Her voice defined a generation, her legacy inspired a nation.
The highly acclaimed Rembetiko (1983, director’s cut 2024) is a poignant musical drama that chronicles the life of Marika, a gifted singer whose journey mirrors the turbulence of 20th-century Greece. Born in Smyrna in 1917, Marika is forced to flee to Greece by the 1922 Catastrophe.
Her early life is marred by personal tragedy. Despite these hardships, she rises to prominence in the rembetiko music scene—a genre often described as the Greek blues, known for expressing the struggles of the marginalised. Marika’s story unfolds against a backdrop of significant historical events, including World War II and the Greek Civil War, highlighting themes of displacement, resilience, and the enduring power of music. Her passionate performances and tumultuous relationships underscore the personal costs of artistic dedication. The film culminates in Marika’s tragic death, cementing her legacy as a symbol of cultural perseverance.
"If you are able to surrender yourself to the sounds of Rembetiko, then this is most assuredly an unforgettable and entertaining cinematic experience given wondrous new life by Facets Video. Winner of the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and several awards at the Thessaloniki Film Festival, Rembetiko is an enchanting and soul-stirring film."
Director
Costas Ferris
Cast
Sotiria Leonardou, Nikos Kalogeropoulos, Mihalis Maniatis, Nikos Dimitratos, Themis Bazaka, Georges Zorbas, Konstandinos Tzoumas, Viky Vanita, Lina Babatsia, Spyros Mavidis, Popi Katsambani, Irene Lymberopoulou, Danae Ferris, Vasso Alexandridou, Nikos Birbilis, Athina Mertyri, Nicolas Assimos, Soulis Manissalis, Takis Binis, Costas Tsingos, Nikos Marangopoulos, Theodore Polycandriotis, Nikos Fronimopoulos, Stavros Xarhakos
In Greek with English Subtitles.
Wheelchair accessible.
Companion Card accepted.
Assistive Hearing system available (FM).
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