Michalis Cacoyannis’ “Stella” at the Cannes Film Festival

"Stella" by Michalis Cacoyannis, a landmark film of Greek cinema, premieres at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955 and introduces to the public a soon-to-become international cinema star, Melina Merkouri (Never on Sunday, Topkapi, Phaedra, The Mechanical Pianos) and an outstanding film music composer, Manos Hadjidakis (America America, Sweet Movie). In "Stella," his second film after the "Windfall in Athens," Michalis Cacoyannis shows all his natural narrative supremacy and a sharp, penetrating look into the traps set by his heroes, the prejudices and the impenetrable class structure of the Greek society in the 60s, a theme which he will explore more deeply in his next films.

Based on a theater play by Iakovos Kabanellsi, "Stella" is a melodrama of unique appeal and virtuosity, full of eroticism, beautiful songs, poetry and fun, and at the same time, a strong feminist manifesto, unyielding to the rigid conceptions of the era. The film caused a scandal and ignited heated debates. A Millas Films' production, with sets designed by Giannis Tsarouchis, costumes by Theoni Vachlioti, photography by Kostas Theodoridis, and film-editing by Giorgos Tsaoulis. Starring: Melina Merkouri, Giorgos Foundas, Alekos Alexandrakis, Voula Zouboulaki, Sofia Vempo, Kostas Kakavas.