Homage to Melina Mercouri

On the occasion of the centenary of her birth, the Lumière festival pays tribute to the Greek actress with effervescent charm, who later became a politician and defender of European culture.

Stella by Michael Cacoyannis (1955, 1h33)
Stella, an enchanting singer, electrifies the crowd every evening at the cabaret Le Paradise. She leads her life and her loves as she wishes... A libertarian and feminist tragedy, which introduces audiences to the radiant Melina Mercouri, in her first movie role.
Lumière Bellecour Sun.11 5 pm | Pathé Bellecour Fri.16 3 pm | Comœdia Sat.17 10:45 am

Never on Sunday by Jules Dassin (Pote tin Kyriaki, 1960, 1h32)
In Piraeus, Ilya makes her living through her charms and dictates her own rules. She is happy-go-lucky until the day she meets Homer, an American amateur philosopher who has arrived in Greece... Melina Mercouri garnered the Best Actress Award at Cannes in 1960. A luminous dramatic comedy.
Lumière Institute Thu.15 5:15 pm | Villa Lumière Sun.18 2:30 pm

The Uninhibited by Juan Antonio Bardem (Los pianos mecánicos, 1965, 1h34)
Vincent, a French tourist, goes to the small village of Caldeva in Spain. Meeting the locals, he falls in love with Jenny, the owner of the local bar... Melina Mercouri is solar and overflowing with sensuality in this Latin film, alongside a royal James Mason.
Lumière Terreaux Tue.13 2:45 pm | Pathé Bellecour Fri.16 3:15 pm