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George Petritsis filming
ET1 Hellenic State Television
21:00 On air

Tonight · 21:00 · A tribute in one evening

George Petritsis

1940–2015 Documentary Filmmaker & Journalist
In memoriam

A visionary documentarist whose lens captured the soul of Greece

CH-A · Years in Film
50+
CH-B · Documentaries
800+
CH-C · Books Published
5

Most broadcast on ET1 and ET2 · GP Productions, Athens, from the early 1970s

Intermission · IET1

“There is no greater foolishness than trying to convince a fool that they are a fool.”

— George Petritsis

Autocue · Script

A Life in Film

George Petritsis filming
CAM 1George Petritsis filming

[Anchor, on camera]

George Petritsis graduated from the Athens College in 1959 and continued his studies in the Law School of Athens University, practicing in parallel in script writing and film direction and working as journalist and movie critic for the Athenian newspapers Apogevmatini and Akropolis. He then specialised in film direction and editing in Paris, at Lumi Films.

Cue 02

From Journalism to Film

His journalism began in 1959 with «The Greek Women's Newspaper», a magazine published by his mother, Loukia Petritsi, which ran for eight issues. Loukia was a journalist herself, and was still reporting in the 1970s: ERT newsreels from 1975 to 1977 show her at press conferences and interviewing for the news. It was there that he did his first interview with Aliki Vougiouklaki and took his first photograph of her, in her dressing room at the Mousouris Theatre.

In the years that followed he met and interviewed Jean-Paul Sartre, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Shirley MacLaine, Jayne Mansfield, John Cassavetes and many other international names for the Greek press, and reported from the Thessaloniki Film Festival.

Cue 03

A Life Dedicated to Documenting

He produced his first 35 mm short film "This Bitter Taste of Time" in 1966. Since then he created over 800 television and film documentaries covering journalistic investigations, scientific, social, cultural, and historical content, most of which were broadcasted on the Greek State Television Channels ET1 and ET2.

From the early 1970s he ran his own production office, GP Productions, in the centre of Athens. It produced mainly cultural and historical documentaries for the national TV channels, working with experienced cinema and television technicians and with researchers, writers, university professors, journalists and painters.

Cue 04

Legacy

He received awards for his films «Me» and «Vacations» from the Ministry of Industry and his documentary "The Seven Sages Of Antiquity" was honored as the best antiquity film at the Cyprus International Festival 2010.

  • Ministry Awards "Me" and "Vacations" films
  • Cyprus International Festival Best Antiquity Film
  • Botsis Cultural Foundation Award Award for excellence in the field of journalism
  • Cultural Guardian Preserving Greek heritage for future generations
  • Literary Work Author of five satirical novels

Cue 05

The Writer

George Petritsis wrote five satirical novels:

  1. 2006Where Is Poupouine?
  2. 2006Boubou and the Bubble-Gum Genie
  3. 2015The Lost Dignity of Koulis Patos
  4. 2015Orpheus, Me and Eurydice
  5. 2015Journey to the Centre of Stupidity

He called «The Lost Dignity of Koulis Patos» a novel of the absurd. Inspired by Ionesco's «Rhinoceros», it follows a man asked to find someone's lost dignity, who slowly realises that the people around him are losing their personality and turning into a passive crowd ruled by the mass media.

Cue 06 · Not broadcast

Unfinished Work

In his last years he was developing «Reports from Antiquity», a series of one-hour documentaries in which an on-camera reporter would travel 25 centuries back in time and report "live" from ancient Greece: the three great tragedians, the mysteries and religious festivals, the ancient gymnasiums, Pericles and Athenian democracy, the famous oracles, and Asclepius and his sanctuaries.

Decades earlier, in the 1970s, he had prepared «Cruise», a feature film for an American producer, which also remained unfinished.

Cue 07

Continuing Impact

Today, George's legacy lives on through:

  • The countless stories he preserved for future generations
  • His influence on contemporary Greek documentary scene

His dedication to preserving Greek culture and history ensures his work will continue to educate, inspire, and connect people across generations.

Programme guide · 1950–2015

Journey Through Time

Five decades of programmes, listed slot by slot.

