OPA3 p1-31 by chris meyer

a n i t s i r Ch upi Alo THE NEW HELLENIC FACE OF HOLLYWOOD

WHO WANTS TO BE A

THE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF CRETE

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772001

www.bardot.com.au

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MANY CULTURES. ONE LANGUAGE. THE AFL MULTICULTURAL PROGRAM HELPS MIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITIES ACCESS AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL. ITS AIM IS TO INFLUENCE MAINSTREAM AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL CLUBS TO EMBRACE MULTICULTURAL DIVERSITY. www.afl.com.au

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www.rakis.com.au 7

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HEADARIS HEADARIS CONTRIBUTORS

> A SELECTION OF THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

MIKE SWEET Mike Sweet was born in Wales and raised in the UK. A widely published journalist and television documentary producer, Mike has worked for the BBC, the ABC, the Age, The Australian, Neos Kosmos and written for Greece’s leading English language titles. Mike’s

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

Steve Agi

editor@opamagazine.com.au

FEATURES EDITOR

Chris Binos

chris@opamagazine.com.au

passion for Greece, its history, traditions and culture are the perfect combination for his role as OPA! Magazine’s Contributing Editor.

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mike Sweet

mike@opamagazine.com.au

CHRIS BINOS Chris Binos is proud to call himself a Greek. “You can say that I’m proud

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING

Dean Georgio

dean@opamagazine.com.au

to call myself a Greek. Born and raised in Melbourne, you would think that thongs and beer was my thing, but having real Greek parents, with traditional values, a million cousins with the same first name and a strong love for tzatziki, I was brought up the typical Greek way, eating everything on my plate and putting on skivvy’s in 40 degree heat.”

DESIGN + PRODUCTION

WeMakeMagazines

www.wemakemagazines.com.au

PUBLICATION COORDINATOR

Christopher Meyer

production@opamagazine.com.au

DEAN PSAROS Dean Psaros was born and raised in Melbourne, with 5 solid and eventful years spent in Greece between the ages of 14 to 19. “So it goes without saying that I’m a Greek to the bone, but I’m also proud of being born in a great country like Australia.” “I’m a musician and I play drums in a band, so my whole life revolves around my love for music and my creative side.

PHOTOGRAPHY Nikol Bartzoka (cover) Woodrow Wilson Raymond Korn Paul Osta Panos Photography John Raptis Ephrem Zarris DFree / Shutterstock.com

CONTRIBUTORS Betty, Eleni & Samantha Bakopoulos, Chris Binos,

MATT BARRETT Born in 1954, Matt’s father was Nicholas Economopoulos, a writer, photographer and educator. After dropping out of college in his freshman year to become a musician, Matt wrote and sang in various bands in the

Dean Georgio, Mr. Joshua, Martha Karatsioris, Ange T. Kenos, Theo Kostoglou, The Honourable Nick Kotsiras, DJ Krazy Kon, Chris Macheras, Niko Mavro, Nick Mylonas, Malchus Nevets, John Pandazopoulos, Jaqui Preketes, Dean Psaros, James Razos, Mike Sweet, Penelope Tsaldari

USA and Greece. He started his GreeceTravel.com websites which became popular due to his entertaining writing style. Unlike most famous travel writers Matt is very accessible, by e-mail at matt@greecetravel.com.

MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 406 ALBERT PARK VIC 3206

SUBSCRIPTIONS

www.opamagazine.com.au subscriptions@opamagazine.com.au

JOHN TRIPIDAKIS John Tripidakis has been a member of the Athens Bar since 1981. John is registered also with the Law Institute of Victoria and the NSW Law Society to practice Greek law in Australia. He has been educated, trained and worked in Greece, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the USA and Australia. As an international Estates lawyer, he has successfully represented thousands of Greeks of the Diaspora over three decades.

PRINTPOST APPROVED: PP320135/00072

ARTICLES All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format. Opa! Magazine is owned and published by Caffiend Enterprises. All material in OPA! Magazine is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Caffiend Enterprises will not accept any responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in OPA! Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

YIASAS SAS YIA

WELCOME WELCOME

BABYLONIA Greece is only a gift away with this beautifully hand crafted collection. Designed around a series of signs and symbols, each BABYLONIA piece is designed to be given, received and worn with good intention. What’s your Symbol?

