Set to premiere on August 15 in U.S. theaters and to be released via VOD in Canada, A Spartan Dream marks not only a new chapter in Peter Bundic’s career but also solidifies the partnership between the actor and screenwriter Leonidas G. Demas. In an exclusive interview, Demas highlights the creative synergy with Bundic, the film’s lead and co-writer of other joint projects such as Bocce Boys and Escape Sonata. “Working with Peter means collaborating with someone who experiences cinema on a visceral level — he acts, writes, and has a director’s eye even when he’s in front of the camera,” says the screenwriter, who also celebrates the film’s international acclaim, having won awards at the Prague Film Festival and the Cyprus International Film Fest.
“A Spartan Dream” has won awards at international festivals and delivers an inspiring narrative. What kind of story did you want to tell with this script — and why did you feel this was the right moment to release it?
I wanted to tell a story that relates to my own life visiting Greece several times during my early youth and to convey a different aspect of Greece than has been seen recently in what I consider common run-of-the-mill stereotypes of modern Greek culture. True, stereotyping is unavoidable to a certain extent, but I am hoping to show country folk dealing with a young Greek-American visitor who strangely hopes that Greeks today are somehow as devoted to their ancient past as he is.
The production features an entirely Greek cast and crew. What does that choice represent to you, especially as the screenwriter and creator of a story that also carries cultural identity and heritage?
Having a cast and crew that is entirely Greek (except for the role of British Ambassador to Greece) was a special experience, I was a bit nervous about this. But these folks were consummately professional and unified, pulling their oars like Odysseus’s crew on his Homeric ship. No complaints, no grist, high spirited and dedicated to their individual professions. Having Greek blood in my veins I was very proud…and thankful.
Peter Bundic plays Brad Cavallopoulous, the film’s protagonist. What stood out to you most about him as an actor, to the point that you entrusted him with this leading role?
Peter is a wonderful and affable young man. He is from Vancouver and is descended from a Spartan village in the mountains skirting the modern town of Sparta (Yes, it still thrives!). he being 20 conveyed, in his auditions, what I was looking for in a young man to play the part of Brasidas – a modern soul in a mundane world, longing for a chance to be a hero in his own right.
What was the collaboration process like between you and Peter Bundic during the development of the character? Was there room for improvisation or creative contributions on his part?
Peter was generally in the hands of our Director Michael A. Nickles. But during the shoot I managed to squeeze in my thoughts here and there. This occurred mostly in conveying to Peter the historic period that underpinned the modern action in the story. But of course, Peter was very committed to the story’s theme and grew into the role through reference to his own acting acumen. He was quick to learn the feel of the entire script.
Do you remember the exact moment when you knew Peter was the right Brad? What did he bring to the role that perhaps you hadn’t even envisioned on the page?
When I saw him in his first submission, I immediately knew that his appearance was perfect for the part. Also, the fact that he had a personal connection to Greece and was spawned by ancestors who grew out of the vary countryside we were to film in – that was a gift from God. What topped it off was he brought to life the dogged determination that made the character of Brasidas more convincing than I had originally anticipated.
Check out Leonidas G. Demas’s IMDB profile