On the occasion of filming Stelios Kazantzidis “I Am” directed by Giorgos Tseberopoulos, with Starring Christos Mastorasspeak up The First Program of Greek Radio 91.6 and 105.8 and in the show “Me tuta ka M’ Agna” with film critic, journalist and writer Fotis Papoulias, Jason Triantaphyllidis.
As he said at the beginning of his conversation with the reporter, “I want to tell you that doing a biography is a very difficult thing, especially when it comes to a completely mythical person like Kazantzidis. Because Kazantzidis had such a legendary career and such a trying life. And the question is who will play this man (…). It was a national symbol. I think Kazantzidis, along with Vembo and Aliki, were three unique national symbols that this country produced over the centuries.“.
Later he did not mention the following to Fotis Papoulias.I was delighted to hear that Tsberopoulos would be directing the film because he knows how to manage, he doesn’t experiment, he doesn’t do crazy things. He knows how to direct actors and tell stories. And I think he was sure of it when he heard it. On the other hand, you don’t make a film about Kazantzidis if there is someone who can carry the weight of his name, personality, career, history, myth and all these (…)”.
Finally, he is asked if he is a singer Christos Mastoras– who will embody this great performer, his life and career – is the surprise of the film, Mr. Iason Triantafyllidis characteristically emphasized “For me, Christos Mastoras, in recent years has generally been a surprise. I was fascinated by how one can start very well in a group and slowly but surely climb the steps of the artistic path.
This is incredible. Even the fact that he starred in a commercial with Dionysis Savvopoulos was an unprecedented artistic reception for me. Haris Alexiou told me amazing things about Christos Mastoras, his morals and talents, what he was like as a person (…). I also saw a scene happening, when I entered the carriage, I saw his look (…). It was a very deep and very desperate look. Because Kazantzidis was a huge talent, but also a very strange personality. Almost agoraphobic. That is, it is incredible to have a foot in Greece and fear the world.”