Y W

IA SAS once again and thank you. Obviously you have heard the voice, the call, the need to join this united expression of a ELL BY NOW I hope you are starting to get used to this, month new generation. This is only step one; there is so much more to in month out, you welcome me into your homes, into your do, so much work ahead, but I’m sure together we will make it happen. lives and I thank you for it. First and foremost I must explain Let me firstly say a big thank you and a heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS a couple of things. You have probably noticed by now that with this third to the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, to all of you! issue we have introduced a “Letters to the Editor” page and I welcome your Not only for delivering a world class event last month at the feedback and suggestions, it is such a crucial part of the process to turn this ANTIPODES FESTIVAL that was reported around the country and around magazine into YOUR voice. the world, but for showing us all that Greeks do it better and when they OPA! Magazine is very much a work in progress so make sure you let want to, they can have a united voice. me know what you like, what you don’t like and what you want to see. Only Give yourselves a pat on the back. You are all beautiful people and the then can I give you what you want and really make it YOUR publication. reason why Australia, this multicultural paradise we call home, is such an Firstly let me just personally thank both Thanos Petrelis and Tzina Sklivas amazing place, so unique and special. who graciously provided us the feature article from last issue which was such On a personal note I must thank the entire GOCMV board, the a huge hit nationally. I really appreciate their trust and assistance in putting Antipodes committee and specifically president Bill Papastergiadis who that amazing photo spread together. has embraced the OPA! concept and our vision of creating a new voice With this issue we commemorate the Battle of Crete and acknowledge through the magazine. the sacrifice, the heroics, the love of our forefathers. We explore themes of We have only just begun. This is the beginning of a new journey, which love, loyalty and passion and hope you enjoy reading these tales as much as I promise you will include and be representative of every single one of you. we have enjoyed putting them together for you. I encourage you to keep up the feedback and your letters. Send me We welcome international phenomenon, Nik Halik, the Thrillionaire to your thoughts, requests and suggestions at editor@opamagazine.com.au our pages and urge you to pay attention to his words of wisdom, to his advice I urge you one and all to support the community and what it represents. and guidance. We also welcome the inaugural HACCI Herald insert, which Membership should be your first priority to become a part of something you will receive free four times a year, we hope you enjoy, while we get a which we can all be proud of and which leaves a rich legacy for generations bit of an exclusive peek at Hollywood sensation Christina Aloupi, with her to come. For more information go to: www.greekcommunity.com.au gracing our cover and talking about her upcoming Melbourne blockbuster It makes me proud to look at the content in this second issue of OPA! movie, keep your eyes peeled for that one. Magazine. It’s great to engage with organisations like FRONDITHA, On a more personal note and something that really struck a chord with NUGAS and HACCI. It’s amazing to have the exclusive story, photos me was the official announcement by the Baillieu Government that they will and interview with Thanos Petrelis during his recent Australian tour, as officially provide the $2 million dollars necessary to commence work on well as to be able to report on so much exciting news, like the GOCMV’s the highly anticipated Cultural Centre which will surely become the jewel push to open the new Cultural Centre and the new multi-purpose hall at in the crown of the internationally recognised Lonsdale St, Greek precinct Alphington Grammar such an generous gift given by Mr Nick Andrianakos. of Melbourne. Issue 2 sees Mike Sweet, just returned from living in Greece, join us as I was privy enough to be present at the official announcement last month Contributing Editor. Mike will be writing regularly for OPA! and bringing with local business and community leaders and it really felt like it was a his extensive experience as a journalist in Greece and Australia to help historic moment in time with Government and community working together realise OPA! Magazine’s vision. We also welcome Greek American singer in unison to create history. You can read all about this momentous event Paul Lekakis, the team at RAKIS on Collins, the eclectic crew at Bardot on p.16. and the AFL to our pages. As always, I hope this issue brings you countless hours of fun, information I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; OPA! Magazine is your and news and as always I thank you for all joining me to be a part of this magazine. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Live it. It’s all about delivering a publication voice of a new generation, and in case you’re wondering I thought I’d drop that we can all be proud of, a world class magazine that is the voice of a in a photo of my family and close friend Shane Delia of MAHA/St. Kat’s new generation. fame (see above). E V E R Y B O D Y S AY O P A !

CONTENTS INSIDE

12 GRAMATA Letters

84 ODIGOS/CARS Range Rover Evoque

13 GOSSIP FROM GREECE

86 MODA/STYLE Bardot

14 PRAGMATA Stuff

90 MODA/STYLE Black is the new Black

16 NEA Tower of Power

92 KOUVENTES Gaga Over Gaga?

19 NEA: greekreporter.com

96 IN THE CLUB WITH OPA!

20 CINEMANIA

98 IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME The final word

24 PROFIL Christina Aloupi 30 KALI OREXI/EATS Around the Greek Table 34 EKLISIA Easter Passion 38 KULTURA Writing a life in Greece 40 LEGAL Obtaining a Greek Passport

CO NT EN TS

42 TAXIDI/TRAVEL Shop til you Drop 46 TOPIKO Tears of God 50 GNOMI Oils Ain’t Oils 54 BATTLE OF CRETE 70th Anniversary Lest we Forget 62 TAXIDI Invitation to a Lycian Dialogue 64 PROTOPOROS Leo Fender 69 ATHLITICA Spartans Spectacular

60 KULTURA Nik Halik: Thrillionaire 62 SYMVOULI Who wants to be a Thrillionaire? 76 FRONDITHA Beyond Bonegilla 78 DOLLARS & SENSE 80 PSARAS/FISHING

GRAMATA LETTERS

THE WHOLE COUNTRY SAYS OPA! ARE WE RELATED?

Hello OPA!, Firstly may I say that you and your colleagues have done a glorious job with the new magazine! It’s been a long time coming for something so professional print-wise for the Greek community. Anyway, it’s good to see a Binos involved with something so spectacular, I wonder if we’re related. LoL. All the best to all of you. PETER BINOS, ACT

CAN I GET INVOLVED?

