The director and producer passed aways Takis Hatzopoulosa pioneer of documentary renewal, who together with the late Lakis Papastathis founded the Cinetic team, with which they introduced us to one of the most important documentary series on Greek television, Paraskini.

“It is with pain that we say goodbye to Takis Hatzopoulos, an indefatigable worker of the cinema and a pioneer of the renewal of the documentary,” said the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, informed of the loss of Takis Hatzopoulos. And he added: “Takis Hatzopoulos tested, with unwavering success, his strength in every branch of cinematographic art, having, however, a unique contribution to redefining, essentially, the most demanding genre of documentary.” Together with the unforgettable Lakis Papastathi, they founded the Cinetic group, with which they introduced us to Behind the Scenes, the most influential documentary series on Greek television. For almost four decades, they gave us, through ERT, hundreds of high-quality broadcasts, with a wide range of topics, from the presentation of major personalities of modern Greece to the highlighting, with silent sensitivity and without a trace of easily accusatory discourse, of major social issues, with an emphasis on unknown, under-enlightened Greece. Who does not remember, for example, the Backstage episode with Cornelios Castoriadis, one of the outstanding examples of his work? As a producer and co-founder of Cinetic, a real nursery for young filmmakers, Takis Hatzopoulos has been a sensitive and innovative creator, but also, at the same time, an exceptional professional. It redefined – and irrevocably – the defining characteristics of the Greek documentary, showing how original creation is combined with adherence to the strictest professional standards.”

“At the same time,” the minister continued in her statement, “Takis Hatzopoulos has always been an active and extremely aware citizen, a steadfast opponent of leveling criticism and easy, but groundless solutions. His offer remains alive and inalienable. To his wife Teta Papadopoulou, his countless associates and friends, I extend my sincere condolences.”