‘Guardians of Hellenism’ Wins Top Prize at VastFilm Festival in Argentina

NEW YORK: . – The American School of Classical Studies at Athens announced that the documentary ‘Guardians of Hellenism: The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople’ has received top honors at the VastFilm Festival in Argentina.

Premiering at the School’s gala this past May, the film was produced in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, recipient of this year’s prestigious Gennadius Prize. It captivated international audiences and jury members alike with its powerful storytelling and visual elegance.

Watch the film online: https://shorturl.at/RO9R6.

A highlight of the production, which was filmed in Greece, Turkey, and the United States, is an interview with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Through this lens, ‘Guardians of Hellenism’ offers a moving portrait of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s enduring global influence and its vital role in preserving and promoting Greek heritage and culture. The film stands as a testament to the resilience of Hellenism and the leadership of the Patriarchate in a rapidly changing world.

“‘Guardians of Hellenism’ sheds light on a profoundly important institution that continues to serve as a beacon of cultural identity and diplomacy. We are proud to have led this project that speaks so deeply to the mission of the American School,” said George T. Orfanakos, Executive Director of the American School. The VastFilm Festival praised the film, noting its “splendor and originality,” and adding that its participation “inspired the audience and showed new horizons in the world of cinematography.”

Orfanakos, who also served as Executive Producer of the film, has overseen the creation of a poignant and growing library of award-winning documentary films that celebrate the remarkable people, scholarship, and legacy of the American School. Collectively, these films have earned four international awards to date, a testament to their powerful storytelling and impact.

“On behalf of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, I extend our profound gratitude to His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his generosity of time and his wisdom, all of which made this film so powerful,” continued Orfanakos. “We also offer our heartfelt congratulations to director Nikos Dayandas on this richly deserved recognition and thank him for his extraordinary craftsmanship. Our films would not be possible without the academic oversight and vision of our esteemed scholars and staff that are such an integral part of the American School. Guardians of Hellenism was produced in collaboration with Andreas Zombanakis (Chair, Board of Overseers Gennadius Library, Trustee, American School of Classical Studies at Athens), Maria Georgopoulou, (Director of the Gennadius Library), Maria Mavroudi (UC Berkeley/Gennadius Library Board of Overseer), and Yannis Manuelides (Gennadius Library, Board of Overseer.) Finally, we must offer our sincere gratitude to Archons Gus Vratsinas and Brock and Christina Martin, whose generosity made this important film possible.”

‘Guardians of Hellenism’ continues to resonate with audiences around the world, inviting viewers to reflect on the enduring values of heritage, service, and cultural stewardship.

Source: THE GREEK HERALD