Orpheus Awards Winners 2016 LAGFF
(L-R) Aris Katopodis, Christopher Papakaliatis, J.K. Simmons and Dorothea Paschalidou
(Los Angeles, CA June 6 ) â The 10th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival came to a close Sunday, June 5 with a screening and N. American Premiere of âWorlds Apartâ and the starÂstudded Orpheus Awards produced by Dorothea Paschalidou and directed by Yorgos Karamihos and hosted by Mena Suvari.
In his opening remarks, Festival creative topper Aris Katopodisremarked âThis 10th LAGFF is almost history, but it is also one that made history.Most films than ever, 56, most filmmakers present, 58, most North American Premieres 24, largest attendance and the belief that the future LAGFF will continue to shine, full of hope for Greek film, filmmakers and Greek culture, here in Los Angeles.”
The sold out Egyptian theatre was peppered throughout with 40 students from the Stella Adler Acting Academy dressed to honor the various eras since cinema began.
Katopodis introduced festival coÂfounders Ersi Danouand Angeliki Giannakopoulos. Danou thanked the many professionals including Executive Producer Alex Kalognomos and coÂproducer Eleni Arvaniti, the 50 volunteers and sponsors who have grown the festival to one of the premier summer events in Los Angeles. Giannakopoulos spoke to the filmmakers and the fact that when they conceived the idea for LAGFF all the festival directors in town told them they would not last four years emphasizing how wrong they were.
Kelly VlahakisÂHanks took the stage to give out the nightâs first Jury prize the Van Vlahakis Short Film Awardto Alexander Swartâs âStagnation.â
LAGFFâs director of development Paschalidou thanked all the sponsors for making the 10th special. She then gave out the second Jury Prize â Best Documentary to Evangelia Kraniotiâs âExotica, Erotica, Etc.âwith a special mention going to Loukas Stamellos â âGolden Dawn: A Personal Affairâ.
Anastas Michos ASC, juror, on behalf of all the jury, gave the Best Fiction Feature Orpheus honors to Panos Karkanevatosâ âRiverbanks.â
Next up, âMy Big Fat Greek Weddingâ star Louis Mandylorannounced the final Jury Prize for Best Performance to actress Maria Kavogiannifor her portrayal of the older love interest to J.K. Simmons in âWorlds Apart.â
The Orpheus for Audience Choicewas then awarded to Christopher Papakaliatis for his touching triptych to love affairs and closing night film âWorlds Apart.â
The International Project Discovery Awards were handed out by IPDF alumnus Paolo Marinou  Blancowith honors and scholarship going to TurkishÂborn Nazli Elif Durlufor her project âZuhal.â An honorable mention went to Haris Raftogiannisfor his pitch âThe River”.
HBO/Cinemaxâs Kary Antholisintroduced the first honoree of the evening 20th Century Fox Chairman & CEO Jim Gianopulos.
Papakaliatis then presented his filmâs star J.K. Simmons, recipient of the nightâs second honorary Orpheus.
The Orpheus Awards concluded five days of screenings and master classes and events for the patrons and participants of the festival. The fest began with raves from the crowd for the North American premiere of Tassos Boulmetis bitterÂsweet âMythopathyâ introduced with a live performance by worldÂrenowned singing sensation Alexia Vassiliou accompanied by guitarist George Karpasitis. The opening night party which kicked off the five days of screenings, master classes, and culinary events was DJâd by KCRWâs Chris Douridas.
HONORARY ORPHEUS AWARDS
- Jim Gianopulos, Chairman & CEO 20th Century Fox
- Academy Award Âź Winner J.K. Simmons
AUDIENCE AWARD
- âWorlds Apartâ
JURY AWARDS
- Best Fiction Feature Film: âRiverbanksâ
- Best Documentary Film: âExotica, Erotica, Etc.â
- Best Documentary Film â Honorable Mention:
- âGolden Dawn: A Personal Affairâ
- Best Short Fiction Film â Van Vlahakis Award: âStagnationâ
- Best Performance Award: Maria Kavogianni (âWorlds Apartâ)
FOURTH INTERNATIONAL PROJECT DISCOVERY AWARDS
- MFI Scholarship and Aegean Award Nazli Elif Durlu for âZuhalâ
- Honorable Mention Harris Raftogiannis for âThe Riverâ