WWW.GREEKMEDIAGROUP.COM

Hey OPA! I I just wanted to let you know that I’ve had look at the OPA! Magazine and it looks fantastic! You and the team have done a great job. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Please let me know if there is any way I can get more involved with the magazine. I would love to contribute in any way I can. Have a great day and all the best. ARETI FRONIS, QLD

FROM BANK OF CYPRUS TO YOU

Hi OPA!, We just received a copy of your first issue of OPA Magazine, sent to our branch from our Bank of Cyprus, Melbourne Head Office. CONGRATULATIONS on your launch. The magazine looks FANTASTIC! ANNE GALANIS, NSW

SUBSCRIBE ME

Hi OPA!, hope you are well. I recently received a copy of your magazine ‹OPA› ...which I must say is a credit to you and your team. I will be more than delighted to subscribe...and support in any way I can. NEVILLE PANTAZIS, PARAP FINE FOODS, NT

OPA PERFORMANCE ISSUE

Dear compatriots at OPA Magazine. My daughter brought home a copy of your magazine. I initially thought it was just another Greek-Australian community λεύκωμα, however, the “OPA” brand confused me, given that I was not aware of any theatre or dance performance taking place here, these days, though the colours enticed me... My Greek curiosity persuaded me to look at it further; and this proved a most rewarding and proud experience.

WWW.GREEKMEDIAGROUP.COM

Stock and appearance: unquestionably, of a very high quality paper, beautiful and creative layout yet simple and enticing to the eye; certainly not over the top, yet, very classy and aesthetically powerful. Thematology: extensive and appealing with a wide coverage of καθημερινότητα, yet, at the same token, not tacky or boring. A very interesting mix of socioeconomic and purely social, coupled with the modern Greek-Australian twists. Information: pleasantly, not at all over the top; in fact, you have managed to be informative without being overzealous with useless detail. Advertisements: enticing and appealing, though, given the costs of producing such a high calibre magazine, you will be (very) quickly attracting a plethora of advertisers (and quite deservedly so). Range: again, wide yet interesting. You have managed to bring together an array of differing themes and issues, coherently and calmly. Photography: wow! Very easily comparable to the best: artistic, sharp, colour perfect, clear. The printing, of course, has assisted in showcasing the brilliant photography. Overall, I am proud of you (like, I am sure, all those who have read OPA) for producing such a magazine for our community. I feel like it is «our» magazine, and feel a moral, ethical and patriotic obligation to inform all my networks (personal, community and professional) to buy the magazine and take ownership of this (long time coming) quality publicat ion. You are to be commended for your well deserved efforts of excellence. Wholeheartedly, thank you, wholeheartedly, εύγε to the owners and your team. Καλή δύναμη, καλό κουράγιο, καλή συνέχεια, καλό (και μακρό) μέλλον. PETER JASONIDES - VIC

WIN A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO OPA! Just send in letters to PO BOX 406 ALBERT PARK 3206 or email to editor@opamagazine.com.au

KOUTSOMBOLIO GOSSIP

Just dancing with them?

Back in black. M&Z hit the street

Happy together the couple share a moment

Athens in the am

MIXALIS XATZIGIANNIS AND ZETA MAKRIPOULIA GO TO CYPRUS Photographed early morning hours whilst leaving Athens airport, Greece’s hottest couple Mixalis Xatzigiannis and Zeta Makripoulia spent a weekend together at Mixalis home in Cyprus. Mixalis was eager to introduce the woman of his life to his parents. The two met at last year’s Mad Music Awards when Zeta handed Mixalis Xatzigiannis an award for best male artist 2010. Zeta Makripoulia, a well known actress in Greece also starred in Nick Giannopoulos’ movie, Wog Boy2: Kings of Mykonos. Zeta Makripoulia will be one of the top choices to star alongside Greek hollywood star Christina Aloupi for writer/director Penny Koutourinis’ new movie to be filmed in Australia next year.

THEY RETURN FROM CYPRUS Three days later, again during early morning hours, Mixalis and Zeta arrive at Athens Airport happier than ever. “Being with Mixalis parents on the weekend was lovely,“ said Zeta to the reporters waiting for her outside the airport. They both reported that they will return to Cyprus in the summer. Mixalis Xatzigannis also has a house in Paros Island where he often spends most of his summer, and YES we can expect Zeta to be by his side. A love that is blossoming day by day...

WHAT ARE THEY DOING IN THEIR CAREERS NOW? • • •

ZETA MAKRIPOULIA IS HOSTING MIXALIS XATZIGIANNIS IS PREPARING FOR DANCING WITH THE STARS 2 UP NEXT? A TOUR OF AUS AND USA?

PRAGMATA STUFF

HOUSE OF ORANGE Amsterdam Design Warehouse 100% Dutch design - made in Melbourne. Beautiful and functional indoor /outdoor furniture - all made to order. Designed and run by husband and wife team Ursula and Hans van Schoonhoven who moved to Melbourne from Holland ten years ago. They saw a niche in the outdoor furniture market and introduced their Back 2 Basics range three years ago. They have now expanded to indoor dining and storage and hospitality fit-outs. Demand is growing every season. Their simple, affordable and timeless pieces are on display in their gorgeous Armadale showroom at 917 High Street. Open 7 days. GO TO house-of-orange.com.au

MINOTAURUS BY LEGO The mighty Minotaur, a mythical creature, protects a secret temple hidden deep inside a labyrinth. Players must compete to be the first to lead their heroes to the temple, avoiding the Minotaur and cleverly placing walls to block opponents. Clear and simple rules makes Minotaurus (RRP $39.99) a game for the whole family

