On the evening of May 5, 2025, the Newtown Stage at the Hellenic Cultural Center in New York City came alive with energy, passion, and purpose during a remarkable event titled “Breaking Into the Acting Industry? Insights on Becoming a Professional Actor.” Organized by the Famagusta Film Festival as part of its ongoing FAMA Project (Acting on Camera Program), this event featured a candid and inspiring conversation with acclaimed Greek-American film and TV actor Manoli Ioannidis.
The night began with a warm welcome from Alexandros Ammohostianos, artistic director of the Hellenic Cultural Center and founder of the Famagusta Film Festival. He passed the spotlight to the evening’s moderator, Michael Finan, a three-time Emmy Award-winning acting professor and head of the FAMA Program. With charisma and expertise, Finan guided the conversation, drawing out valuable insights from Ioannidis that resonated with aspiring actors in attendance.
A Masterclass in Honesty and Craft
Best known for his roles in major productions like The Penguin, Queen of the South, and The Equalizer, Manoli Ioannidis brought a rare mix of humility, depth, and practical wisdom to the discussion. Over the course of the hour-long talk, he shared not only his personal journey into acting but also tangible tips on navigating the industry, building resilience, and staying grounded.
In the interview, Manoli spoke openly about his early doubts, the struggles of maintaining identity in a competitive field, and the importance of authenticity:
“You have to do the work behind the scenes, the internal work. It’s not about pretending—it’s about being.”
His stories were not just entertaining—they were motivating. Attendees, including acting students, professionals, and guests from the theater and film world, were engaged from start to finish.
A Community of Mentors and Learners
Although the official event was set to end at 9 PM, the powerful exchange and audience enthusiasm extended the evening until well past 10. Ioannidis graciously answered questions from students and attendees, creating an intimate and interactive atmosphere.
A touching moment came when artistic director Ammohostianos thanked all involved, especially Ioannis Koutalis, the director and collaborator of the FAMA Program, who recorded the evening, ensuring its preservation for future learners.
New Horizons for Young Actors
As the evening concluded, Ammohostianos made a surprise announcement: an upcoming short film, produced as part of the center’s educational program and directed by Michael Finan. Ioannidis, along with Japanese-American actor and director Tokio Sasaki, was invited to participate in this unique project, exclusively involving students from the center. Ioannidis enthusiastically accepted, providing yet another opportunity for the next generation of actors to work alongside professionals.