1950s–60s

Journalism & First Steps

1950s–60s: Journalism & First Steps
  • 1959The Greek Women's NewspaperHis journalistic debut, in the magazine published by his mother Loukia, with his first interview with Aliki Vougiouklaki
  • Apogevmatini and AkropolisFilm critic and reporter, with interviews of Jean-Paul Sartre, Charlton Heston and other international names
  • ProtoContributor to an original Greek magazine, where he wrote the first photo-novel (cineromanza) ever published in a Greek magazine and organised a football championship between actors, journalists and readers
  • Lumi Films, ParisSpecialised in film direction and editing
  • 1966This Bitter Taste of TimeHis first short fiction film, in 35 mm

1970s

Early Works

  • Let's Feel Love in AthensMusical documentary
  • PanoramaTV series of eighty-five filmed documentaries
  • "Me"EgoShort fiction film
  • Tele-YesterdayEight filmed journalistic and historical research programs
  • Environmental PollutionDocumentary for the World Health Organization
  • With Love and CareFive documentaries on social welfare topics
  • HolidaysShort film
  • Greek TreasuresNine documentaries covering various archaeological subjects
  • InquiriesTwenty-two filmed documentaries on social issues
  • The Quest for CultureTen documentaries on behalf of the Ministry of Culture to promote subjects related to Arts, Archaeology and traditional ethics of Greece

1990s

International Recognition

1990s: International Recognition

2000s

Production Machine

2000s: Production Machine
  • Leaders of the WorldSecond series of nine hour-long documentaries ▸ Series page
  • Kallerges, The Pioneer SocialistHour-long historical documentary
  • ParosVideo-recorded documentary
  • Traditional Recipes and DishesSeries of documentaries
  • The ChronicleEight documentaries following the evolution of the Greek Press in the 20th century, recounting the most important historical events the way they were presented and commented by the Press
  • Hippocrates in OlympiaA 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 KanellopoulosHour-long documentary tribute
  • The Quest for the AthlosA 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
  • TestimoniesSecond series of fifty-seven new research documentaries covering important events of recent Greek history ▸ Series page
  • The Seven Sages of AntiquityA 51-minute documentary narrated by Robert MacLean, focused on the wisdom of the pre-Socratic philosophers
  • Four archaeological documentaries produced on behalf of the Hellenic Culture Organisation (OPEP) of the Ministry of Culture (Delphi, Acropolis, Knossos, Santorini)
  • PortraitsTwelve historical documentaries for the Parliament Television

5 Channels · one archive

The Series in Depth

The history, the episodes and the archive photographs of George Petritsis's major series.

George Petritsis with Pope John Paul II at the VaticanCH 01

1985–1991, new series 1997 · ERT1, ET2

Leaders of the World

Hour-long documentary portraits

29 episodes listed Tune in →
George Petritsis recording the testimony of Leonidas KyrkosCH 02 · Featured

1991–2012 · ET1 / ERT, Hellenic Parliament TV

Testimonies

For two decades George Petritsis recorded the people who had lived through the great moments of modern Greek history, from the Occupation and the Civil War to Cyprus and the dictatorship, and set their memories against the archive film and the press of the time.

104 episodes listed ▶ 44 episodes to watch
Vlasis Gavriilidis, founder of the newspaper Akropolis, subject of the first Historical PortraitCH 03

1982–1987, Parliament TV 2014 · ERT2 (ET2), Hellenic Parliament TV

Historical Portraits

Documentary portraits

51 episodes listed ▶ 1 episode to watch
George Petritsis in Red Square, MoscowCH 04

1990–1991 · ET2

Eastern Europe Year One

Eight one-hour documentaries

8 episodes listed Tune in →
George Petritsis with Sir Peter Ustinov during the filmingCH 05

1995 · ET1

Paths of the Gods

Eight half-hour documentaries

11 episodes listed ▶ 8 episodes to watch
The Seven Sages of Greek AntiquityDocumentary

2007

The Seven Sages of Greek Antiquity

A 51-minute documentary narrated by Robert MacLean, focused on the wisdom of the pre-Socratic philosophers.