FORTY FINE YEARS A celebration of the Pantazis Family and Parap Fine Foods by Peter and Sheila Forrest. Parap Fine foods is a Darwin institution and has been delivering superlative food items to Territorians since 1968. The Pantazis family have built up a food and wine emporium committed to bringing you only the best quality products available. Forty Fine Years is a story about fine people, fine food and amazing recipes. Written by Darwin’s most celebrated historians – a must read. FIND MORE ABOUT PARAP FINE FOODS @ parapfinefoods.com

SARADIS–FRUITS IN SYRUP Enjoy homemade traditional sweets, in different flavours, such as sour cherry, bergamot and fig in a delicious, rich syrup that will transport you to a time and place unlike any other. MORE ON THIS SWEET TEMPTATION @ saradis.gr

SAY A LITTLE PRAYER. When a treasure chest of crosses, coins, angel wings, peace signs, heart & fish are combined with love and creativity what do you get? A beautiful Sue Sensi piece from her latest Faith collection. Inspired by ancient Greek symbolism every Sue Sensi piece features a small eye charm, it is rationally believed it is worn to protect you from negative energy. Chic stylish and filled with positive energy & immaculate style.

Visit www.suesensi.com for your nearest stockist.

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HEADARIS The Tower is Risen, Truly it is risen. Bill and Ted begin their excellent adventure.

“A DEFINING MOMENT IN GREEK AUSTRALIA’S HISTORY” 16

L-R Greek General Consul to Melbourne, Ms Eleni Lianidou, GOCMV president Bill Papastergiadis, HACCI President Nick Mylonas and the honorable Ted Baillieu, Premier of Victoria

NEA NEWS

THE ANNOUNCEMENT LAST MONTH BY THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE $2 MILLION TO THE NEW GREEK CULTURAL CENTRE IN LONSDALE STREET IS A DEFINING MOMENT IN GREEK AUSTRALIA’S HISTORY, WRITES STEVE AGI.

T WAS WITH a great sense of pride and honour that I recently found myself as part of an eclectic group of individuals gathered at the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria for what I believe was the announcement of a lifetime, of a new generation.

The president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Bill Papastergiadis was delighted, as he well should be, that all the planning and hard work had come to fruition at this significant point in the history of Greek Australians. At this event, the Honourable Premier Mr Ted Baillieu made the announcement we were all waiting for. With him were the Honourable Minister for Multiculturalism - Mr Nick Kotsiras, the Consul General of Greece - Ms Eleni Lianidou and a number of key and influential community and business leaders, such as the President of HACCI - Mr Nick Mylonas, the General Manager of the Greek Media Group - Mr Ross Alatsas and Chris Gogos - Managing Director of Neos Kosmos. We were all there for one reason and one reason alone. Well actually, there were two million reasons. Thanks to the Premier who while in opposition supported, and now in

Government, has allocated the $2m promised by the Labor Party, a cultural centre can now be built that will be unrivalled anywhere in the world. In the words of President Papastergiadis, “It will be the largest cultural centre of its kind outside of Greece, a tourist beacon for Melbourne and Victoria, a true embodiment of multiculturalism and the multicultural spirit that is alive and strong right here in Victoria. The grant is indicative of a Government, a Premier, and Minister whose words are true and who are committed to action. We as a community are deeply moved and delighted that this dream will become a reality.”

This is truly a coming of age - a momentous point in history that all Greek Australians should support and be proud of. As the publisher of OPA! Magazine, which I hope will become the voice of a new, vibrant and dynamic generation, I urge you all to engage with the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria and become a member. You can use the tear out card within this issue to join. It’s that easy!

NEA NEWS

SO WHAT IS IT EXACTLY THAT WE ARE GETTING WITH THE AID OF THIS VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT GRANT? • •

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A 13 STOREY BUILDING ONE FLOOR AS A CULTURAL CENTRE - WITH A PERMANENT DISPLAY CELEBRATING GREEK AUSTRALIA AND THE HISTORY AND INFLUENCE OF GREEK MIGRATION A MULTI PURPOSE VENUE SPACE INCORPORATING A THEATRETTE A GREEK RESOURCE, LANGUAGE AND ARCHIVE CENTRE THAT WILL ACT AS AN EDUCATIONAL HUB, NOTING THE GREEK COMMUNITY’S EXTENSIVE PARTICIPATION IN LANGUAGE IN VICTORIA, VIA ITS AFTERNOON SCHOOLS, ALPHINGTON GRAMMAR AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LA TROBE UNIVERSITY AND RMIT A COMMUNITY CENTRE INCORPORATING MEETING ROOMS FREELY ACCESSIBLE TO THE BROADER COMMUNITY

ABOUT GOCMV:

he Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria (GOCMV) is the largest member based Greek organisation in Australia. Today the organisation has over 5,000 individual members. In the spirit of its founding members, the Board of Management is committed to engaging its members in all matters pertaining to Greek-Australian residents of Melbourne, and ensuring that it provides its members with the highest quality services possible. The GOCMV has been a proud supporter of Greek language programs in tertiary institutions and currently has a close working relationship with the La Trobe University Greek Studies Department. They are also the largest provider of Greek language education through their afterhours language schools, while GOCMV owned Alphington Grammar provides Greek language and culture education to students of both Greek and non-Greek background.

oin the ever growing list of members in order to not only be informed about the Antipodes Festival, Greek Film Festival, Flavours of Greece, Greek History & Culture seminars and other events and activities that the GOCMV offers to its members, but to also support this organisation. Those subscribing to premium memberships will benefit from an increasing range of special offers which include a free issue of OPA! Magazine. It’s easy to join. Simply fill in and post back the perforated membership application card in this magazine.

