David Strathairn at the Ceremonial Tribute (11/20/2007) - photo copyright © Thessaloniki International Film Festival

Overview: David Strathairn attended the 48th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, which ran from November 16 - 25, 2007, in Thessaloniki, Greece. David, along with longtime friends and co-workers John Sayles, Chris Cooper and Maggie Renzi were onhand for the festival's tribute to the work of John Sayles. Multiple screenings of all of Sayles's films took place and, in addition, Sayles received a Golden Alexander Award and screened his new film, Honeydripper. David's film, My Blueberry Nights, also served as the opening night film for the festival.

At an evening ceremony, David, Sayles and Cooper were all paid tribute for their collaborative efforts over the years, as well as their individual contributions to cinema. John Sayles received the Golden Alexander Award and David's wife, Logan Goodman, and Cooper's actress wife, Marianne Leone, were also thanked during the ceremony. The tribute was followed with a screening of Matewan.

The following overview of the Ceremonial Tribute comes curtesy of the following article:

Later on Tuesday, Festival president Georges Corraface presented Sayles with a Golden Alexander at the Olympion Cinema, saying: "In about a 100 years, 200 years, when historians are looking back at the 21st century, they are going to discover your films and they are going to get a lot of precious information. At the same time they are going to enjoy your films. If you or your posse [Renzi, Strathairn and Cooper] did not exist, we would have to invent you!"

"It's so nice to get these kind words and this award here in the cradle of democracy. It reminds me that democracy and independence are ideals that you have to earn every day. I am also very glad that you honored my co-conspirators in these movies, because as much as I am considered an auteur, I have never made a movie alone," said Sayles in his acceptance speech, before inviting Renzi to add a few words. "I want to thank you on behalf of my friends for the friendship you have offered us. I think you can imagine the good time we’ve been having. These are four of our best friends [Strathairn, Cooper and their partners]. We've enjoyed Greece in the sort of holiday we will be talking about when we're very old," she said.

Related Links:
48th Thessaloniki International Film Festival (off site)