Greek Independence Day on ERT World
ERT World honors Greek Independence Day on March 25th with a special lineup featuring films, documentaries, and ERT productions. Additionally, the grand military parade from Syntagma Square will be broadcast live on the day of the celebration.
Sunday, March 23, 2025
«1866» | Documentary, 10:50 Athens Time
A dramatized documentary about the harrowing Holocaust of Arkadi in the winter of 1866, seen through the eyes of scholar Antonis Giannaris and his uncle, Chatzimichalis Giannaris. The film also references various revolutions that took place from the 18th century to the early 20th century.
An era of frequent uprisings, from Europe to America, unfolds during a sea voyage to America, where Antonis Giannaris travels to retrieve his two daughters. Filled with experiences, memories, and nostalgia, he also struggles with a serious health condition.
Written and directed by: Fotis Konstantinidis
Starring: Grigoris Valtinos, Kostas Kazakos, Konstantinos Kazakos, Michalis Aerakis, Georgia Anesti
«My Homeland’s Flag is Blue» | Documentary, 23:30 Athens Time
Vourvoura, a mountainous village in Arcadia, as envisioned by Goethe. People lived in harmony with nature, relying solely on what they produced. A self-sufficient society whose only connection to the “outside world” was the school, where children learned to read, write, and sing patriotic songs that filled them with pride.
After the war and the Nazi occupation—which exacted a heavy toll on the village—many emigrated. Some found themselves in Marousi, a picturesque Athens suburb that would undergo a violent transformation into the country’s financial hub and later host the 2004 Olympic Games.
A showcase of national pride built on consumerism and excessive borrowing. The tragedy was inevitable: bankruptcy. With no resources left, the village school closed—after 150 years of operation. The flag that once waved proudly at school celebrations now lies forgotten in a drawer.
Written, directed, and narrated by Stelios Charalampopoulos
Monday, March 24, 2025
«365 Moments» : “Lord Byron and the Exodus of Messolonghi” | 13:00 Athens Time
An exploration of Lord Byron’s role and the Exodus of Messolonghi in the founding of the modern Greek state. The renowned British writer, captivated by Greece, joins the Revolution and dies after 100 dramatic days in Messolonghi, sparking a wave of European support for the Greek cause. A year later, the siege of Messolonghi culminates in the heroic Exodus, intensifying the Philhellenic movement and leading to the intervention of the Great Powers in favor of Greece.
Historians, researchers, and descendants of the heroes of the Exodus share their insights.
Research: Sofia Papaioannou
«The Souliotes» | Historical Drama | 19:00 Athens Time
The film depicts the years of Ali Pasha’s third campaign against Souli (1803–1804), following his two failed attempts in 1789 and 1792. When the Souliotes learn of Ali Pasha’s plan to seize their homeland, they prepare to resist. Led by Captain Foto Tzavellas, they bravely withstand the siege. Among the defenders is Vangeli, who falls in love with Captain Kogkas Drakos, but their love story is overshadowed by betrayal.
As Souli falls due to the treachery of Pilios Gousis, the drama reaches its climax at Zalongo, where the Souliot women, refusing to surrender, choose to dance to their deaths, leaping off the cliff with their infants in their arms. Meanwhile, the monk Samuel and his men decide to die on their own terms, blowing up the monastery at Kougi.
Starring: Christos Politis, Katia Dandoulaki, Eleni Anousaki, Giannis Katranis, Stefanos Stratigos, Lavrentis Dianellos, and others.
«Travelling Ghosts» | Comedy | TV Premiere | 01:00 Athens Time (Early Tuesday Morning)
A Greek filmmaker travels to Trieste to shoot a documentary on Rigas Feraios’ journey through Enlightenment-era Europe. While visiting the Greek Orthodox Cemetery with his crew, the noise disturbs a group of ghosts—characters from the 18th century—who awaken and board a city bus for a night out.
Are these spirits mere figments of his imagination, or are they “real” ghosts crossing paths with his research?
A modern comedy rooted in true historical events. A subversive dialogue with heroes and anti-heroes of the 18th century, reflecting on the present and the lessons history—both grand and tragic, as well as humorous—has to offer.