Best Antiquity Film at Cyprus International Film Festival 2010

Teletext · P104–105

Episode Listings

P104ET1 TXTTestimonies

Testimonies

104 episodes listed · 44 on the ERT Archive

  • Constantinople 1955

    The first episode, on the anti-Greek riots of September 1955

    ▶ Watch

  • Eleni Vlachou: Memories of a Journalist

    ▶ Watch

  • Midas 614: The Secret War under the Occupation

    ▶ Watch

  • Days of the Forties: Memories of Ioannis Georgakis

    ▶ Watch

  • Manolis Megalokonomos: A Photojournalist Remembers…

    ▶ Watch

  • Angelos Vlachos: An Ambassador Remembers…

    ▶ Watch

Full listing ▸ /tribute/testimonies-martyries/

P105ET2 TXT1990–1991

Eastern Europe Year One

Eight one-hour documentaries

  1. 01 Moscow: The Great Crisis
  2. 02 Soviet Union 1990
  3. 03 East Germany
  4. 04 Poland
  5. 05 Czechoslovakia
  6. 06 Hungary
  7. 07 Bulgaria
  8. 08 Romania

Full listing ▸ /tribute/eastern-europe-year-one/

Intermission · IIET1

“Engaging in dialogue with a person of bad faith is not only futile but also multiply harmful.”

— George P.

Gallery · 40 feeds

Photo Gallery

Photographs from five decades behind the camera.

George Filming
George Filming
George Filming
George Filming
George Filming
George Filming
George Petritsis in action, filming a documentary
George Petritsis in action, filming a documentary
Filming in Budapest, Eastern Europe Year 1
Filming in Budapest, Eastern Europe Year 1
Filming in Russia, Eastern Europe Year 1
Filming in Russia, Eastern Europe Year 1
Filming in Buenos Ayres
Filming in Buenos Ayres
George and Mayra wedding
George and Mayra wedding
F. Sinatra, N. Mastorakis and George Petritsis
F. Sinatra, N. Mastorakis and George Petritsis
Award for the Seven Sages of Antiquity
Award for the Seven Sages of Antiquity
From "Tele-Yesterday" series
From "Tele-Yesterday" series
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
His first photograph of Aliki Vougiouklaki, in her dressing room at the Mousouris Theatre (1959)
His first photograph of Aliki Vougiouklaki, in her dressing room at the Mousouris Theatre (1959)
«The Greek Women's Newspaper», the 1959 magazine of his mother Loukia, where his journalism began
«The Greek Women's Newspaper», the 1959 magazine of his mother Loukia, where his journalism began
His report on Jean-Paul Sartre's visit to Athens
His report on Jean-Paul Sartre's visit to Athens
Interview with Charlton Heston
Interview with Charlton Heston
With Gregory Peck at the Acropolis
With Gregory Peck at the Acropolis
With Shirley MacLaine
With Shirley MacLaine
Interviewing Jayne Mansfield
Interviewing Jayne Mansfield
With John Cassavetes
With John Cassavetes
With Caterina Valente
With Caterina Valente
«This Bitter Taste of Time», his first short film
«This Bitter Taste of Time», his first short film
«Sentir l'amour à Athènes» (1971), with Popi Asteriadi and Giannis Poulopoulos
«Sentir l'amour à Athènes» (1971), with Popi Asteriadi and Giannis Poulopoulos
From the short film «Ego» (1975)
From the short film «Ego» (1975)
Meeting Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, for Leaders of the World
Meeting Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, for Leaders of the World
With Olof Palme, during his last interview before his assassination (1986)
With Olof Palme, during his last interview before his assassination (1986)
With Mário Soares, for Leaders of the World
With Mário Soares, for Leaders of the World
With Romano Prodi, for Leaders of the World
With Romano Prodi, for Leaders of the World
With Jacques Santer, for Leaders of the World
With Jacques Santer, for Leaders of the World
1981 interview with British Prime Minister James Callaghan on Cyprus
1981 interview with British Prime Minister James Callaghan on Cyprus
On location with Sir Peter Ustinov, for Paths of the Gods
On location with Sir Peter Ustinov, for Paths of the Gods
The Paths of the Gods crew with Ustinov
The Paths of the Gods crew with Ustinov
Sir Peter Ustinov during the filming of Paths of the Gods
Sir Peter Ustinov during the filming of Paths of the Gods
Filming in Sydney, Australia
Filming in Sydney, Australia
Filming in Tokyo, 1994 (Lafcadio Hearn)
Filming in Tokyo, 1994 (Lafcadio Hearn)
Houston, Texas, at the Texas Heart Institute (Anatomy of a Surgeon)
Houston, Texas, at the Texas Heart Institute (Anatomy of a Surgeon)
Filming in Moscow
Filming in Moscow
George Petritsis with his son Adam at Delphi, 2007
George Petritsis with his son Adam at Delphi, 2007

Viewer questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was George Petritsis and what was his contribution to Greek television?