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NEA NEWS

Greeks Are Everywhere. GreekReporter.com

REEK REPORTER IS AN AWARD WINNING PROJECT (PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF CSUN) THAT STARTED ON THE GROUNDS OF CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY NORTHRIDGE, BY ANASTASIOS PAPAPOSTOLOU, A RECENT GRADUATE OF CSU NORTHRIDGE, AND EDITOR-IN -CHIEF FOR THE GREEK REPORTER. ANASTASIOS HAS BEEN WRITING FOR MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS SINCE HE WAS 14 YEARS OLD, AND HAS ALSO WORKED FOR NUMEROUS TV AND RADIO SHOWS. GREEKREPORTER.COM is the first portal for Greek people and people of Greek descent that live and work outside of their homeland. With a network of journalists, photographers and camera crews in the largest Greek Diaspora communities around the globe, GREEKREPORTER. COM is determined to become the Greek news source for everything that matters to the Greeks abroad.

NATIONAL: BOOT CAMP

AFL Unites Cultures and Nations The Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Nicholas Kotsiras has praised the latest graduates of the AFL’s Multicultural Camp. The camp is supported by AFL Victoria, in partnership with AFL Multicultural Program partner clubs. The AFL Multicultural Camp brings together young Victorians from culturally different backgrounds for a high performance program, including leadership training and personal development. At the camp, the young Victorians learn how to become team players with fellow footballers from different backgrounds, and the camp teaches them to respect their teammates on and off the field. “The AFL’s Multicultural Camp has shown these young footballers how to work as part of a team, regardless of their diversity,`’ said Nicholas Kotsiras “My message and one that you can learn through football – is that our differences are our strength. We must remind ourselves that we are part of the bigger Team Victoria.” The minister thanked the AFL for bringing together the forty

young people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and reminded the participants that the most exciting game of life in footy terms, is only the first quarter.

INTERNATIONAL

Christina Aloupi’s star shines bright in Hollywood. Christina Aloupi, the well-known Greek TV personality and Greek Reporter host, makes her mark in Hollywood with her upcoming film. Although she has only been residing in Los Angeles for a relatively short time, she has been working diligently toward accomplishing her biggest goal in life; a career in acting. Christina has managed to lock down her first tangible credit in Hollywood, in the film Four Fifteen. She plays the character of Penelope, a strong independent woman who comes to a realisation that everything she wanted in life is now an illusion. She’s on a quest for something solid in her life, and is not willing to settle, as she is trying to find emotional stability in the face of the man she loves. The film is a coming-of-age drama where three best friends (two young men and a young woman) begin their journey through life, and take on very different paths in the process. Christina tells us the end is really shocking, but that we’ll have to wait until it’s released to find out what happens! The film was shot in Los Angeles and Atlanta. It is currently in post-production and is scheduled to be completed in time for the festival season.

FOR MORE NEWS GO TO greekreporter.com LEARN MORE ABOUT ANASTASIOS @ anastasios.tv

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CINEMANIA MOVIES

FILM RATING SYSTEM MASTERPIECE NOT TO BE MISSED GOOD TREAD CAREFULLY DON’T BOTHER

“The episodes have an amazing, free flowing feel to the way they’re shot and edited.” TREME SEASON 1

CREATED BY: DAVID SIMON & ERIC OVERMYER

ou’re probably wandering why I’m reviewing a TV show, in this case Treme (pronounced ‘Tremay). While Hollywood seems to be struggling for original ideas, we are now fortunately living through a golden period of high-quality, cinematic-like TV. This can be traced back to Twin Peaks, and all the way through to The Sopranos, Firefly, the recent Battlestar Galactica, Deadwood, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Sons Of Anarchy and The Wire (created by the same people as Treme). Treme now seems all the more poignant, with the tragic natural disasters that have happened this year in Japan, New Zealand and Australia. It

is set in New Orleans, and begins three months after Hurricane Katrina. It is quite simply a show about people of all walks of life (musicians, chefs, lawyers, writers, police officers, and Indian chiefs—unique to New Orleans) who are trying to rebuild their shattered lives in their beloved city. The neighbourhood of Treme is a legendary suburb (mainly African American) where Jazz was born, and which also gave birth to an unnatural amount of brilliant pioneering musicians. Unlike most movies and TV shows, Treme is loosely scripted and hence it feels more realistic. There’s a core cast of people that have definite character arcs, but that don’t feel at all manufactured. The episodes have an amazing, free flowing feel to the way they’re shot and edited. The camera will drop straight into a chef ’s kitchen, beautifully capturing the mayhem of a young woman trying to keep her business alive, and then straight back to a club, slap-bang in the

middle of a gig, as we lay witness to some classic New Orleans Jazz or Rhythm and Blues. Also the cast is a fantastic mix of professional actors and unknown local identities, and with a veritable treasure-chest of real life New Orleans musicians. David Simon and Eric Overmyer have created a brilliant show that is a love-letter to the unique, culturally rich city of New Orleans, and through certain characters, don’t shy away from the fact that the American government has utterly failed to help in any substantial way. It is really sad that their government is happy to spend billions of taxpayers’ dollars, to send innocent troops to fight in non-existent wars, while they completely ignore a massive, tragic problem in their own backyard. Highly recommended. Season 1 is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.

