June 2025
The documentary “A River Called Vakirtzis” (original title: Ένα ποτάμι που λεγόταν Βακιρτζής), directed by Panos A. Thomadis, is a heartfelt cinematic homage to a nearly forgotten artist who shaped the visual language of Greek cinema culture in the mid-20th century.
George Vakirtzis was a painter of giant cinema billboards and posters that once adorned the facades of Athens’ movie theaters during the 1950s and 1960s. In an era without digital printing, Vakirtzis’ hand-painted masterpieces became landmarks of the urban landscape, offering an ephemeral yet powerful expression of pop culture—an art form dubbed “the art of the seven days,” reflecting the weekly change of movie screenings.
The documentary, running 44 minutes, weaves together interviews, archival footage, and vivid images of Vakirtzis’ work. Through the voices of artists, critics, and those who knew him personally, it reconstructs not only the life of a dedicated craftsman but also the vanished era of neighborhood cinemas and painted cinema dreams.
More than just a biographical account, A River Called Vakirtzis meditates on the transient nature of art, memory, and fame. Vakirtzis, who worked tirelessly but died in obscurity, is now being rediscovered as a pivotal figure in Greek visual culture. His posters, often destroyed after use, survive today in photographs and memories, symbols of a bygone age of artistic labor and urban enchantment.
This documentary stands as a testament to cultural preservation, shedding light on the anonymous hands behind popular art and the delicate boundary between craftsmanship and high art. A River Called Vakirtzis is a must-see for lovers of cinema history, street art, and anyone intrigued by the beauty found in forgotten corners of cultural memory.
