A new film about Ioannis Kapodistrias, the founding father of modern Greece, is aiming to bring his story to a wider audience. The biopic, directed by Yannis Smaragdis, opens in UK cinemas this week after a successful run in Greece and across Europe.
Who Was Kapodistrias?
Born in Corfu in 1776, Kapodistrias rose to become joint foreign minister of the Russian Empire under Tsar Alexander I. He later resigned to support the Greek War of Independence, and in 1827 was elected Greece's first head of state. He built the country's institutions, including its currency, courts, schools, and civil service.
The Film's Portrayal
The film shows Kapodistrias as a hardworking statesman, often working from early morning until late at night. It also highlights his tension with local warlords and his assassination in 1831. Lead actor Antonis Myriagos describes the role as "the chronicle of a death foretold."
Controversial Legacy
Despite his achievements, Kapodistrias remains controversial. Historians note his autocratic tendencies, and he is often seen as a hero by the political right and a dictator by the left. The film has divided critics and audiences in Greece, becoming the fifth highest-grossing Greek film of all time.
Historian Roderick Beaton says Kapodistrias's story "deserves to be much better known." The film is now showing in UK cinemas.
