Michael Cacoyannis

Cypriot theatre, film and opera director, writer, producer, and actor. Born 11 June 1922 in Limassol, Cyprus - Died 25 July 2011 in Athens, Greece. His most acclaimed work is the 1964 film "Zorba the Greek", an adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis' novel of the same name. In addition to directing, he also wrote, produced, translated, and designed dozens of stage play and opera productions. He was responsible for the lighting of the Acropolis, Athens monuments. In 2004, he founded the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation (Ίδρυμα Μιχάλης Κακογιάννης) in Athens, Greece. For his cultural contribution and work, he was honoured with many distinctions in Greece, Cyprus, and abroad. He was nominated for an Academy Award five times.