2023 will be the third year for GIFFT and it is packed with full length, short films and documentaries from Greece or films produced by Greeks outside of Greece. The Greek film industry has developed to a level of excellence over the last 10 years and here is a chance for Canadians to immerse themselves in it showing feature films in 11 Canadian cites. Feature films will be in person but the non “top tier” full length films may be seen online throughout Canada. For further information including cost and scheduling go to www.gifft.ca.
In “Dignity” widower Dimitris is celebrating his 80th birthday party. But he has recently had a stroke and looks about him with “that vacant look” yet he has a slight smile on his face. What could he be smiling about? He can’t speak and goodness knows what he understands. Does the smile reveal all?
Dimitris lives with his son Manolis and his wife Eleni. Manolis owns a faltering café. Eleni and Manolis are joined by Dimitris’ glammed up daughter Sofia and her successful architect husband Yiorgos. And then there is the hard drinking gambler son Alexis. All don their birthday hats and have a pleasant conversation except for Dimitris who just stares ahead. Alexis is Mr. Confident but a perpetual loser full of empty phrases, insincerity and whisky. He spends half the time looking at the threatening messages on his mobile.
All superficial and relaxed until it comes to a discussion about what to do with Dimitris who had a bad fall recently and needs more care than what Manolis and Eleni can offer. The situation escalates wildly out of control. Through dialogue the viewer is offered a closer look at all the children’s and their spouses’ personalities. Interspersed with all manner of character assassination avarice, greed, possible double dealing and jealously a choice is offered to you? Whom to believe.
If you have yet to have one of these elder care discussions be forewarned that many families are dysfunctional and who can be trusted? What does Dimitris think about the big meltdown squabble. Look for that quirky smile and you decide. Part of the fun is figuring out why he is smiling!
This is an intense film and much like a play which is no surprise as director Dimitris Katsimiris has directed two plays.
Solid performances by all with a special nod to Giannis Kotsifas as Alexi.
You can see the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwxKYPcMnkk
For showtimes in your Canadian city check out www.gifft.ca. In Toronto it will be playing at Innis Town Hall Cinema on 2October23 with the short “I Love Greece”.
RKS 2023 Film Rating 90/100.
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