By Katerina Georgiou

The story takes place in a small Cretan village under Turkish occupation at the end of World War I. The locals are preparing to stage their annual Passion play and the roles of Christ, Mary and the Apostles have been doled out by the village priest. The entire community is drawn into the excitement. Until one day, a procession of another sort takes hold of the village: a weary group of cross-carrying refugees—destitute and starving—arrive seeking help from their fellow Greeks. And that’s when a real life passion play ensues.

Never before have I come across a movie more deserving of attention that has received so little of it. “He Who Must Die” has all the criteria for greatness: a big name director (Jules Dassin), a well-known star (Melina Mercouri) and a flawless screenplay. So why, I’ve often wondered, has this film all but disappeared? Even by today’s standards, Dassin’s film is a brave contribution to cinema. The film’s extraordinary power lies in the deft handling of its premise: “love thy neighbor.” Often complicated in daily life, this basic tenet is illustrated with breathtaking simplicity.

Yet for all its brilliance, it’s impossible to see “He Who Must Die” unless you catch it at the occasional film festival. Originally released in 1957, it hasn’t been made available on DVD (though a devoted following of fans, including myself, have contacted The Criterion Collection to change this.)

Fortunately, moviegoers will have a rare opportunity to see this remarkable film when it screens at Cinema Village on Sunday, November 8 at 7pm. It’s being shown as part of the third annual New York City Greek Film Festival taking place from November 5-19.

For more information please visit the Festival’s website:
www.nycgreekfilmfestival.com