The Hellenic Film Society launches a 12-film lineup October 8–18, opening with Myrsini Aristidou’s Hold Onto Me — Sundance Audience Award winner and Cyprus’ first official Oscar submission.
Opening night: Hold Onto Me screens October 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the DGA New York Theater, followed by a Q&A with director Myrsini Aristidou and lead actor Christos Passalis.
Hold Onto Me won the 2026 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition and is Cyprus’ first official submission for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars.
The New York Greek Film Expo runs October 8–18 across New York City and New Jersey and presents 12 contemporary Greek films, filmmaker appearances, and audience discussions.
# What's happening Expo 2026, presented by the Hellenic Film Society, opens Thursday, October 8. The festival's New York premiere and opening-night screening is Hold Onto Me, Myrsini Aristidou's debut feature. The film won the 2026 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for World Cinema Dramatic Competition and is Cyprus' first official submission for consideration in the Best Foreign Film category at the Oscars.
# Opening-night specifics An opening reception was scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at Acadia Restaurant (101 West 57th Street). That reception is sold out. The screening begins at 7:00 p.m. at the DGA New York Theater (110 West 57th Street). Hold Onto Me is in Greek with English subtitles and will be followed by an audience Q&A with writer-director Myrsini Aristidou and lead actor Christos Passalis.
Host duties for the Expo are handled by Katia Goulioni. Maria C. Miles, president of the Hellenic Film Society, framed the program as a selection of twelve films intended to represent contemporary Greek cinema to festival audiences.
# Film snapshot: Hold Onto Me Hold Onto Me centers on 11-year-old Iris, who tries to reconnect with her estranged father after he returns to Cyprus for his father's funeral. Iris' attempts gradually produce a fragile bond. The cast includes Maria Petrova, Christos Passalis, Jenny Sallo, Aulona Lupa, and Andreas Koutsoftas.
# Festival program and logistics
# What to expect if you go Expect a mix of recent Greek cinema showcased over ten days, including at least one world-premiere-level title that has already received international festival recognition. The opening-night Q&A will include the director and a lead actor, offering direct audience engagement after the screening.
# Practical details
# Why this matters locally York-area audiences, providing opportunities for in-person Q&A and direct engagement with recent international festival winners. Hold Onto Me's Sundance recognition and its status as Cyprus' first official Oscar submission give the opening night a notable festival pedigree.
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