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Nolan's 'Odyssey' film spurs tourism hopes on Greek island, but filming snub stings

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A Greek island hopes to attract tourists following the release of a film inspired by its ancient epic namesake.
  • While the movie has boosted interest, locals express disappointment that the island was not used as a filming location.
  • The island, known for its rugged interior and tranquil atmosphere, is now anticipating an influx of visitors eager to explore the legendary home of Odysseus.

The Greek island of Ithaca, famed as the mythical home of Odysseus, is bracing for a surge in tourism following the release of a film inspired by Homer's epic poem. Visitors like Giorgia Ongarato, an Italian lawyer, are drawn by the allure of the ancient story, with some, like Ongarato, having studied Greek and the Odyssey since childhood.

Studying Greek when I was a child and I studied the Odyssey.

— Giorgia OngaratoAn Italian lawyer expressing her lifelong dream to visit Ithaca, inspired by the epic poem.

While the film has sparked considerable interest, it has also ignited controversy. Many on Ithaca are dismayed that the movie, directed by Christopher Nolan, did not feature the island itself, opting instead for locations in Italy and other parts of Greece. "We had contacted the production team and asked them to shoot some scenes here, on the island. Unfortunately, it was not possible," said Dionysis Stanitsas, the mayor of Ithaca. This decision has divided the island's roughly 3,000 residents.

We had contacted the production team and asked them to shoot some scenes here, on the island. Unfortunately, it was not possible.

— Dionysis StanitsasThe mayor of Ithaca expressing disappointment that the island was not used as a filming location for the movie.

Despite the filming snub, local businesses remain optimistic. Xhimi Xoxha, a restaurant owner in the capital, Vathi, believes the film is already generating "enormous publicity." He predicts positive effects will soon follow, with Stanitsas anticipating increased demand next year. "As more people see it, they will start planning trips to visit the island," he stated. Accommodations were already fully booked before the film's premiere, signaling a strong interest in visiting the island.

As more people see it, they will start planning trips to visit the island.

— Dionysis StanitsasThe mayor of Ithaca expressing his confidence in increased tourism following the film's release.

Visitors to Ithaca will not find Odysseus's palace or definitive archaeological proof of the hero's existence. However, statues of Odysseus and Homer adorn village squares and government buildings, serving as constant reminders of the island's rich literary heritage. The tranquil harbor, with boats like the "Telémaco" bobbing in the green waters, offers a serene experience, complemented by the island's rugged, olive-and-cypress-covered interior.

enormous publicity

— Xhimi XoxhaA restaurant owner in Vathi, the capital, describing the positive impact of the film on the island's visibility.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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