George Petritsis (1940-2015) was a legendary Greek documentary filmmaker and journalist who created over 800 documentaries for Greek television. His work covered historical, cultural, and social subjects, preserving Greek heritage for future generations.

What are the most famous documentaries by George Petritsis?

George Petritsis created several acclaimed documentary series including "Leaders of the World" (featuring world leaders like Gorbachev and Pope John Paul II), "Testimonies" (covering Greek history), "Paths of the Gods" (Greek mythology with Sir Peter Ustinov), and "The Seven Sages of Greek Antiquity" which won Best Antiquity Film at Cyprus International Festival 2010.

Who worked with George Petritsis on Paths of the Gods documentary?

George Petritsis collaborated with Sir Peter Ustinov on "Paths of the Gods," an 8-part documentary series about Greek mythology filmed at archaeological sites across Greece. Sir Peter Ustinov served as the presenter and narrator of this acclaimed series produced in 1995.

How many documentaries did George Petritsis create in his career?

George Petritsis created over 800 television and film documentaries during his 50+ year career, covering journalistic investigations, scientific, social, cultural, and historical content. Most were broadcast on Greek State Television channels ET1 and ET2.

Which famous people did George Petritsis interview?

As a young journalist George Petritsis interviewed Jean-Paul Sartre, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Shirley MacLaine and Aliki Vougiouklaki, among many others. For his series "Leaders of the World" he met Pope John Paul II at the Vatican and recorded Olof Palme's last interview before his assassination, and in "Rendez-vous with Greece" he talked about Greek culture with Mikhail Gorbachev, Peter Ustinov and Hans-Dietrich Genscher.

What books did George Petritsis write?

George Petritsis wrote five satirical novels in Greek, "Where Is Poupouine?" and "Boubou and the Bubble-Gum Genie" (2006), followed by "The Lost Dignity of Koulis Patos", "Orpheus, Me and Eurydice" and "Journey to the Centre of Stupidity" (2015). He described "The Lost Dignity of Koulis Patos" as a novel of the absurd, inspired by Ionesco's "Rhinoceros".

ET1 · End of transmission

George Petritsis with his son Adam at Delphi, 2007

George Petritsis with his son Adam at Delphi, 2007

Forever in Our Hearts

George Petritsis leaves behind more than films—he leaves a legacy of passion, dedication, and the unwavering belief that every story deserves to be told with dignity and truth. Of his favourite poem, which he translated into Greek himself, he wrote that it expressed his character completely and could have been written by him.

«Secouer la tête pour dire non, et sourire pour dire oui.»

Shake my head to say no, and smile to say yes.

— Jacques Prévert, «Maintenant j'ai grandi», George's favourite poem

George Petritsis · 1940–2015

Athens Printed in honour of George Petritsis Commemorative issue
Born
1940
In Memoriam · 1940–2015
Died
2015

George Petritsis, Documentary Filmmaker & Journalist

Athens · 1940–2015 Journalism · Television · Film · Books 50+ years in film
George Petritsis filming
George Petritsis filming.
A Life in Film

George Petritsis graduated from the Athens College in 1959 and continued his studies in the Law School of Athens University, practicing in parallel in script writing and film direction and working as journalist and movie critic for the Athenian newspapers Apogevmatini and Akropolis. He then specialised in film direction and editing in Paris, at Lumi Films.

A Life Dedicated to Documenting

He produced his first 35 mm short film "This Bitter Taste of Time" in 1966. Since then he created over 800 television and film documentaries covering journalistic investigations, scientific, social, cultural, and historical content, most of which were broadcasted on the Greek State Television Channels ET1 and ET2.

From the early 1970s he ran his own production office, GP Productions, in the centre of Athens. It produced mainly cultural and historical documentaries for the national TV channels, working with experienced cinema and television technicians and with researchers, writers, university professors, journalists and painters.

