A SPECIAL FREE PROGRAM DEDICATED TO
THE COASTAL CITY OF FAMAGUSTA, CYPRUS
Featuring the documentary "Hidden In The Sand" by Vasia Markides, a message and remarks by Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos, a poetry recital by Greek Cypriot poet/lyricist Polys Kyriacou and Guest Speaker Prof. Theoharis David, FAIA

On Friday, February 19, 2010 at 8pm at the Stathakion Cultural Center, 22-51 29th Street, Astoria, NY 11105, CYPRECO of America, Inc., kicks off its 2010 cultural activities with a very unique program dedicated to the coastal City of Famagusta, Cyprus. 

This event is part of CYPRECO's ongoing mission of introducing and promoting young Greek Cypriot and Greek American professionals who are involved in the arts and culture and more specifically those young individuals who try to promote Cyprus and Greece through their art.  One such artist is Vasia Markides whose documentary "Hidden In The Sand" is being featuring during this event.

On February 19, 2010 CYPRECO will highlight the Greek Cypriot artist and  filmmaker Vasia Markides and her documentary "Hidden In The Sand" which chronicles the story of Famagusta in northern Cyprus and under Turkish occupation since 1974.  During the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, all Famagusta Greek Cypriot residents fled their city fearing for their lives.  Since then, the occupation forces have sealed off the city and keep it under strict military surveillance so that no one can return home.  The film tackles the ugly effects of nationalism, militarism and propaganda in both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.  To view the trailer please visit, http://www.vasiamarkides.com/site/web/web_php/porfolio.php. The event will also feature a message and remarks on video by Alexis Galanos, Mayor of Famagusta, a poetry recital by Greek Cypriot poet/lyricist Polys Kyriacou, discussion with the filmmaker, while the Guest Speaker will be the distinguished Professor Theoharis David, FAIA on the topic “Famagusta: A Remembrance and Thoughts About The Future.  A multi awarded architect, Mr. David is a Professor of Architecture at Pratt Institute teaching graduate and undergraduate design and is a former Chair of Graduate Architecture and Faculty President of the School of Architecture.  He is also visiting Professor at the University of Cyprus. He has been active in design awards programs including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, The Cyprus State Architecture Awards, and the Society of American Registered Architects Awards. His architecture has received awards in the United States at city, state and nationals levels.  He received the Cyprus State Award for Architecture for the New G.S.P. Stadium in 2001 and has been nominated for the European Union Mies van der Rohe Award.  As design principal of Theo. David Architects TDA/KAL, he has been responsible for the design of sports stadiums, educational and medical facilities, religious structures, extensive residential complexes and private residence, along with the creation of comprehensive master plans for major leisure and mixed use development.  Theo. David has lectured widely in cities such Athens, Nicosia, London, Barcelona, Paris, Shanghai, Los Angeles, Savannah, Charleston and New York.  His work as architect and educator has been published and exhibited internationally.

This program is offered free as a public service, however organizers request that all guests make their reservations in advance, as all seats are numbered. It is made possible in part by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Marathon Bank of New York and Astoria Federal Savings Bank.  Media sponsors, AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV. 

A reservation is needed and please secure your seats ahead of time.  For your reservations  please send an email to cypreco@earthlink.net or call 718-545-1151.  For more information please visit, www.aktina.org