GFF25 Rembetiko

The highly acclaimed Rembetiko (1983, director’s cut 2024) is a poignant musical drama that chronicles the life of Marika, a gifted singer whose journey mirrors the turbulence of 20th-century Greece. Born in Smyrna in 1917, Marika is forced to flee to Greece by the 1922 Catastrophe. Her early life is marred by personal tragedy. Despite these hardships, she rises to prominence in the rembetiko music scene—a genre often described as the Greek blues, known for expressing the struggles of the marginalised. Marika's story unfolds against a backdrop of significant historical events, including World War II and the Greek Civil War, highlighting themes of displacement, resilience, and the enduring power of music. Her passionate performances and tumultuous relationships underscore the personal costs of artistic dedication. The film culminates in Marika's tragic death, cementing her legacy as a symbol of cultural perseverance.