Kostas Karagiannis(1932-1993)

Kostas Karagiannis was a prolific Greek film director, screenwriter, and producer, widely regarded as the most productive filmmaker in Greek cinema history. Active primarily between the 1950s and 1970s, he directed over 100 films, with an average output of 10 to 12 films per year. After early studies in France and initial work in the film industry as an assistant, he returned to Greece in the early 1960s to launch his directing career. Though his first film with Finos Film in 1961 was a commercial failure, Karagiannis persevered and, in 1966, co-founded Karagiannis-Karatzopoulos, one of the most successful production companies in Greece, responsible for 118 films. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he expanded into international collaborations, television production, and the booming video market. Known for his tireless work ethic and commanding presence on set, he left a significant mark on Greek popular cinema before his death in 1993.