Michael Cacyannis The Famous Cypriot

Director

Born on 11 June 1921, in Limassol, Cyprus

He studied law in London and was called to the Bar (Barrister-at-law) in 1943

Worked 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

“Alexis Zorbas” made everyone dance syrtaki all over the world.

Michael Cacoyannis has worked with some of the best and most distinguished actors of his time, in Greece, Europe and

Hollywood.

It was Michael Cacaoyannis' initiative that led to the dramatic new illumination of the

Acropolis He enlisted the services of the famous French Engineer Pierre Bideau for a study, and after generous donations by the Friends of Athens, which he established, the

project finally received backing from the Ministry of Culture and the City of Athens.

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

For his work and overall contributions to the Arts, Michael Cacoyannis has been awarded the Order of the Golden Phoenix (Greece), the Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres (France), the Grand Cross / Order of Makarios 3rd (Cyprus) and the Special Grand Prix of the Americas (Montreal). He has been honoured by the Greek Academy with its highest award for national services and with Lifetime Achievement Award by the Salonica, Jerusalem and Cairo Film Festivals, as well as the American Hellenic Institute in Washington. He has been declared an Honorary Citizen of Limassol, Montpellier and Dallas, and has received Honory Doctorates from Columbia College (Chicago), Athens University, Cyprus University, and the Aristotelio University of Salonica.

He died on July in 2011…but their films keep him alive!

Class 1DKatharis Primary School

Larnaca Cyprus

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