Researcher, Author and Film maker Vasileios Billy Cotsis has created a history of the Griko culture in southern Italy throughout a variety of mediums.
Having recently been honoured with a screening of his Magna Graecia screening at the Greek Film Festival of Australia, Billy has made the astounding announcement that his latest film and second part of his trilogy of films, Magna Graecia Griko of Apulia volume 1will be uploaded for free on his Youtube channel on the internetl.
Billy said that “It’s free as I simply want you to learn and be entertained!” When asked about his attraction to the ancient greek influences in southern Italy, Billy said
“I have always loved Calabria and the south of Italy. From my very first visit in 2002,Calabria especially has been welcoming me and even more so when I explain to locals that I am Greek!”
He went on to say, “Greece, Cyprus and Italia have such an incredible shared history, it’s easy to see why are cousins and good friends. Whether it was the Ancient Greek colonies, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, Venice who colonised many islands and parts of the mainland – they also were home to thousands of Greeks from the 1400s, Genoa or even the religion which was one until a thousand years ago, both nations have left an indelible legacy on each other. Cyprus had Venetian influence for centuries. As a filmmaker I have made five projects across the south of Italy, a place where I feel home. Some of my projects include An Olive Tale miniseries series which played on Foxtel, it’s about olives and is hosted by Mimmo Lubrano who’s also the ceo of Sandhurstfinefoods”