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HEADARIS

Palace Cinemas KALABUSH

DIRECTOR: ADONIS FLORIDIS & THEODOROS NIKOLAIDIS

ALABUSH IS A MOVIE that was made in Cyprus in 2002, and was the first feature film by co-directors Adonis Floridis and Theodoros Nikolaidis. It played as part of the ‘Windows on Europe Film Festival 2011’. It starts off with an illegal refugee from Syria, who quickly gets booted off a boat and mistakenly ends up in Limassol, Cyprus. His name is Mustafa, but he calls himself Roberto, much to the amusement of the local Cypriots, who can clearly tell that he’s not Italian. The only problem for Mustafa is that he thinks he’s landed in Italy (as that was his original destination), but reality hits hard as the truth sets in.

Proudly presenting the highest quality films from around the world.

in love with a young local girl, who is having problems with her boyfriend. While running away from the police, he hides himself in a gorilla suit and then gets mistaken for a baboon that has recently escaped from the zoo etc etc. What I’ve just described is only a small portion of the film—and here in lies the problem for me. The movie is only 90 minutes long, and personally I think the two directors throw way too many things onto the screen, hoping that they’ll stick.

If the movie had just focused on Mustafa’s crazy escapades, it would’ve been great, as his journey is both poignant and funny. But unfortunately there’s a lot more going on that gives the film a very uneven feel. There are too many sub-plots that spoil the flow, and too many themes that confuse the mood of the film. One second it’s a crazy slapstick comedy involving prostitutes, winning lottery tickets, inept government officials and escaped zoo animals, the next second it’s trying to be deep, when a character dies and then proceeds to get up and walk among the living, as he ponders life and death. Then throw in some utterly quirky moments (which I won’t mention) that would be better suited in The whole film basically plays out, with Mustafa a surreal David Lynch movie. dealing with all sorts of obstacles -some funny, some sad. He befriends an old Cypriot man, Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all bad, there are who collects other peoples discarded rubbish. some genuinely good moments in this film He makes friends with two illegal refugees from (mainly involving Mustafa), and the music and Bulgaria. He gets work, but then gets kicked out cinematography are great, so it’s definitely worth after only a day each time - without pay. He falls seeing (and I get the feeling, that Cypriots will really enjoy some of the zany dialogue). But for me it just felt a little disjointed - as it goes from being an out and out slapstick comedy, MIGRATION AND THE USA to a European arthouse movie, posing deep When we think of the Greek migrants and meaningful questions about death and the in America, we think of cities like New struggles of being an illegal refugee - all within York, Boston, Chicago and New Jersey. the same breath. I’m not saying you can’t marry Infact, the first significant Greek comhumour with drama, but here it feels strange. In munities in America were down south the end it’s not a bad film, but it could’ve been in Tarpon Springs, Florida and New great, had they just focused on Mustafa’s story. Orleans, Louisiana. The first official Greek Orthodox church to open it’s doors in all of North and South America was the Church of the Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) in 1864, in New Orleans. It is still servicing the local Greek community to this day.

Alliance Française French Film Festival 9-27 March 2011

Audi Festival of German Films 7-17 April 2011

Spanish Film Festival 12-22 May 2011

Israeli Film Festival

30 August – 4 September 2011

Russian Resurrection Film Festival 18-28 August 2011

Lavazza Italian Film Festival 14 September – 5 October 2011

Greek Film Festival 13 – 30 October 2011

www.palacecinemas.com.au 21

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GREEK SHOP BY CARAS

COBRA

DIRECTOR: GEORGE P. COSMATOS

here are many ways to look at films. Some movies (regardless of genre) have all the elements (story, direction, acting, cinematography, music etc) that come together and are justifiably thought of as masterpieces. Then there are movies that try really hard to be ‘good’ and just miss the mark. Then there are films that aren’t great by any stretch of the imagination, but don’t pretend to be either, and they become guilty pleasures---films that are so bad they’re good. Go and rent Death Wish 3, and tell me you didn’t love every crazy moment! Personally in my humble opinion, Cobra is one of those guilty pleasures. With one of the most iconic poster designs of the 80s, with the awesome catch phrase ‘Crime is a disease. Meet the cure, tell me, how can you not love it? It’s the second collaboration between the Greek, George P. Cosmatos and Sylvester Stallone after their other ‘so bad it’s good classic’ Rambo 2. It’s so over the top and wrong, you have to laugh from beginning to end. This is one of those movies where the evil criminals take peoples lives with no real motive, other than their hatred for mankind, and taking over the world - but I tell you - retribution is served cold. Stallone plays Lieutenant Marion ‘Cobra’ Cobretti, a rebel cop who dishes out hardcore justice to any villain who gets in his way. And what deliciously maniacal villains they are. Led by the insane ‘Night Slasher’, a group of crazy thugs go around randomly killing anyone in site. Then one night, Ingrid (Brigitte Nielsen) unfortunately drives by and witnesses a murder scene, and then is relentlessly pursued by the bloodthirsty freaks for the rest of the film, with Cobra as protector. A massive bad guy body count ensues. With Cobra driving around in a bad arse 1950 Ford Mercury, while sucking on matchsticks the way Kojak would suck on lollypops, and sporting a cool pair of sunnies, this is one fun OTT 80s action film. Yeah I’m giving Cobra 3 stars-- because I can. “This is where the law stops, and I start sucka!!!!”

