Strand Releasing Acquires Panos H. Koutras’ Greek Comedy ‘Xenia’ Ahead of TIFF Showing

Strand Releasing has announced the acquisition of Panos H. Koutras’ “Xenia” from Pyramide International ahead of its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. 

The film marked its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this past May where it played in the Un Certain Regard section. 

The film follows two brothers, Dany and Odysseas, who leave the island of Crete for Thessaloniki on the search for their birth father who left them as children. During their search, they stumble into a talent search that could launch Odysseas’ dreams as a contender for the cult show, “Greek Star.”

“Panos’ film is a complete delight,” said Marcus Hu, Co-President of Strand. “We’re confident American audiences will embrace this comedy. While it has touches of Almodovar and Araki, it is uniquely Panos’ film and really balances the story of the relationship between a protective brother and his off kilter gay brother that makes the film work so well with their chemistry.” 

Strand plans an early 2015 release.