A Bitter Song

Writer/director Athina Tsoulis's short film is a portrait of an immigrant Greek family in 1950s Auckland. The story focusses on middle child Thalia (Alexa Tsoulis Reay), who enjoys a close relationship with her mother Despina (Vicky Yiannoutsos). Father Dimitri (Yianni Tsitsiridakis) is a macho former soldier who frustrates his wife with his frequent nights out at the 'mens' club'. When Thalia goes to hospital for an operation, her feelings about her dad change. Tsoulis was born in Greece and grew up in Australia in a large Greek community. A Bitter Song features the Greek language and Lucy Lawless in an early film role.

You could spend one evening with your children.

– Despina (Vicky Yiannoutsos) watches husband Dimitri (Yianni Tsitsiridakis) head out for another night with the boys

Key Cast & Crew

Alexa Tsoulis-Reay

As: Thalia

Lucy Lawless

As: Nurse #1

Yianni Tsitsiridakis

As: Dimitri (dad)

Rewa Harre

Camera Operator

Vicky Yiannoutsos

As: Despina (mum)

Athina Tsoulis

Director, Writer