Zorba the Greek

A very special courtyard in Nicosia, that of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, is transformed into an open-air cinema with free admission for the public in the framework of Faneromeni 17. The cinema returns for the second year with eight movies to be screened from June to August (inclusive).

Screenings open with the film version of one of the most read books in the world, Kazantzakis’ “Zorba the Greek”. In the hands of director Michael Cacoyannis, the film is hailed as one of the most comprehensive and successful adaptations from a book, succeeding in bringing the particularity of the Greeks’ life to the big screen. The plot begins when a British writer inherits a mine in Crete which he intends to reopen. There he meets Alexis Zorba, a carefree much-travelled opportunist driven by his instinct for life. Before long, Zorba becomes the writer’s mentor and together they learn from their failures how to rise back to their feet and face life with optimism.

This is in fact a cinematographic mystagogy emerging from Nikos Kazantzakis’ masterpiece, Cacoyiannis directorial skills, Anthony Quinn’s performance and the now legendary music of Mikis Theodorakis that produced our second national anthem, the syrtaki dance of the last scene. The film won three Oscars and was nominated for an additional four.

Directed by: Michael Cacoyannis

Starring: Anthony Quinn, Irene Pappas, Alan Bates, Lila Kedrova, Soteris Moustakas et al.

*Open-air cinema screenings are co-organized by the “Lefkosiazo” volunteer group and the Municipality of Nicosia

Tuesday, 20 June 2017 / 21:00

Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation (Courtyard)
86-90 Faneromeni, old Nicosia
Information: 22 128 157 / f: boccf
Free admission

The nights of the events, the Foundation's museums and exhibitions will remain open until midnight.