Director Honors Mentor in Greek B-Movie Doc

Director Fokion Bogris presents "The Golden Grip," a documentary world-premiering at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, honoring the legacy of Greek character actor Kostas Stefanakis and the world of Greek B-movies. The film chronicles Stefanakis's life from his 1960s move to pursue acting dreams to his struggles with typecasting and the evolution of Greek cinema.

Bogris was moved to create this tribute following Stefanakis's death, turning to extensive archival material. The production faced significant challenges, particularly in clearing the copyrights for dozens of Stefanakis's films. This complex process was integral to presenting a comprehensive view of the actor's career.

The director, who cultivated a passion for Greek Exploitation Cinema from a young age, emphasizes how the research process reignited his interest in contemporary Greek filmmaking. He notes that the "tough Greek guy" stereotype no longer reflects modern Greece, as the country's B-movie production has ceased, unlike in Italy.

"The Golden Grip" explores the limited opportunities for actors like Stefanakis in today's Greek film industry, which produces fewer films than in the 1970s and 1980s. Bogris highlights Stefanakis's diverse filmography, spanning exploitation to arthouse cinema. Bogris is also preparing to direct "Public Figure," a film focusing on Greece's rap scene, with shooting scheduled to begin in May.