In 'My Ioannina Odyssey,' a father and daughter duo of filmmakers embark on a winding adventure.
As a documentarian, Gary Glassman has shared numerous stories from various individuals. However, with his latest film, “My Ioannina Odyssey,” he tells his own narrative for the first time.
“My Ioannina Odyssey” reveals the history of his Jewish-Greek ancestors who perished in Hitler’s concentration camps, those who immigrated to the United States, and those who stayed in Greece. The film had its world premiere on Wednesday at the Flickers’ Rhode Island Film Festival, situated in his hometown of Providence, in a multiplex theater not far from an IMAX screening of a different Odyssey film.
Glassman’s project is much more intimate, personal, and authentic. It narrates his family's story while also continuing their legacy.
He co-directed the film with his daughter, Manya Branham Glassman, an emerging filmmaker currently adapting her acclaimed short film “How I Learned to Die” into a feature. During the Flickers festival, Manya was highly active: debuting a music video she produced, participating in a Q&A session with her father, joining a panel, and moderating discussions. She seems poised for breakout success.
In creating “My Ioannina Odyssey,” the father-daughter duo returned to their family’s ancestral home in Ioannina, guided by a collection of inherited photographs and documents. Gary strives to discern their meanings and establish connections that aren’t readily apparent.
The Mystical Significance of Ioannina in ‘My Ioannina Odyssey’
Gary Glassman. Courtesy of Providence Pictures
Ioannina, located in northwestern Greece, holds a special significance for the family. Gary’s grandparents faced challenges in conceiving a child for many years. However, a psychic recommended that his grandfather make the journey back there from America. After he returned, they welcomed a baby — Glassman’s mother.
The area continues to offer surprises: early in their journey, Gary and Manya encounter a charming watchmaker, who turns out to be a relative. They capture all of these moments while traveling minimally. “My Ioannina Odyssey” was filmed using a Leica X3 and a Zoom recorder for sound.
Gary’s production company, Providence Pictures, has created over 50 programs for PBS, Discovery, History, National Geographic, BBC, Arte, and more, including PBS’s Native America, History’s The Trial of Jesus, and the Building Wonders series for Nova and Arte. The company has garnered seven Emmy Awards in its endeavors.
After years of motivating others, particularly marginalized individuals, to share their stories, Gary recognized, “I should practice what I preach.”
“It’s incredibly profound when a story is revealed, and I truly believe that the more personal the story, the wider its resonance,” he stated during the post-screening Q&A on Wednesday. “It connects with people. Individuals can sense authenticity.”
Manya Glassman. Courtesy of Providence Pictures
Reflecting on his experience, he recounted interviewing a Native American spiritual leader for Native America, who expressed that the quickest route to understanding is through the heart.
Having grown up watching her father's films, Manya absorbed valuable lessons. She also learned from her mother, an expert in art history.
“Filmmaking, I believe, was a shared love language between me and my parents while growing up,” she noted. “My dad always encouraged me to hone my filmmaking skills and emphasized that it didn’t have to be perfect. Just pick up the camera and create something continuously.”
Gary Glassman urged others to explore their family histories as well, regardless of what they may uncover.
“Everyone has a box,” he remarked.
To learn more about Gary and Manya Glassman’s “My Ioannina Odyssey,” visit here. For information about the Flickers’ Rhode Island Film Festival, click here, and to read more of our festival coverage, follow this link.
Main image: “My Ioannina Odyssey,” courtesy of Providence Pictures
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In 'My Ioannina Odyssey,' a father and daughter duo of filmmakers embark on a winding adventure.
As a documentary filmmaker, Gary Glassman has shared the stories of many individuals. However, in his newest film, "My Ioannina Odyssey," he tells his own story for the first time.