In a season of grand premieres, one film promises to stand apart—not merely for its scale, but for the depth of its conviction. Yannis Smaragdis’ long-anticipated historical drama Kapodistrias, based on the life and legacy of Ioannis Kapodistrias, Greece’s first modern governor, is entering its final stage of editing and is slated for a Christmas Day release.
This ambitious production, featuring more than 30 actors, international collaborations, and a potent ideological and historical foundation, is poised to stir the waters of contemporary Greek cinema.
@Leonidas Zarkos
Smaragdis, best known for films such as Kazantzakis, El Greco, and God Loves Caviar, returns with one of his most personal and visionary works yet. Kapodistrias is not just a historical biopic—it is, in the director’s own words, “a work of faith and deep love for Greece,” centered around a man who devoted his life to the nation with self-sacrifice and spiritual strength.
Actor Antonis Myriagos steps into the titular role, portraying Ioannis Kapodistrias as a leader who, as the film’s synopsis reveals, “sacrifices everything—love, wealth, and personal safety—to serve his homeland and its values.”
Spanning the late 18th to early 19th century, the film delves beyond political events and diplomatic maneuvering, exploring the inner philosophy that guided Kapodistrias’ life.
The international cast includes Finbar Lynch as Metternich, alongside Duncan Skinner, Nathan Thomas, Sean James Sutton, and Dirk Sikorski. Greek talents such as Tasos Chalkias, Maximos Moumouris, Mary Vidali, Dimitris Danikas, Pavlos Kontogiannidis, and Nikorestis Chaniotakis round out the ensemble.
@Razvan Bestea
The production is supported by a robust creative and technical team, with music composed by Minos Matsas and sets and costumes blending Greek and European aesthetics.
Smaragdis’ directorial note lends a metaphysical tone to the work, describing Kapodistrias as a “bearer of light” and “executor of God’s plan.” This framing makes it clear: the film aims to transcend conventional historical storytelling and function as a spiritual-national manifesto.
Kapodistrias is expected to move, divide, and ignite dialogue. With its winter premiere fast approaching, the film sets its sights on redefining Greek historical cinema—not only as a mirror to the past but as a powerful reminder of what leadership, sacrifice, and devotion to the common good truly mean.
