Manousos Manousakis, the director behind major Greek television successes such as “Touch of Soul” (Angigma Psichis) and “Whispers of the Heart” (Psithiri Kardias), has passed away at the age of 74.
Born in Athens in 1950, Manousakis studied filmmaking at the London Film School in the UK. Upon returning to Greece in the early 1970s, he began working in cinema.
One of his earliest works was the 1973 film “Bartholomew”, in which he served as screenwriter, director, and producer. The film received a special mention at the 1973 San Remo Film Festival but was banned in Greece by the military junta.
He went on to create more films, including “Archontes” (Lords) in 1978 and “The enchantress” (Skiachtra) in 1985. By the mid-1980s, he transitioned to directing television series, with his first works including “Kalikanjarodoulies” (1985–1986), “Micrographies” (1986–1987), and “Their Best Years” (1989).
Manousakis became synonymous with Greek television drama, particularly during the rise of private television networks in the 1990s. The dramas he directed often centred on forbidden love, with series such as “Whispers of the Heart”, “Touch of Soul”, “Don’t Say Goodbye” (Mi mou les antio), and “Love Came From Afar” (I agapi irthe apo makria) becoming some of the most successful in Greek TV history.
In cinema, his directorial works included “Appointment Delivered” (Paralavate diorismon) in 1996, “Red Dragon” (Kokkinos drakos) in 1998, and “Ouzeri Tsitsanis” in 2015.
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Source: ANA-MPA
