The Greek film “Last Call” will premiere next month, dramatizing the notorious Sorin Matei hostage case that shocked Greece. The fictional story draws inspiration from multiple real-life events.
Sherif Francis directs the feature in his first full-length film, co-writing the script with Katerina Bei. The cast includes Orfeas Avgoustidis, Maria Nafpliotou, Giorgos Benos, Dimitris Lalos, Renia Louizidou, Nikos Psarras, Errikos Litsis, Kalliopi Chaska, Giannis Karabampas, Vasilis Risvas, Polydoros Voyiatzis, Thodoris Skyftoulis, and Rasmi Tsopela.
Set on New Year’s Eve 2000, the story follows a weapons theft from a military camp and a notorious criminal holding a family hostage in Pagrati, threatening to blow up their home if he does not appear live on television. A news channel struggles to cover the unfolding drama while police attempt to control the fugitive.
The film revisits the real events of 23 September 1998, when 27-year-old Sorin Matei, wanted in Romania, invaded an apartment on Niovis Street in Kato Patisia. He took four people hostage, threatening them with a hand grenade. Among the hostages were the apartment owner, Soultana Ginaki, her daughter Amalia, her son Vangelis, and Amalia’s fiancé, Apostolos.
Matei, under the influence of heroin, restrained Amalia with shoelaces and contacted the SKAI television station, broadcasting dramatic exchanges for four hours. News anchor Nikos Evangelatos negotiated with him, eventually securing the release of the family’s son in the evening.
At around 10 p.m., police entered the apartment, believing the grenade was fake. Matei had already freed Soultana, leaving two hostages and himself inside. During the raid, Matei grabbed Amalia, who panicked and shouted, “No!” A grenade exploded shortly afterward, killing Amalia after 17 days of fighting for her life. Several police officers sustained injuries, including the chief of police, future commanders, and staff members.
Matei survived the incident but died on 26 September 1998 from aspiration of gastric fluids while under prolonged sedation in Korydallos Prison Hospital. Prior to the Niovis incident, Matei had a long criminal history, including escapes from multiple prisons, failed attempts at homicide, and armed robberies. Police apprehended him in Athens after tracking him following his final escape.
“Last Call” will hit cinemas on 19 March, bringing one of Greece’s most infamous criminal cases to the big screen with dramatic intensity and meticulous attention to historical detail.
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