Costa-Gavras - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Costa-Gavras is a Greek-French filmmaker known for his politically charged films that often tackle social and political issues.
- 2. He was born Konstantinos Gavras on February 12, 1933 in Loutra-Iraias, Greece.
- 3. Costa-Gavras studied law at the University of Paris but eventually turned to filmmaking, starting out as an assistant director to renowned French filmmaker Rene Clair.
- 4. His breakthrough film was "Z" (1969), which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and catapulted him to international fame. The film is a political thriller based on the real-life assassination of Greek politician Grigoris Lambrakis.
- 5. Costa-Gavras is known for his unique filmmaking style, which often incorporates documentary techniques, rapid editing, and a focus on social justice issues.
- 6. Some of his other notable films include "Missing" (1982), which won him the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, "State of Siege" (1972), "The Confession" (1970), and "Music Box" (1989).
- 7. Costa-Gavras has been praised for his ability to tackle complex political and social issues in a way that is engaging and thought-provoking for audiences.
- 8. He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
- 9. In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Costa-Gavras has also been involved in various political and social causes, using his platform to raise awareness about issues such as human rights and freedom of expression.
- 10. Costa-Gavras continues to be a prolific filmmaker, with his most recent film, "Adults in the Room" (2019), focusing on the Greek financial crisis and the political turmoil that followed.