Poor Papou ( translated in English as grandfather), Michalis Maratheftis, (Spiros Stavrinides) is an aged Greek famer apparently in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s. Being unable to care for himself his family has hired Maria (Imee Lysandrou), a Filipina domestic, as live-in caregiver.
Papou is often in an agitated state as Alzheimer’s patients can be. He sits watching Greek soap operas whose unreality rather matches his lack of reality.
But he continually repeats the name “Anna” and thinks Maria is Anna.
Maria is not treated well by Mrs. Melpo (Elena Efstathiou), who is Papou’s daughter. Melpo calls Maria “girl” and has her also working in the fields with other domestic workers who are rudely treated by the farm’s manager.
Maria suggests to Melpo that it might be good if Papou could get into the fields for some fresh air as he is confined inside all day. Melpo retorts that Maria should mind her own business and Papou’s life is not worth living and he’s better off dead. A daughter with a heart of gold.
Maria discovers a box of old photographs and who Anna is revealed. Through great effort Papou reveals all. He is haunted by a lifetime of regrets that despite his demented state he has the power to retrieve.
A touching story of devotion and caring countered by a selfish, rude and crude daughter. The only true affection and concern shown is by Maria yet it is in no way reciprocated.
I can’t reveal Anna’s identity. I will leave that up to you!
A powerful short film about growing old and being cast aside and the shabby treatment of foreign workers in Greece.
Stavrinides gives a strong performance and an unpleasant reminder of the ravages of Alzheimer’s. Lysandrou gives a sensitive and compassionate portrayal of a dedicated domestic. Efstathiou is the epitome of the “evil stepmother” of Cinderella fame.
This 23-minute short is brought to us through the Hellenic Film Society USA and feel free to check out their website for purchase film views the first Sunday of each month running for the entire month. Their website can be accessed here https://hellenicfilmusa.org/
“Anna” is a freebie though and you can see it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQBSdflW8OI
The film is 23 minutes long and is directed by Spiros Charlalambous in Greek with English subtitles.
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