Greece Counts on International Film Productions for Extra Promotion

Millennium Media producer Robert Van Norden, GNTO President Angela Gerekou, Central Macedonia Region Vice Governor for Tourism and Culture Alexandros Thanos.

Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) President Angela Gerekou highlighted the importance of film productions for the promotion of tourism and Greek culture, during her visit this week to the Nu Boyana Film Studios in Thessaloniki.

Gerekou joined Central Macedonia Region Vice Governor for Tourism and Culture Alexandros Thanos on a tour this week of the studios and had the chance to catch shootings of action-thriller The Bricklayer, directed by Renny Harlin and featuring Aaron Eckhart and Nina Dobrev. The Millennium Films production is set for release in 2023.

Aaron Eckhart and Angela Gerekou

“Cinema is a dynamic promotional tool for tourism and culture,” Gerekou said, adding that in addition to showcasing destinations in Greece it contributes to regional development and to the economy.

Over the last few years, Greece has been increasing incentives to attract foreign film productions that will in turn promote the country to international crowds hoping in this way to boost its reach. 

“It is now absolutely clear to all of us that the portrayal of beautiful Greek landscapes through cinema make our tourist destinations more attractive, while showcasing the modern way of life and culture has positive effects, elevating Greece’s brand name,” said Gerekou.

Gerekou, who is herself a film star, welcomed government actions to increase the number of films produced in Greece, adding that she had tabled a proposal for the introduction of relevant incentives in 2014, when she was serving as deputy culture minister.

According to Millennium Media producer Robert Van Norden, a new production to be filmed in Thessaloniki is in the pipeline while scenes from a new movie featuring Robert De Niro are scheduled to begin on May 22 in Drama, Greece.