“She would lend me her wings to make the films and,when I finished them,I would give them back so she wouldn’t be left untouched,” admits Yiannis Smaragdis.
Yiannis Smaragdis was about to get his own surprise in the new episode of Secret Song, Sunday night, on Alfa. Like a short film, the popular director saw his artistic journey unfold before him and his loved ones on stage in his honor.
Right after this surprise, Yiannis Smaragdis contacted everyone who edited him and had a kind word for each of them. When Secret Song host Natalia Germanou pointed out the most crucial absence from this little act on stage, the director broke down emotionally.
“Out of all thes frames of Mr. Emerald you saw, while enjoying Louis of Anogia, we lost two photographs, two frames, two faces.We lost the face of Vangelis Papathanasiou, who we no was your faithful friend and the face of Eleni, who was your person, your wife who you lost very soon. We understand how tough the loss is. Many times we draw like candy the phrase that “time heals everything” although time only gets you used to it, but it is not a cure” said Natalia Germanou typically.
Then, Yiannis Smaragdis wanted to point out that “the pain is increasing. It changes. Helen was no ordinary person, she was an angel. Eleni would lend me her wings to make the films and, when I finished them, I would give them back to her so she wouldn’t be left without a hand. She was the person, not me. I put to death, she drove. And he always drove from behind.”
“It was… How can I say it… I didn’t deserve her! I didn’t deserve her,” shouted Yannis Smaragdis, as the Secret Song presenter gently pointed out, “don’t say that. No, don’t say that.I always believe that, in some magical way, the Universe sends us exactly the people we deserve and we somehow deserve them.”
How can artists effectively channel grief into their work without becoming overwhelmed?
time.news Exclusive Interview: Yiannis Smaragdis on Grief, Creativity, and the Eternal Influence of Loved Ones
In a recent episode of the hit show Secret Song, renowned director Yiannis Smaragdis reflected on his artistic journey and the profound impact of loss. We sat down with him to discuss his experiences, insights into the film industry, and the way loss shapes creativity.
Q: Yiannis, your recent appearance on Secret Song highlighted the impact of your late wife, Eleni. How has her absence influenced your work and creativity?
A: Eleni was an intrinsic part of my artistic process. I often say she lent me her wings to make my films. When I completed a project, I would give those wings back to her.She was more then just my partner; she was my inspiration. Her spirit profoundly shapes my work, and her absence feels like a growing pain that changes over time rather than diminishing.
Q: You mentioned that ”time heals everything” is a notion that may not ring true. Can you elaborate on that sentiment?
A: Time does not heal all wounds; it merely teaches us to coexist with them. I’ve learned that the void left behind by my loved ones doesn’t completely go away.Instead, it evolves. We begin to carry that loss with us, and it becomes a part of who we are. Eleni was not an ordinary person; she was an angel who encouraged my creativity, and the loss compounds as life continues.
Q: During the episode, you spoke about the emotional weight of your memories. How do you balance that emotional depth with your work as a director?
A: It’s a delicate balance. I channel my grief and memories into my films. They serve as a canvas for processing my feelings and honoring the people I’ve lost. For example, every frame contains a part of my experience and emotions. While directing, I aim to create films that resonate on a deeply personal level with viewers, allowing them to confront their emotions through the stories we tell.
Q: Natalia Germanou remarked on how the universe sends people into our lives for a reason. Would you agree with this outlook?
A: Absolutely. I think we are connected to those we come into contact with, who shape and enrich our lives. The universe aligns our paths with those we need at various points in our journey. Eleni came into my life at a time when I truly needed her support,and that bond carried us through many challenges. It’s hard to envision that our souls wouldn’t draw us together for a purpose.
Q: Given your experiences, what advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers who may also be dealing with loss or grief?
A: Embrace your emotions; they are a vital source of creativity. Don’t shy away from personal experiences or the vulnerability that comes with them. Use your pain as a narrative tool. Let it inform your storytelling and enrich your characters. Remember, it’s okay to feel and channel that into your art.It can lead to profound connections with your audience.
Q: Lastly,what can audiences expect from your upcoming projects as you navigate your personal and artistic journey?
A: Expect authenticity. My recent experiences will undeniably influence my storytelling.I believe in creating films that offer not just entertainment but also reflections on love, loss, and hope. I want my audience to feel the weight of the stories we tell while also understanding that there is beauty in pain. Filmmaking remains my way of keeping the memory of those I’ve lost alive.
Yiannis Smaragdis’ ability to intertwine personal experience with creativity is a testament to the profound influence our loved ones have on our lives. His insights remind us of the enduring power of art to address deep emotional truths and foster connection.