The world premiere of Yannis Smaragdis' new film, "Kapodistrias - The Governor," was not just another cinematic event. It was the vindication of a great effort by the Greek diaspora, who literally financed and co-produced a work dedicated to the first governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias.
The first screening took place at Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria of New York, one of the most important centers of Hellenism in the Diaspora, in the presence of the director, the descendant of Governor Natalia Kapodistrias and the composer Minos Matsas. Also present in the hall were the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, the permanent representative of Greece to the UN Ambassador Aglaia Balta, the Consul General of Greece in New York Ifigenia Kanara, as well as numerous representatives of diaspora organizations.
When the Greek Film Center said "no", the Greek diaspora said "yes"
The journey until the lights went out in Astoria was not easy. Yannis Smaragdis has publicly described that he encountered serious obstacles in financing, as the Greek Film Center did not approve the film's support.
It was then that the The community took actionGreeks in New York created a financial aid committee, issued a call to expatriates and friends of Greece around the world, and launched an organized fundraising campaign, both with events and online crowdfunding.
The total production budget amounts to approximately 5,5 million dollars· of these, a significant portion came from donations from Greeks abroad, while a Greek-American campaign helped cover part of the remaining $1,5 million, with hundreds of small and large donors.
The director himself repeatedly expressed his gratitude to the Greek community, emphasizing that without their support the film would never have reached the screen.
A film about the "light" of Ioannis Kapodistrias
The film follows the path of Ioannis Kapodistrias, from his brilliant diplomatic career in Europe to his assumption of the governance of the newly formed Greek state, and focuses on his sacrifices, his moral stance and his vision for a free Greece.
The leading actor Αντώνης Μυριαγκός impresses in the role of the Governor, while Minoas Matsa's music dresses the film's most defining moments with emotion.
Smaragdis has stated that Kapodistrias is "the brightest Greek after '21", a man who paid with his life for his devotion to his homeland, and that the film's goal is to speak mainly to youth, awakening memories and questions about historical truth.
Tears, pride and reflection in the room
At the premiere, many viewers left the theater with teary eyes, speaking of a film that “touches the soul of every Greek in the Diaspora.” The director himself said he was deeply moved to see Greeks of all ages identify with Kapodistrias’ struggle, feel pride, and leave with thoughts about today’s Greece.
The choice of New York for the world premiere was not accidental: it is one of the most important centers of Hellenism, where the Greek diaspora keeps the language, history and faith alive. Smaragdis wanted the film to be "baptized" first in this environment, honoring the people who supported it from the first euro until the last moment.
A message from the Diaspora to Greece
The journey of "Kapodistrias" has just begun: the film is expected to be screened in Greek theaters and in other cities abroad, transferring the example of the first governor to a new generation of viewers.
But beyond the artistic result, the story of the film's production sends a second, equally powerful message:
that when the official state hesitates or fails, Homogeneity can become the driving force for works that honor the memory, history and soul of Hellenism.
