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 “Good Times are Coming” Montrealer Manoli (Christos Sourigas) is not faring particularly well in his Park Extension (Park Ex) neighborhood over Easter weekend. His mother (Maria Vacratsis) a concerned widow (or is she overbearing?) thirsts for the day her dear Manny will have children so his life can start again. Yes she is convinced good times are coming back.
However be forewarned as two minutes into the film a big red Easter egg descends on Manny’s bald pate which suddenly transforms into an egg and shatters. There is a Greek tradition on Greek Orthodox Easter of cracking red dyed eggs with your table mates over a very large Easter dinner. If your egg survives this contest and defeats the other eggs you’ll have an excellent year. If your egg cracks what your upcoming luck is not prescribed by Greek tradition. Are good times really coming for Manny with a cracked head? Enough said watch and find out!
For a former Montrealer and frequenter of Park Ex and a champion Easter egg cracker the short film was a golden trip down memory lane. The elderly Greek community of Park Ex beautifully captured. You will love the Gulliver Travel’s scene.
“Good Times are Coming” was directed by Tony Asimakopoulos. You can see a teaser for the film here https://vimeo.com/724911951
The film is both on-line and in theatres. Check the website above for further details.
RKS 2023 Film Rating 90/100.
Set the Bar 