Continuing Impact

Today, George's legacy lives on through:

  • The countless stories he preserved for future generations
  • His influence on contemporary Greek documentary scene

His dedication to preserving Greek culture and history ensures his work will continue to educate, inspire, and connect people across generations.

Continued: From Journalism to Film, page 2 ›

2Ειδική ΈκδοσιςFrom Journalism to Film
From Journalism to Film

It began in 1959, in his mother’s magazine

A first interview, a first photograph, a dressing room at the Mousouris Theatre. Then the Athenian press, the great names of world cinema, and Paris.

George Petritsis filming
George Petritsis filming.

His journalism began in 1959 with «The Greek Women's Newspaper», a magazine published by his mother, Loukia Petritsi, which ran for eight issues. Loukia was a journalist herself, and was still reporting in the 1970s: ERT newsreels from 1975 to 1977 show her at press conferences and interviewing for the news. It was there that he did his first interview with Aliki Vougiouklaki and took his first photograph of her, in her dressing room at the Mousouris Theatre.

In the years that followed he met and interviewed Jean-Paul Sartre, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Shirley MacLaine, Jayne Mansfield, John Cassavetes and many other international names for the Greek press, and reported from the Thessaloniki Film Festival.

The Photo-Novel

His Beginning, in Three Frames

He wrote the first photo-novel in a Greek magazine, for «Proto». Here, his own first chapter, told the same way.

1959. His mother, Loukia Petritsi, publishes «The Greek Women's Newspaper». It runs for eight issues. His journalism begins here.
1959. His mother, Loukia Petritsi, publishes «The Greek Women's Newspaper». It runs for eight issues. His journalism begins here.
Her dressing room at the Mousouris Theatre. His first interview, with Aliki Vougiouklaki, and his first photograph of her.
Her dressing room at the Mousouris Theatre. His first interview, with Aliki Vougiouklaki, and his first photograph of her.
1966. After Paris and Lumi Films, his first 35 mm short film: «This Bitter Taste of Time».
1966. After Paris and Lumi Films, his first 35 mm short film: «This Bitter Taste of Time».
3Ειδική ΈκδοσιςBooks & Unfinished Work
The Writer

The Writer

2006

Where Is Poupouine?

2006

Boubou and the Bubble-Gum Genie

2015

The Lost Dignity of Koulis Patos

2015

Orpheus, Me and Eurydice

2015

Journey to the Centre of Stupidity

The Writer

George Petritsis wrote five satirical novels:

He called «The Lost Dignity of Koulis Patos» a novel of the absurd. Inspired by Ionesco's «Rhinoceros», it follows a man asked to find someone's lost dignity, who slowly realises that the people around him are losing their personality and turning into a passive crowd ruled by the mass media.

Unfinished Work

Unfinished Work

In his last years he was developing «Reports from Antiquity», a series of one-hour documentaries in which an on-camera reporter would travel 25 centuries back in time and report "live" from ancient Greece: the three great tragedians, the mysteries and religious festivals, the ancient gymnasiums, Pericles and Athenian democracy, the famous oracles, and Asclepius and his sanctuaries.

Decades earlier, in the 1970s, he had prepared «Cruise», a feature film for an American producer, which also remained unfinished.

Legacy · Honours

Legacy

He received awards for his films «Me» and «Vacations» from the Ministry of Industry and his documentary "The Seven Sages Of Antiquity" was honored as the best antiquity film at the Cyprus International Festival 2010.

  • Ministry Awards: "Me" and "Vacations" films
  • Cyprus International Festival: Best Antiquity Film
  • Botsis Cultural Foundation Award: Award for excellence in the field of journalism
  • Cultural Guardian: Preserving Greek heritage for future generations
  • Literary Work: Author of five satirical novels
4Ειδική ΈκδοσιςFrom Our Archives
Chronology

From Our Archives: Five Decades on Screen

A journey through time, decade by decade.