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CHRI STIN A ALO U P I A N E W S TA R AS CE N D I NG

PHOTOS: Nikol Bartzoka

C LIKE S O M A NY G O D D ES S ES O F T H E S ILVE R S CRE E N, CHRIS T IN A AL OUP I L E F T HE R HOME L AN D F O R H O LLY WO OD T O PU R S U E A C A R EER I N ACT IN G. T HE RE COUL D HARDLY BE A MORE FIT T IN G L OCATI O N F O R TH IS H E A D - T U R NI NG M O D EL A ND A C T RE S S T HAN T HE CIT Y OF AN GE L S. S OON T O VIS IT AUS T RALI A TO P LAY TH E LEA D I N A M A JO R M O V I E T E L L IN G T HE S T ORY OF T HE GRE E K AUS T RAL IAN DIAS P ORA, P ENNY K O U T O U R I NI S TA LK S T O C H R I S T I N A AL OUP I IN AN E XCL US IVE IN T E RVIE W F OR OPA! MAGAZ I NE

HRISTINA ALOUPI WAS born and raised in Thessaloniki. She graduated from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a Bachelor’s degree in Ancient and Modern Philosophy. Snapped up by one of Athens top modeling agencies, Christina moved to Athens to build her career and complete her studies. Before Hollywood beckoned, Christina was a familiar face on Greek television, hosting a lifestyle show on Antenna Channel and a talk show for Star Channel. Now based in Los Angeles, Christina combines her acting with being the host of the weekly news on GREEKREPORTER.COM

WHAT MADE YOU LEAVE GREECE AND PURSUE A CAREER IN HOLLYWOOD? It’s funny, because most people in Los Angeles see Greece as ‘the destination’. I tell them, for a career in the arts, you have to travel outside of your safe haven, and into the world. Although Greece has its charm, and there are many talented artists in Greece, I left because I felt that it was too limiting in the type of acting that sparked my interest as a young girl. I wanted to be in the ‘Mecca’ of film and television, having the opportunity to learn from the best and compete against

absolutely some of the best actors and actresses I have ever seen. I have left my comfort zone, and I have never been happier in my career. TELL US ABOUT YOUR STUDIES... I studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, where some of the most prominent actors like Pacino, De Niro, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean studied, and then I continued at Strasberg in L.A. Although New York offered a great deal in terms of artistic inspiration, I felt I had to be closer to the acting industry.

PHOTOS: Nikol Bartzoka

The school was founded on the techniques and spots, but very charming in its own way. When teachings of Lee Strasberg. It’s crazy how many you actually have time to enjoy it, you fall even techniques there are in order to achieve the more in love with this place. It’s ironic to have same result. I feel lucky enough to have studied with many private coaches as well, in order to understand there is no ‘one way’ to learn. It’s what works for you. That is the best lesson I have learned so far. IS THE REALITY OF HOLLYWOOD REALLY AS THEY PRESENT IT? I think it depends on what each person expects. I am a very down to earth person, and my experience with Greek showbiz helped me realize quickly that the lights don’t shine in real life as you see on the red carpet. You definitely feel the glamour at premieres, parties in the ‘Hills’, and at the Oscars, but the everyday life, even for Hollywood stars, means hard work, stress, choices, and family problems, just like any other human being. I definitely think it’s a beautiful city, especially with the nostalgia of classic Hollywood. It’s a bit run-down in

to live in such a beautiful place, yet you have to work non-stop in order to ‘one day’, really enjoy it. I feel that the harder you pursue your dream, the more likely it is you will ‘make it’. HAVE YOU MET OR SEEN ANY HOLLYWOOD STARS? I saw the most stars when I attended and hosted the Oscars for The Greek Reporter. All of the celebrities were so glamorous in their gowns and tuxedos, and you could really sense the energy surrounding the whole event. It was something I had seen so many times growing up on television, and always imagined the feeling of standing on that red carpet. It was an amazing experience. Tom Hanks is somebody you’re bound to run into if you are a Greek in Hollywood, since he attends most of the Greek events and gatherings. He really supports the Greek community and I respect him deeply for his talent and his love for Greece. I met Mark Ruffalo, he is really down-to-earth and very friendly. Last year, I saw Scarlet Johansson and Liev Schreiber in the

Broadway performance ‘A View from the Bridge’, by Arthur Miller. I was very impressed by their performances. I have also seen Jason Statham, John Malkovich, Mandy Moore, the Olsen Twins, and Chris North to name a few. I thought it was cute seeing Annalyne McCord eating dinner at a Greek restaurant with her sisters for her birthday. She was loving the food! SINCE YOUR STUDIES, HAVE YOU GONE TO ANY INTERESTING AUDITIONS? Thus far, my studies have taken up most of my time. It literally feels like a full-time job going to a school such as Strasberg, so I haven’t had as much time as I’d like to audition. I have always wanted to be completely confident in my abilities before I walk into any casting. There’s no inbetween in this business. You’re either ready or you’re not. I have auditioned for a few projects though, and recently landed a role in the feature film ‘Four Fifteen’. I was so excited to get the part. The film is a coming-of-age drama, where three best friends begin their journey through life, and

take on very different paths in the process. I play the character of Penelope, a strong independent woman, who comes to a realisation that everything she wanted in life, is now an illusion. We finished shooting a few weeks ago and currently the film is in postproduction. HOW DID YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH GREEKREPORTER.COM COME ABOUT? When I moved to Los Angeles, I received a phone call from a friend explaining that he wanted to introduce me to someone who was interested in perhaps working with me. I was introduced to Anastasios Papapostolou, founder of Greek Reporter, and he told he was familiar with my work and was interested in working together on a weekly news broadcast. The broadcast would be Greek news from all over the world, and it would target the Greek audiences living outside of Greece that do not receive Greek specific news in their language. I fell in love with the idea, and began collaborating with Greek Reporter shortly after. It has been a wonderful experience.