Starring:Giorgos Chorafas, Penelope Tsilika, Paolo Rossi, Aineias Tsamatis, Nikos Georgakis, Theodora Tzimou, Giorgos Symeonidis, Laura Bussani, and others.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Official Thanksgiving Service for the National Anniversary of March 25 | 09:55 Athens Time
Live from the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.
Military Parade | 11:00 (Athens Time)
Live broadcast of the military parade in Athens from Syntagma Square.
«Why 21? 12 Questions» | Documentary Series | 13:00 (Athens Time)
The documentary series “Why 21? 12 Questions” aims to present the key aspects of Greek history in 12 episodes, following the thread that connects the 200 years of the Greek nation-state from the Revolution to the present day.
In the first episode, journalists Marilena Katsimi and Pierrros Tzanetakos seek answers to the question: “Why do we celebrate 1821?” What is the role of memory in public history?
The investigation begins with the first anniversary in 1838 and extends to the present day.
The two researchers travel to historically significant locations, study sources and archives, talk with primary, middle, and high school students, and pose their questions to leading scholars from the Greek and international academic community.
The goal is to disseminate scientific knowledge to the general public.
«Kyra Frosyni and Ali Pasha» | Greek Movie | 19:00 (Athens Time)
Ioannina, early 19th century.
Ali Pasha’s eldest son, Muhtar, and the beautiful Frosyni, a widow from a noble family and niece of the bishop of Larissa, have a secret love affair. When Muhtar’s wife, Hanife, daughter of the powerful Vizier of Skodra, discovers the affair, she is blinded by jealousy and demands that her father-in-law punish the Christian adulteress.
Ali Pasha sends his son with an army to suppress a rebellion in Adrianople and summons Frosyni to the palace, where he persistently asks her to become his mistress. When she refuses, he condemns her to death. To conceal the true reason, he arrests 17 other women accused of adultery and has them all drowned in the lake of Ioannina.
Starring: Irene Papas, Andreas Barkoulis, Theano Ioannidou, Dimitris Kallivokas, Tzavalas Karousos
Screenplay & Direction: Grigoris Grigoriou
«Hymn to Liberty- 200 Years Greece» | Documentary | 22:00 (Athens Time)
A film produced by the “Greece 2021” Committee, presenting a creative narrative of the two centuries of modern Greece. Based on archival material and documents, it approaches the subject not only by highlighting elements of military and political history but also aspects of science, arts, and everyday life. Essentially, it aims to show how, from “this is what we fought for” by General Makrygiannis, through successes, difficulties, and setbacks, we arrived at what we are today: a modern, democratic, and European state.
«Pente 5» | Greek Cinema | 00:00 (Athens Time)
Michalis and Myrsini, two young people, are preparing to start their own home, dreaming of a peaceful and beautiful life. At the same time, the five village elders of Samothrace decide to expel the Turkish tax collector from the island and align with the revolutionary spirit of the time. After three months of peace, the island prepares for potential conflict. A group of people, including the five elders, the Vissivizi family, a chieftain from Samos, and a mysterious foreign man named Aran, come together to take action.
By the end of August, Samothrace is surrounded by Turkish ships. Each of the heroes must face the coming evil. The great struggle for survival begins…
Screenplay & Direction: Vassilis Tsikaras
«Eleftheria» | Concert | 02:25 (Athens Time, Wednesday morning)
A special feature in the anniversary programming of the ERT Music Ensembles is the presentation of the new work “Eleftheria” by the internationally acclaimed Cypriot composer Marios Ioannou Iliadis, performed by the ERT National Symphony Orchestra and Choir.
A multifaceted and complex symphonic work filled with melodies and poetry, expressing faith and hope in Freedom. The texts and poems are by Angelos Sikelianou, Dionysios Solomos, Kostis Palamas, Andreas Kalvos, Giannis Ritsos, Nikos Kazantzakis, and others.
Speech and music engage in a creative dialogue, forming a strong dramaturgy that highlights the concept, ideals, and timeless value of Freedom. The work forms a unified piece that directly speaks to today’s audience, encouraging the creative use of history and tradition.
“Freedom” brings together great texts, music, symphonic sound, tradition, timbres, memory, national symbols, contemporary creation, and the Greek spirit into one cohesive work, aiming to become a universal and timeless piece.
For more information, please visit ERT World website.