1950s–60s

Journalism & First Steps

1950s–60s: Journalism & First Steps
  • The Greek Women's Newspaper 1959: His journalistic debut, in the magazine published by his mother Loukia, with his first interview with Aliki Vougiouklaki
  • Apogevmatini and Akropolis: Film critic and reporter, with interviews of Jean-Paul Sartre, Charlton Heston and other international names
  • Proto: Contributor to an original Greek magazine, where he wrote the first photo-novel (cineromanza) ever published in a Greek magazine and organised a football championship between actors, journalists and readers
  • Lumi Films, Paris: Specialised in film direction and editing
  • This Bitter Taste of Time 1966: His first short fiction film, in 35 mm
1970s

Early Works

  • 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

Establishing a Career

1980s: Establishing a Career
  • Zero Hour: A hundred and ten short documentaries on safe driving
  • Anatomy of a Surgeon: Documentary filmed in Houston, Texas, on the renowned Greek heart surgeon Dimitris Boulafentis
  • Anniversary Day: Ten historical research documentaries
  • Historical Portraits: Fifty-six documentaries investigating recent Greek history and profiling important historical personalities
  • SOS: Twenty-eight medical documentaries, focusing mainly on health prevention and first aids
  • History of the Greek Press: Fourteen documentaries on the evolution of the Greek Press till the 19th century
  • Leaders of the World: First series of thirty-two hour-long documentaries profiling well-known leaders from all over the world, featuring among others: Pope John Paul II, Mikhail Gorbachev, Jacques Santer, Mario Soares, Sandro Pertini, Raoul Alfonsin, Giulio Andreotti, Felipe Gonzalez, Olof Palme, Cavaco Silva, Ruud Lubbers, Bettino Craxi, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Romano Prodi, José María Aznar etc. The series included Olof Palme's last interview before his assassination and a meeting with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican
1990s

International Recognition

1990s: International Recognition
  • Eastern Europe Year One: Eight one-hour documentaries focusing on the historical evolution in the Eastern European countries after the fall of communism
  • Medical Appointments: Twenty-one medical documentaries presenting the scientific views of the most distinguished university professors in Greece
  • Environment and Energy: Seven documentaries covering various subjects on energy and environment for DEI (Public Power Corporation)
  • Testimonies: Forty-nine video-recorded documentaries recording live testimonies of historical events
  • Thrace, The Great Land: Video-recorded documentary
  • Greece, A Country for All Centuries: An one-hour documentary profiling the past and present of Greece that was presented in Seville during the World Fair
  • Lefcadios Hearn: Documentary filmed in Japan in 1994 under the auspices of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the life and work of the Greek-born writer, screened on ET2 and at a film festival in Tokyo
  • Kallisti: Documentary filmed in Santorini on the famous frescoes of ancient Kallisti, the city buried by a volcanic eruption, screened at the annual gala of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts in Budapest in November 1997
  • Rendez-vous with Greece: Six hour-long documentaries in which international personalities, among them Mikhail Gorbachev, Peter Ustinov, Gaston Thorn and Hans-Dietrich Genscher, talked with George Petritsis about Greece and its culture
  • Greece Turns a Page: Five video-recorded documentaries for the Ministry of National Economy
  • Paths of the Gods: Eight documentaries covering subjects from Greek Mythology, with Sir Peter Ustinov as the host/narrator (co-produced with a Canadian production company)
2000s

Production Machine

2000s: Production Machine
  • Leaders of the World: Second series of nine hour-long documentaries
  • 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 in the 20th 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 recent Greek history
  • The Seven Sages of Antiquity: A 51-minute documentary narrated by Robert MacLean, focused on the wisdom of the pre-Socratic philosophers
  • Four archaeological documentaries produced on behalf of the Hellenic Culture Organisation (OPEP) of the Ministry of Culture (Delphi, Acropolis, Knossos, Santorini)
  • Portraits: Twelve historical documentaries for the Parliament Television
5Ειδική ΈκδοσιςSeries in Depth
Television
The Series in Depth · The history, the episodes and the archive photographs of George Petritsis's major series.
ET1 / ERT, Hellenic Parliament TV · 1991–2012

Testimonies

George Petritsis recording the testimony of Leonidas Kyrkos
George Petritsis recording the testimony of Leonidas Kyrkos.

For two decades George Petritsis recorded the people who had lived through the great moments of modern Greek history, from the Occupation and the Civil War to Cyprus and the dictatorship, and set their memories against the archive film and the press of the time.

