Monica Bellucci Returns to Athens: Screening of “Maria Callas – Monica Bellucci: An Encounter”and an Open Discussion with the Actress

On the occasion of the screening of the international production “Maria Callas – Monica Bellucci: An Encounter,” the international star returns to Greece as a guest of the cultural organization “Lykofos” founded by Giorgos Lykiardopoulos. The film will be screened in Athens for the first time on Friday, December 5, the birthday of Maria Callas, at the Pallas Theatre, in the presence of the Italian actress. Following the screening, there will be an open discussion with Monica Bellucci, moderated by Orestis Andreadakis.

The hybrid documentary by Yiannis Dimolitsas and Tom Volf was created out of the chronicle of the worldwide tour of the stage production “Maria Callas – Letters and Memoirs,” which ran from November 2019 to January 2023. We observe and compare two different eras: the present day and the time when Callas reached the height of her fame, while simultaneously witnessing an essential dialogue between the acclaimed contemporary Italian actress and the voice that defined the 20th century. Two women who, despite their very different backgrounds, meet across time through their shared love for art.

Having travelled to major festivals across Europe and the United States
(Festival del Cinema di Roma, October 2023; 46th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, October 2023; MoMA, New York, June 2024; San Sebastián International Film Festival, September 2024; Lyon Lumière Festival 2024; Festival international du film de Marrakech 2024), the film – which delves deeply into the life of the Greek soprano and stars Monica Bellucci – is an international co-production between France, Italy and Greece.

An idea that began with the documentary footage shot by Greek filmmaker Yiannis Dimolitsas at the Herodion in 2021 now returns to Athens four years later to triumphantly complete the circle of its international success. A documentary inspired by the stage production “Maria Callas: Letters and Memoirs,” produced by the cultural organization Lykofos, with which Monica Bellucci first stepped onto a theatre stage, offering three historic evenings at the Herodion in 2021.

Maria Callas – Monica Bellucci: An Encounter

The hybrid documentary “Maria Callas – Monica Bellucci: An Encounter” offers an in-depth exploration of the legendary soprano’s life, focusing on the personal struggles and resilience that shaped Callas’ journey toward her extraordinary artistry and success.

Callas was not only a world-renowned soprano – she was a woman who overcame hardship, transforming her pain into power. Bellucci’s interpretation captures Callas’ grace even in her most vulnerable moments, illuminating the quietest, most intimate chapter of her life.

For Bellucci, stepping into Callas’ shoes was a deeply personal experience. She connected with Callas’ fragility while also embracing her strength.

This film reveals the woman behind the icon, reflecting Bellucci’s own artistic journey as she honors the complex space between diva and human being.

It also serves as a valuable testament to the international tour of the stage production “Maria Callas: Letters and Memoirs.” Throughout the tour, we observe and compare two eras – the present and the time when Callas was at her zenith – while also becoming witnesses to a profound dialogue between the great contemporary Italian actress and the voice that marked the 20th century. Two women who, despite their different origins, meet across time thanks to their shared devotion to art.