KAZANTZAKIS

The true story of the greatest Greek author of the 20thcentury, Nikos Kazantzakis, based on his autobiography “Report to Greco”. It is his existential search around the world to implementing the ideas of Christ, Buddha, Lenin in real life; and through his hero Odysseus he realizes his philosophy of the Cretan Glance: “Life is a bumpy road and one must walk it with dignity and bravery.” Staying true to his values, he faces the religious Establishment with self-control and dignity, and completes his work, which is to cherish man’s freedom and the values of life. The life of Nikos Kazantzakis is a story of love, faith and strength of one author who survived the adversities and cruelties of his time, making his life’s work live through the ages. Nikos Kazantzakis’ creative achievements inspire today and positively enhance the future.

The great Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis who was born at the end of the 19th century and died in 1957, believed that two things determined his life: dreams and travels. The film begins with a dream he had a little before he died, a nightmare which ends with the appearance of Domenicos Theotokopoulos (El Greco). The film ends with a liberating dream full of light. Following his dreams, Kazantzakis starts writing the chapters of his autobiography "Report to Greco" with the support of his intuitive companion Eleni. All these chapters will be brought to life in a flashback, as a continuous journey to the places he visited in his lifetime: Mount Athos, Mount Sinai, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Moscow, Antibes and Beijing and at the same time, representing the "spiritual" path of the author who keeps searching, wanting to understand Christ, the Buddha, Nietzsche, Lenin, and his ancestor Odysseus and the big womb which is represented by the Aegean Sea and the Greek Light. Armed with the consciousness of his surroundings and his spirituality, he completes his “path” with the "Cretan glance" that eventually leads him towards freedom by defying death. Through this long journey of the soul towards freedom and after facing many difficulties and adventures, Nikos Kazantzakis succeeds in creating his universal work. This great work is the pillar of the Greek spirit today and during these difficult times we are going through, it can succeed in comforting and consoling the tormented souls of future viewers. Iannis Smaragdis - Director