Historical documentaries with eyewitness testimony.

Read the series ›

George Petritsis with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican

George Petritsis with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.

ERT1, ET2 · 1985–1991, new series 1997

Leaders of the World

Hour-long documentary portraits. 29 episodes listed.

Read the series ›
Vlasis Gavriilidis, founder of the newspaper Akropolis, subject of the first Historical Portrait

Vlasis Gavriilidis, founder of the newspaper Akropolis, subject of the first Historical Portrait.

ERT2 (ET2), Hellenic Parliament TV · 1982–1987, Parliament TV 2014

Historical Portraits

Documentary portraits. 51 episodes listed, 1 watchable.

Read the series ›
George Petritsis in Red Square, Moscow

George Petritsis in Red Square, Moscow.

ET2 · 1990–1991

Eastern Europe Year One

Eight one-hour documentaries. 8 episodes listed.

Read the series ›
George Petritsis with Sir Peter Ustinov during the filming

George Petritsis with Sir Peter Ustinov during the filming.

ET1 · 1995

Paths of the Gods

Eight half-hour documentaries. 11 episodes listed, 8 watchable.

Read the series ›
The Seven Sages of Greek Antiquity
Documentary · 2007

The Seven Sages of Greek Antiquity

A 51-minute documentary narrated by Robert MacLean, focused on the wisdom of the pre-Socratic philosophers.

Best Antiquity Film at Cyprus International Film Festival 2010

The Programme: Eastern Europe Year One ET2 · Eight one-hour documentaries
  1. 1 Moscow: The Great Crisis
  2. 2 Soviet Union 1990
  3. 3 East Germany
  4. 4 Poland
  5. 5 Czechoslovakia
  6. 6 Hungary
  7. 7 Bulgaria
  8. 8 Romania
6Ειδική ΈκδοσιςIn His Words
In His Words

“Engaging in dialogue with a person of bad faith is not only futile but also multiply harmful.”

— George P.
Pictures from the Archive

Photo Gallery

George Filming
George Filming
George Filming
George Filming
George Filming
George Filming
George Petritsis in action, filming a documentary
George Petritsis in action, filming a documentary
Filming in Budapest, Eastern Europe Year 1
Filming in Budapest, Eastern Europe Year 1
Filming in Russia, Eastern Europe Year 1
Filming in Russia, Eastern Europe Year 1
Filming in Buenos Ayres
Filming in Buenos Ayres
George and Mayra wedding
George and Mayra wedding
F. Sinatra, N. Mastorakis and George Petritsis
F. Sinatra, N. Mastorakis and George Petritsis
Award for the Seven Sages of Antiquity
Award for the Seven Sages of Antiquity
From "Tele-Yesterday" series
From "Tele-Yesterday" series
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
Article about "Eastern Europe Year One" series airing on the National TV
His first photograph of Aliki Vougiouklaki, in her dressing room at the Mousouris Theatre (1959)
His first photograph of Aliki Vougiouklaki, in her dressing room at the Mousouris Theatre (1959)
«The Greek Women's Newspaper», the 1959 magazine of his mother Loukia, where his journalism began
«The Greek Women's Newspaper», the 1959 magazine of his mother Loukia, where his journalism began
His report on Jean-Paul Sartre's visit to Athens
His report on Jean-Paul Sartre's visit to Athens
Interview with Charlton Heston
Interview with Charlton Heston
With Gregory Peck at the Acropolis
With Gregory Peck at the Acropolis
With Shirley MacLaine
With Shirley MacLaine
Interviewing Jayne Mansfield
Interviewing Jayne Mansfield
With John Cassavetes
With John Cassavetes
With Caterina Valente
With Caterina Valente
«This Bitter Taste of Time», his first short film
«This Bitter Taste of Time», his first short film
«Sentir l'amour à Athènes» (1971), with Popi Asteriadi and Giannis Poulopoulos
«Sentir l'amour à Athènes» (1971), with Popi Asteriadi and Giannis Poulopoulos
From the short film «Ego» (1975)
From the short film «Ego» (1975)
Meeting Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, for Leaders of the World
Meeting Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, for Leaders of the World
With Olof Palme, during his last interview before his assassination (1986)
With Olof Palme, during his last interview before his assassination (1986)
With Mário Soares, for Leaders of the World
With Mário Soares, for Leaders of the World
With Romano Prodi, for Leaders of the World
With Romano Prodi, for Leaders of the World
With Jacques Santer, for Leaders of the World
With Jacques Santer, for Leaders of the World
1981 interview with British Prime Minister James Callaghan on Cyprus
1981 interview with British Prime Minister James Callaghan on Cyprus
On location with Sir Peter Ustinov, for Paths of the Gods
On location with Sir Peter Ustinov, for Paths of the Gods
The Paths of the Gods crew with Ustinov
The Paths of the Gods crew with Ustinov
Sir Peter Ustinov during the filming of Paths of the Gods
Sir Peter Ustinov during the filming of Paths of the Gods
Filming in Sydney, Australia
Filming in Sydney, Australia
Filming in Tokyo, 1994 (Lafcadio Hearn)
Filming in Tokyo, 1994 (Lafcadio Hearn)
Houston, Texas, at the Texas Heart Institute (Anatomy of a Surgeon)
Houston, Texas, at the Texas Heart Institute (Anatomy of a Surgeon)
Filming in Moscow
Filming in Moscow
George Petritsis with his son Adam at Delphi, 2007
George Petritsis with his son Adam at Delphi, 2007
8Ειδική ΈκδοσιςQuestions
Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was George Petritsis and what was his contribution to Greek television?

