of scenes because of his careful preparation and attention to detail before the camera rolled. And America, America, an epic movie, was filled with details.

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