Smyrna, My Beloved

Smyrna, My Beloved (Greek: Σμύρνη μου αγαπημένη) is a 2021 Greek historical epic film directed by Grigoris Karantinakis about the burning of Smyrna (today's Izmir, Turkey) by the Turkish army in September 1922.^[1] The film stars Mimi Denisi, Burak Hakkı, Rupert Graves and Susan Hampshire.

Smyrna, My Beloved
Directed by	Grigoris Karantinakis
Written by	Mimi Denisi Martin Sirman
Based on	Smyrna my Beloved by Mimi Denisi
Starring	Mimi Denisi Burak Hakkı Rupert Graves Susan Hampshire
Cinematography	Simos Sarketzis
Music by	Andreas Katsigiannis
Distributed by	Tanweer Productions
Release date	December 23, 2021 (2021-12-23)
Running time	141 minutes
Country	Greece
Language	Greek

Summary

The story follows the wealthy Greek Baltatzis family in the multicultural city of Smyrna during the Greco-Turkish War 1919-1922 and after the Turkish army entered the city in 1922, and shows the suffering and exodus of the ethnic Greeks of the city.^[2]

Screenings

The film premiered at Megaron-Athens Concert Hall.^[1]

The film screened at Redstone Theatre through Museum of the Moving Image in May 2022.^[3]

Reception

Reviews

A review in The National Herald said, "The film is also a lesson about showing compassion to others in their times of need."^[1]

Athens Insider referred to the film as "a poignant tale of loss and belonging".^[4]

The film was reviewed by Tom McSorley of the CBC.^[5]

At least one Turkish publication, Hürriyet, criticized the film, calling it "propaganda".^[6]

Awards

Smyrna, My Beloved won The Audience Award for Feature Film at the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival.^[7]