Three-time Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis made a rare public appearance in Athens, attending the Greek premiere of the film Anemone — a project that marks the directorial debut of his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. The screening, held on Sunday, October 12, at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron Mousikis), was organized in collaboration with the Athens International Film Festival “Premiere Nights”, with all proceeds benefiting the Cerebral Palsy Greece – Open Door foundation.
For Day-Lewis, who has long supported the foundation, this visit to Greece was both a personal and artistic homecoming. “It’s the beginning of the film’s life,” he said during a press conference in London earlier the same day. “We’re still deeply connected to it, but soon we’ll have to let it go. I wouldn’t rule out working again.”
A Unique Father–Son Collaboration
Daniel Day-Lewis and his son Ronan, who co-wrote the screenplay for Anemone, spoke about the creative process behind the film and their collaboration.
“When we began writing, we didn’t have a clear structure — just characters and an instinct about where the story might lead,” Ronan explained. “For a long time, we only wrote when we were in the same room. When we reached about seventy pages, we realized we had something real. That was both thrilling and terrifying.”
Asked if there was ever a “magical moment” that sparked their collaboration, Day-Lewis replied with a smile: “That never happened. But I felt a real sadness at the thought of Ronan continuing to make films without me being part of them.”
Reflecting on Acting, Pressure, and Legacy
The legendary actor, known for his intense method approach, was asked about his reputation. “I’ve never chosen to talk about my process,” he said. “It’s not interesting to me. Many of the things said about me over the years are pure imagination. What matters most is collaboration. If your way of working hinders others, then it’s wrong.”
Ronan admitted that directing his father brought pressure: “Of course there was pressure — it’s Daniel Day-Lewis! But we’d written the script together, so there was a sense of familiarity and trust. That made it a gift, not a burden.”
Anemone tells the story of a reclusive man, Ray Stoker, who is forced to confront his brother and the mystery of his decade-long disappearance. When asked whether the role reflected aspects of his own life, Day-Lewis laughed: “People say I’m a hermit — I’m not! I don’t live in hiding; I just don’t live in front of a camera all the time.”
Friendship and Philanthropy
Day-Lewis’s return to Athens continues his long-standing friendship with Cerebral Palsy Greece – Open Door, an organization he has supported for decades. Its honorary president, Daphne Oikonomou, spoke emotionally about his contribution:
“Daniel has another great talent beyond acting — friendship. He truly loves our children and has been by our side for many years. When Daniel says he will come, we know it’s true. Today, we called it D-Day – Daniel Day, a day dedicated to him.”
Founded over 50 years ago, the Open Door foundation provides support and creative opportunities for children with cerebral palsy through play, art, music, and dance — programs that continue to transform lives across Greece.
