Chicago, IL.- Bolstering his efforts to promote a better understanding among Hellenes… and of Hellenes… all over the world through the arts and film, SAE. Chris P. Tomaras was elated when Dr. Jenna Constantine called to tell him that her film, The Spirit of the Chicago Greeks: Alive in ’05! had been selected for exhibition by the prestigious New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.

The 42-minute documentary will have its World Premiere as part of the NY Festival’s Hollywood showings from September 22-29, followed by a New York premiere in mid-November and Chicago in late November, capped by its showing at the famed Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France in May, 2006. Dr. Constantine, who wrote, produced, directed and narrates the film, describes it as “a film journey from Socrates’ Greek frog pond in 450 BC to 2005…an educational visual worthy of our ancestors, who fought victoriously for political and religious freedom, cultural expression and family values.” Invited to include a message from ÓÁÅ in the preview “trailer” for the film, Tomaras observes:

Every Greek parade in cities throughout the Diaspora reflects the exuberant pride we Hellenes deservedly feel about our 3,000-year past, our present and our future. And while we may disagree among ourselves whether Chicago truly has the largest Greek population outside Greece, it truly is a microcosm… reflecting the Spirit you’ll find in every Greek community across America.

The North and South America Region of the World Council of Hellenes, which serves as the official “umbrella” for the many organizations representing 7 million Hellenes outside Greece, is pleased to report that the spirit of Greece was “Alive in 2005” all over the world, but especially so in Chicago.

And that Spirit will continue to be alive…. so long as the world continues to cherish wisdom, beauty, and Truth.