George Petritsis (1940-2015) was a legendary Greek documentary filmmaker and journalist who created over 800 documentaries for Greek television. His work covered historical, cultural, and social subjects, preserving Greek heritage for future generations.

What are the most famous documentaries by George Petritsis?

George Petritsis created several acclaimed documentary series including "Leaders of the World" (featuring world leaders like Gorbachev and Pope John Paul II), "Testimonies" (covering Greek history), "Paths of the Gods" (Greek mythology with Sir Peter Ustinov), and "The Seven Sages of Greek Antiquity" which won Best Antiquity Film at Cyprus International Festival 2010.

Who worked with George Petritsis on Paths of the Gods documentary?

George Petritsis collaborated with Sir Peter Ustinov on "Paths of the Gods," an 8-part documentary series about Greek mythology filmed at archaeological sites across Greece. Sir Peter Ustinov served as the presenter and narrator of this acclaimed series produced in 1995.

How many documentaries did George Petritsis create in his career?

George Petritsis created over 800 television and film documentaries during his 50+ year career, covering journalistic investigations, scientific, social, cultural, and historical content. Most were broadcast on Greek State Television channels ET1 and ET2.

Which famous people did George Petritsis interview?

As a young journalist George Petritsis interviewed Jean-Paul Sartre, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Shirley MacLaine and Aliki Vougiouklaki, among many others. For his series "Leaders of the World" he met Pope John Paul II at the Vatican and recorded Olof Palme's last interview before his assassination, and in "Rendez-vous with Greece" he talked about Greek culture with Mikhail Gorbachev, Peter Ustinov and Hans-Dietrich Genscher.

What books did George Petritsis write?

George Petritsis wrote five satirical novels in Greek, "Where Is Poupouine?" and "Boubou and the Bubble-Gum Genie" (2006), followed by "The Lost Dignity of Koulis Patos", "Orpheus, Me and Eurydice" and "Journey to the Centre of Stupidity" (2015). He described "The Lost Dignity of Koulis Patos" as a novel of the absurd, inspired by Ionesco's "Rhinoceros".

9Ειδική ΈκδοσιςIn Memoriam
In Memoriam · Forever in Our Hearts

George Petritsis

1940 — 2015
George Petritsis with his son Adam at Delphi, 2007
George Petritsis with his son Adam at Delphi, 2007.

George Petritsis leaves behind more than films—he leaves a legacy of passion, dedication, and the unwavering belief that every story deserves to be told with dignity and truth. Of his favourite poem, which he translated into Greek himself, he wrote that it expressed his character completely and could have been written by him.

«Secouer la tête pour dire non, et sourire pour dire oui.»

(Shake my head to say no, and smile to say yes.)

— Jacques Prévert, «Maintenant j'ai grandi», George's favourite poem

Special Edition, printed in honour of George Petritsis (1940–2015).

Athens · adampetritsis.com