The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) showcases new films from Greece and Cyprus, as well as works by international filmmakers of Greek descent.
The Festival’s Orpheus Award is named after the legendary Greek poet and “father of songs” and is the annual prize honoring the best in Greek and Greek-inspired cinema. Since the Festival’s inception in 2007, the awards night has become an integral event highlighting filmmakers who are reshaping our perception of film. Use film language to describe modern and timeless Greek culture. Past festival participants include award-winning directors and filmmakers such as Alexander Payne, Penelope Spheeris, Phedon Papamichael, Olympia Dukakis, Yorgos Lanthimos, Costa-Gavras, and more. Additionally, studio executives like Jim Gianopulos (Entertainment executive) and Kary Antholis (founder of Crime Story Media, LLC, former President of Miniseries and Cinemax Programming at HBO), as well as Greg Yaitanes (a visionary Emmy-winning director and producer, Co-Executive Producer of HBO’s House of the Dragon), serve on LAGFF’s Advisory Board.
The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival has expanded its reach through the Global Greek Film Initiative and has diligently ensured that its board and leadership represent a diverse range of experts. Past Orpheus Award Juries have included producers, directors, renowned film critics, and award-winning actors.
The LAGFF team is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural communication. This environment, blending local flavor with international appeal, benefits our sponsors, who gain exposure through TV, radio, print, and the internet, as well as through LAGFF’s website, catalog, and on-site events. Greek filmmakers and the American audience have the opportunity to inspire and be inspired by one another, discovering films that, under normal circumstances, might not reach across borders.