The Canadian-Greek Film Earns Back-to-Back Awards at Bridges International Film Festival, Greek International Film Festival Toronto and Cyprus International Film Festival
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Toronto, ON – (November 25, 2024): The multi-award-winning Canadian-Greek production Sgt. Fruit Fly, a captivating and unconventional coming-of-age story, won its fourth festival award – the “Nostimon Imar Award” (the best international filmmaker of Greek origin) at the Bridges International Film Festival on November 23in Greece. This prestigious recognition follows back-to-back wins at the Greek International Film Festival Toronto (GIFFT), where it took home “Best Canadian Feature Film”, as well as accolades for “Best Supporting Actress” and “Best Feature Film” at the Cyprus International Film Festival (CYIFF).
Sgt. Fruit Fly tells the heartwarming story of Stanley Smith (Jamie Mayers; Game On, Transplant), a sixteen-year-old boy who is the victim of violent bullying. He hopes to transform his life with his mother’s (Mara Marini; Parks and Recreation) magic potion, believing it will turn him into a war hero like his father (Chad Willet; Big Sky, Beyond). As the story unfolds, he ultimately discovers that all he needed was to believe in himself. Sgt. Fruit Fly is a touching portrayal of childhood and courage, delving deep into the realm of imagination and spotlighting the powerful journey of self-discovery that comes when a boy can just be himself.
Filmed in Greece in both English and Greek, the film also stars Meadow Kingfisher (Avatar: The Last Airbender) as “Elenora Smith”, Makis Papadimitriou (I paralia, Utopolis) as “Danny aka The Big Dipper”; Dimitris Alexandris (Samos) as “George Dumbski”; and Niki Skiadaresi (Thursday Night Sorbet)as “Leslie”, whose performance earned her a “Best Supporting Actress” win at CIYFF.
“Sgt. Fruit Fly poignantly captures the universal narrative of identity struggle that we all face while growing up,” said Director and Writer, Tommy King. “We are thrilled to see it resonate with audiences of all ages. Receiving the awards is a major honour and we are very grateful for the overwhelmingly positive response to the film. I look forward to continuing to share this heartfelt story with new audiences around the world.”
Written by Tommy King, Sgt. Fruit Fly is his feature directorial debut. Produced by Juliette Hagopian, Executive Producers are Tommy King, Howard Green, Dimos Markopoulos, Makis Papadimitriou, Svet Rouskov and Enzo Russo.
Follow @sgt.fruit.fly on Instagram for the latest news and screening dates.
ABOUT TOMMY KING
Having been in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. Tommy King brings a wealth of real life experience to the film business. Inspired by his friend Mark Wahlberg, King is now dedicating his life to filmmaking having written and directed the award-winning short, Forbidden Fruit in 2010. It played at eight film festivals and won Best Short at the International Film Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the Gold Kahuna Award at the Honolulu International Film Festival. He was an associate producer on the film Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story, starring Christina Ricci and Judith Light, which won the WIN award for Best Made For TV Movie in 2022, and on the film The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story, which won the 2024 Canadian Screen Award for “Best TV Movie”.
ABOUT JULIETTE HAGOPIAN
Juliette is a film Producer passionate about creating opportunities for the film industry. She demonstrates that through her tireless efforts committed to excellence and getting great films onto the screen. In 2004, Juliette produced her first feature film: Stryker, directed by Noam Gonick, with a world premiere at Venice International Film Festival. Over the years, she has produced countless successful productions and garnered top sales in U.S., Canadian and international markets. Juliette and the projects she produces have received multiple nominations and awards from festival and industry leaders such as “Audience Award” from Whistler Film Festival; “People’s Choice Award” from Calgary International Film Festival; “Best Direction” and “Best Female in a Leading Role” for My Awkward Sexual Adventure; “Best Made For TV Movie Award” at the Women’s Image Network Awards for The Nellie Bly Story and “Best TV Movie”, “Best Director”, and “Best Actor in a Leading Role” at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards for The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story, to name a few.
ABOUT JULIJETTE INC.
julijette inc. has produced and delivered a diverse variety of award winning films in Manitoba for over 20 years. Our dedication to superb film-making is at the core of julijette’s projects, striving for excellence as a forward moving company, and working to get motion pictures completed with exceptional standards. Here you’ll find information on the services we provide to help you fulfill your vision.