WHAT IS GREEKREPORTER.COM ? GREEKREPORTER.COM is the first web portal for Greek people and people of Greek descent, who live and work outside of their homeland. It is the Greek news source for everything that matters to the Greeks abroad. You’ll find news, interviews and articles from all Greek centres of the world, on every continent. It is a media organization, with the goal to serve the Greeks abroad as a whole and their informational and publicity needs, and also bring them together. When people think about Greeks, they think about the 11 million people living in the country, but they forget about the 11 million Greeks living all over the rest of the world. The site targets all of those Greeks. IS IT TRUE, THAT YOU HAVE BEEN CAST IN A NEW MOVIE FILMING IN AUSTRALIA? Yes! It will be my second motion picture and I am very excited about this. Although it is still very early on I am still looking forward to experiencing Australia.

WHAT IS THE FILM ABOUT? It’s about the Greeks migrating to Australia and trying to fit in; their struggles and issues of racism they faced. I’m sure it’s a tale that most people’s parents and grandparents can and will relate too. I guess you will have to interview the producers or director to tell you more about the movie. It’s so early still, I don’t think anybody will be talking. AND YOU HAVE A LEAD ROLE? Yes, I am so excited about this, I think it will be perfect to try and capture the passion, the fire that these migrants felt leaving their homeland and coming to this new world. It was such a big step, but so necessary to give their yet unborn children and families opportunities that they never would have been able to have in Greece. WHO WILL BE DIRECTING? I can’t say anymore until filming begins late next year in Melbourne! HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO MELBOURNE? No, never. But I’ve heard it is absolutely beautiful. I have a few friends currently living in Melbourne, so I am really looking forward to visiting them. My father went there a few years ago, and he told me it’s definitely a destination I must visit, so I am excited about not only working there but also about absorbing all that Melbourne has come to represent to the Greek diaspora globally. IS LOS ANGELES YOUR LAST STOP OR WILL YOU RETURN TO GREECE? To tell you the truth, I don’t even know the answer to that question. I absolutely love Greece and I miss it so much, but I have started a career here in Hollywood, and I have no idea where my life is going to take me. Hollywood has given me opportunities I could never find in Greece. I have the opportunity to really grow as an artist and as a person, and practice my craft every chance I get. Your home is where you make it, and I’ve made LA mine for now. Penny Koutourinis is a writer and director based in Bel Air, California.

G R E E K R E P O R T E R W E E K LY Hosted by Christina Aloupi, Greek Reporter Weekly News is an online broadcast of the Greek Reporter’s major news stories. Greek Reporter is a web portal dedicated to stories from and for Greek Diaspora communities around the world. www.greekreporter.com

PHOTOS: Nikol Bartzoka

KALI OREXI EATS

AROUND THE GREEK TABLE

The Bakopolous sisters, Samantha, Eleni and Betty â&#x20AC;&#x201D; share the mouthwatering recipes found in of their award-winning cookbook Three Sisters Around the Greek Table.

KALI OREXI EATS

Baked Pumpkin or Zucchini Fritters Kolokithopites (Koh-loh-kee-THOH-pee-tehs)

UCCHINI GROWS IN OUR PARENTS’ BACKYARD EVERY SUMMER— A JUNGLE OF GIANT GREEN LEAVES WITH LARGE YELLOW FLOWERS. THE ZUCCHINI IS FRIED, BAKED, STUFFED AND EATEN RELENTLESSLY. OUR FAVOURITE TRANSFORMATION OF ZUCCHINI IS OUR MUM’S BAKED FRITTERS. IN THE FALL, PUMPKIN FRITTERS REPLACE ZUCCHINI FRITTERS, AND ARE ALWAYS ON THE TABLE AT THANKSGIVING.

Preparation 35 minutes Cooking 25 minutes Makes 16 Bake 425°F (220°C)

We are thankful for that! • Place the grated zucchini in a colander. Add the salt and set aside for 15 minutes. Squeeze the excess moisture from the zucchini with your hands and place in a medium-sized bowl. • Parboil the potatoes for 10 minutes in a large pot of boiling water. Drain and set aside to cool. Coarsely grate the parboiled potatoes over the bowl with the zucchini. • Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and use your hands to mix the ingredients together.

1 small pumpkin or 3 small zucchini, about 500g, grated 1 tsp salt 2 potatoes, about 250g, peeled 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 scallions, chopped, both white & green 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup fresh bread crumbs

• Shape the zucchini mixture into patties and use a brush to lightly grease each side of the patty with olive oil.

1 cup each fresh mint & basil, chopped

• Place the patties on a baking sheet and place in the upper third of a preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden brown.

Olive oil for greasing

1 egg

• Flip and bake for 10 minutes further. • Serve warm. Enjoy!