George Petritsis

Documentary Filmmaker and Journalist

George A. Petritsis was a distinguished Greek documentary filmmaker and journalist.

He graduated from Athens College in 1959, studied at the Law School of the University of Athens, and worked as a film critic for the newspapers APOGEYMATINI and ACROPOLIS.

He specialized in directing and editing in Paris (Lumi Films). Since 1971, Petritsis dedicated himself exclusively to producing documentaries for television and various cultural institutions.

He created over 800 television and film documentaries covering journalistic investigations, scientific, social, cultural, and historical content.

From 2004, he presented the series of historical documentaries “Martyries” (Testimonies) on ERT TV, while simultaneously producing a series of archaeological documentaries.

George operated his own studio-office space in the center of Athens.

Notable Works

"Testimonies"

A series of historical documentaries presented on ERT TV since 1990
"Leaders of the World"

Forty five one hour documentaries profiling well-known Leaders from all over the world, featuring among others: Pope John-Paul, Michail Gorbachev, Jacques Santer
"Paths of the Gods"

An 8-part series on Greek mythology, filmed at archaeological sites across Greece with Sir Peter Ustinov as presenter
"The Chronicle"

A series of eight documentaries recording the most important events of the 20th century as seen and judged by the "Fourth Estate"
"Hippocrates in Olympia"

An hour-long documentary based on Christos Lolas' book "Medical Care in the Ancient Olympic Games" narrated by Peter Ustinov
"The Quest for the Athlos"

An hour-long documentary narrated by Peter Ustinov, journeying through archaeological sites across Greece

Awards and Honours

Award for the film "EGO" by the Greek Ministry of Industry

Award for the film "HOLIDAYS" by the Greek Ministry of Industry

Award for the film "THE SEVEN SAGES OF ANTIQUITY" at the Cyprus Film Festival

Honorary distinction from the Athanasios Botsis Foundation for the Promotion of Journalism

Early Works (1970s)

“This Bitter Taste of Time”
Short fiction film
“Let’s Feel Love in Athens”
Musical documentary
“Panorama”
TV series of Eighty-Five filmed documentaries
“Ego” (“Me”)
Short fiction film
“Tele-Yesterday”
Eight filmed journalistic and historical research programs
“Environmental Pollution”
Documentary for the World Health Organization
“With Love and Care”
Five documentaries on social welfare topics
“Holidays”
Short film
“Greek Treasures”
Nine documentaries covering various archaeological subjects
“Inquiries”
Twenty-Two filmed documentaries on social issues
“The Quest for Culture”
Ten documentaries on behalf of the Ministry of Culture to promote subjects related to Arts, Archaeology and traditional ethics of Greece

1980s and 1990s

2000s and Later

“Leaders of the World”
Second series of Nine hour-long documentaries
“Kallisti”
Documentary filmed in Santorini
“Kallerges, The Pioneer Socialist”
Hour-long historical documentary
“Paros”
Video-recorded documentary
“Traditional Recipes and Dishes”
Series of documentaries
“The Chronicle”
Eight documentaries following the evolution of the Greek Press on the 20^th Century, recounting the most important historical events the way they were presented and commented by the Press.
“Hippocrates in Olympia”
A one-hour documentary narrated by Sir Peter Ustinov to reveal the nature and quality of the medical services that were offered at the ancient Olympic Games. Furthermore the research covers the subject of the history of medicine in antiquity, starting from mythology, presenting the principles of Hippocratic medicine, describing the structure of the health system and showing the close links between medicine and religion in ancient Greece.
“Panagiotis Kanellopoulos”
Hour-long documentary tribute
“The Quest for the Athlos”
A one-hour documentary narrated by Sir Peter Ustinov to record the major athletic events in Antiquity, travelling around archaeological sites to depict the ancient stadiums and gymnasiums where the spirit of peaceful athletic competition was worshipped.
“Testimonies”
Second series of Fifty-Seven new research documentaries covering important events of the recent Greek History.
“The Seven Sages of Antiquity”
A one-hour documentary narrated by Robert MacLean, focused on the wisdom of the pre-Socratic philosophers.
Four archaeological documentaries produced on behalf of the Greek Ministry of Culture (Delphi, Acropolis, Knossos, Santorini)
“Portraits”
Twelve historical documentaries for the Parliament Television