MICHAEL CACOYANNIS
1921, June 11 - 2011, July 25
Zorba The Greek
3 Academy Awards (Oscars) 7 Nominations 1 Golden Globe
Electra
1 Oscar Nomination - 1 Award in Cannes for Best Sound
- 25 International Awards
Trojan Women
International Organization for Peace Award
Iphigenia
1 Oscar Nomination
Stella
Hollywood Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film
A Girl I Black
Hollywood Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film Silver Bear (Moscow Film Festival -1958)
Michael Cacoyannis Director of:
Born on June 11, 1921 in Limassol, Cyprus, Michael Cacoyannis was the elder son of Sir Panayiotis and Lady Cacoyannis. He studied law in London and was called to the Bar (Barrister-at-law) in 1943. While working for the BBC's Greek service, first as a news announcer and then as a producer of cultural programs, he also studied acting at the Central School of Dramatic Art in London and directing at the Old Vic School.
Not long after his debut as an actor in 1947, he decided to concentrate instead on directing. In 1952 he left London to settle in Athens and one year later the success of his first film (“Windfall in Athens”) marked the beginning of an international career in directing. Among them “Stella”, “A Girl in Black”, “A Matter of Dignity”, “Zorba the Greek” and the trilogy of “Electra”, “The Trojan Women”, “Iphigenia”, his films were regurarly screened at the most prestigious International film festivals, receiving awards and distinctions. Michael Cacoyannis has worked with some of the best and most distin-guished actors of his time, in Greece, Europe and Hollywood.
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Michael Cacoyannis has distinguished himself not only as an international filmmaker, but also as a stage and opera director, with critically acclaimed productions in Greece, the U.S. France and other European countries. He has published several screenplays, he has translated Shakespeare’s plays into Greek and Euripides into English, and he has written the lyrics of some of the best-known and best-loved Greek songs.
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Michael Cacoyannis Was the first film director to adapt Ancient Greek Drama for the screen with the Trilogy “Electra” “Trojan Women” and “Iphigenia"
It was Michael Cacoyannis' initiative that led to the dramatic new illumination of the Acropolis. He enlisted the services of the famous French Engineer Pierre Bideau, and after generous donations by the Friends of Athens Association, which he established specifically for the cause, the project received backing from the Ministry of Culture and the City of Athens and one of the most famous monuments in the world finally received the illumination it deserved.
In 2004, Michael Cacoyannis established a charitable foundation in his name, whose aim is to support , preserve and promote the arts of Theatre and Cinema. The foundation’s Cultural Centre, located in Piraeus Street, in the district of Tavros, opened its doors to the public in October 2009.