Iannis Smaragdis, a visionary artist, entered the world in the picturesque island of Crete, Greece, in the year 1946, a moment that would set the stage for a life of creative expression. His innate passion for the arts led him to pursue formal education in the realm of film, a journey that would take him to both the culturally rich Greece and the iconic film capital of France. This formative experience would serve as the foundation for a storied career that would unfold over the course of multiple decades, showcasing his versatility and artistic range.
Smaragdis's cinematic journey commenced in 1972 with the release of the thought-provoking short film "Two Three Things...", a milestone that would ultimately garner him widespread recognition and acclaim. This pioneering endeavour would subsequently earn the prestigious first prize at the esteemed Athens Film Festival, as well as a Special Mention at the renowned Montreal Film Festival.
Smaragdis has garnered widespread recognition for his remarkable achievements in the realms of both film and television, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for his craft.
His impressive body of work boasts a plethora of notable features, with two of his most celebrated endeavors being "Cavafy" (1996) and "El Greco" (2007).
Both of these cinematic masterpieces received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising their thought-provoking narratives, masterful direction, and outstanding performances.
Furthermore, these films had the distinction of being showcased at numerous international festivals, including the esteemed Toronto International Film Festival, a platform that has served as a launching pad for countless cinematic innovations and breakthroughs.
Through his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to his art, Smaragdis has solidified his position as a respected and accomplished figure in the world of film and television, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring a new generation of creatives to follow in his footsteps.
Smaragdis has not only left an indelible mark on the film industry, but has also made a profound and lasting impact on the world of television. One of his most notable television endeavors is the 1980 television film "Good night to you, Kyr Alexandre", which had a profound effect on audiences everywhere, touching their hearts and leaving a lasting impression. Furthermore, his 1988 television series "Hush... Our Country is Sleeping..." is widely regarded as the most exceptional and outstanding television series in Greek television history, a testament to his skill and artistry as a television creator.
Smaragdis has had the distinction of directing a multitude of documentaries and essays, with a notable body of work that includes the critically acclaimed films "Spyros Louis" (2004),"I've brought to art" (1998),and the thought-provoking trilogy "Thus spake the city" (1990-1993).
His impressive portfolio has garnered widespread recognition for its exceptional quality, earning him a reputation as a masterful filmmaker. Furthermore, his work has been showcased at numerous prestigious international festivals, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the world of documentary filmmaking.
In the year 2007, Smaragdis took the reins as director of the captivating production "Opera of Shadows" at the esteemed Athens Concert Hall, thereby fortifying his already impressive reputation as a multifaceted and accomplished director.
His 2012 cinematic endeavour, "God Loves Caviar", proved to be a resounding commercial success, attracting a substantial audience of over 350,000 admissions in Greece, thereby cementing his status as a master of his craft.
Smaragdis is presently occupied with his most recent and ambitious undertaking, a cinematic endeavour entitled "Nikos Kazantzakis", a biographical film meticulously crafted around the extraordinary life story of the renowned Greek author and profound philosopher, whose remarkable journey serves as the foundation for this forthcoming production.
In addition to his filmic pursuits, Smaragdis has been entrusted with the esteemed responsibility of Manager of Cinema and Theatre at the Istituto di Studi Giuridici Economici e Sociali Internazionali I.S.G.E.S.I., a prestigious institution based in Rome, where he also serves as the head of scientific studies, overseeing a wide range of academic and research initiatives.
Throughout the extensive duration of his illustrious career, Smaragdis has garnered a plethora of prestigious awards and accolades, with one notable recognition being the esteemed Giuseppe Sciacca International Awards Committee, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the world of art.
