Reaction around the world for Michael Cacoyannis loss

Yesterday, on Monday July 25th 2011, Michael Cacoyannis Foundation announced the passing of the great Greek director, Michael Cacoyannis, Founder and President of the foundations Board. The Cypriot born, however self defined as a Philhellene, the father of the most famous Greek of all time, Zorbas, as well as the most famous Greek female, Stella, the director who placed Euripides in the big screen, and, at the same time, Greece in the cinematic world history, passed away early in the morning, on July the 25th 2011, at the age of 90.

The state funeral will take place at the Holy Church of Agios Dionysios Areopagitis on Thursday 28 July 2011 at 16.00. His final resting place, according to his wish, will be at the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation`s yard, being a personality that offered major services to the Foundation.

At the funeral, the Greek State will be represented by the Minister of Education Ms Anna Diamantopoulou, and the General Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Ms Lina Mendoni, with both of whom Michael Cacoyannis also shared a friendly relationship. The President and the Republic of Cyprus will be represented by Mr Andreas Dimitriou, Minister of Education and Culture.

People in Greece as well as Cyprus are deeply touched by the loss of the great director. Artists, politicians, organizations but also funs and admirers of his works express their sorrow for Michael Cacoyannis loss. Condolences via telegraphs and mail arrive from all over the world to Michael Cacoyannis Foundation a project that was his dream of life. The news of his death spread all around the world and the largest print and online media have already published tributes to the great director, and continue to do so, praising his work and great successes.

Michael Cacoyannis Foundation, after many requests, announces that for those that would like instead of a wreath to offer a donation to MCF, the relevant bank account is:
Michael Cacoyannis Foundation
National Bank of Greece
Account number 708/296 004-47
IBAN code GR1701107080000070829600447
SWIFT code ETHNGRAA

It is necessary to fill in your name, address and phone number.

Also, for his numerous friends, condolences book is set at the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation.

Born in June 11th, 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 distinguished actors of his time, in Greece, Europe and Hollywood.

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 Shakespeares plays into Greek and Euripides into English, and he has written the lyrics of some of the best-known and best-loved Greek songs.

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. The foundations Cultural Centre, located in Piraeus Street, in the district of Tavros, opened it’s doors to the public in October 2009.

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

Michael Panayotis Cacoyannis is survived by his two sisters Stella Soulioti and Yannoulla Wakefield, his nephew and his two nieces.