The trailer has been released for the new film by acclaimed director Yannis Smaragdis, titled “Kapodistrias.” This historical epic is based on the life of the great Greek statesman and diplomat, Ioannis Kapodistrias.
The screenplay was written by the director himself, Yannis Smaragdis, and the role of the first Governor of the newly independent Greek state is played by Antonis Myriagkos. Other members of the cast include Finbar Lynch as Metternich, Tasos Chalkias, Maximos Moumouris, Nikorestis Chaniotakis, and Electra Fragkiadaki.
Heralded as one of the biggest productions of the year, the film is set to be released in cinemas on December 25th.
Kapodistrias: Film synopsis and context
The film Kapodistrias is a historical drama set in the early 19th century, chronicling the true story of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the most significant Greek political figure of his time and the first Governor of Greece following its liberation from the Ottoman Empire.
The narrative emphasizes his unwavering defense of human liberty, goodness, and dignity, which led him to sacrifice his greatest personal love and confront powerful forces. He willingly sacrificed personal wealth, glory, and international recognition for his cause.
Called to serve as the first Governor of Greece after its independence, Kapodistrias dedicated himself to his nation with profound faith and devotion. Even as he foresees his own assassination, he stoically accepts his fate, believing his ultimate sacrifice will lead to true freedom for his country.
About Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776–1831)
Ioannis Kapodistrias was a towering figure in European history and is recognized as the founder of the modern Greek state.
Born in Corfu in 1776 (then under Venetian rule), Kapodistrias hailed from a noble family. He studied medicine, philosophy, and law at the University of Padua, Italy. He practiced medicine in Corfu, notably providing free service to the poor.
He entered the Russian diplomatic service in 1809 and rose rapidly, eventually serving as Joint Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire from 1816 to 1822. In this role, he participated in the crucial post-Napoleonic War Congress of Vienna (1814-1815) and co-signed the Treaty of Paris (1815).
A notable diplomatic achievement was his mission to Switzerland in 1813, where he was instrumental in unifying the cantons, drafting the Federal Constitution, and securing the permanent neutrality of Switzerland, which was recognized by the Great Powers.
After the Greek War of Independence, the Third National Assembly at Trizina elected him as the first Head of State of independent Greece (titled “Governor”) for a seven-year term in 1827. He arrived in a devastated Greece in 1828 and dedicated himself to establishing a functioning modern state, organizing the military, establishing a legal framework, and setting up vital institutions like schools and an agricultural school. He also introduced the cultivation of the potato to the Greek population.
His strong centralizing reforms and efforts to subordinate powerful local leaders created political enemies. He was tragically assassinated in Nafplio (the first capital of Greece) on October 9, 1831, by members of the powerful Mavromichalis family.
Related: The Parallel Visions of Alexander the Great and Kapodistrias for Greece
