A Hard Life 1996
Colette Piault's poignant documentary A Hard Life (1996) captures a century of resilience through the eyes of Kalliopi Kalogero, a woman born in 1900 in the remote Greek village of Ano Ravenia.
Director: Colette Piault
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Hard Life (1996) about?
A Hard Life (1996) chronicles the extraordinary life of Kalliopi Kalogero, a Greek woman born in 1900, as she reflects on her village's turbulent history and her family's scattered journey across the globe. Through her personal narrative, the documentary explores themes of resilience, displacement, and the enduring bonds of community amid war and migration.
Who directed A Hard Life?
A Hard Life was directed by Colette Piault, a filmmaker known for her evocative documentaries that delve into personal and historical narratives.
Who stars in A Hard Life?
The documentary features Kalliopi Kalogero as the central subject, alongside Eleni Pangratiou-Alexakis, who engages Kalliopi in conversation, and Eugenia Kosmas, whose presence adds depth to the storytelling.
Is A Hard Life (1996) worth watching?
While A Hard Life (1996) isn't rated on IMDb, its documentary format and compelling storytelling make it a quietly powerful watch for those interested in history, personal memoir, or the human experience of migration. Its 57-minute runtime is well-spent on a life story that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.
How long is A Hard Life?
A Hard Life has a runtime of 57 minutes.
About A Hard Life (1996) — A Greek woman's memoir of war, family, and diaspora
Colette Piault's poignant documentary A Hard Life (1996) captures a century of resilience through the eyes of Kalliopi Kalogero, a woman born in 1900 in the remote Greek village of Ano Ravenia. The film unfolds as an intimate oral history, with Kalliopi sharing her lived experiences of Turkish rule, wartime occupations, and the relentless waves of migration that scattered her family across continents. Through her memories, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of a life shaped by history's tides, revealing how personal stories mirror the broader themes of displacement, endurance, and the quiet strength of ordinary people.
Set against the rugged backdrop of Epirus, A Hard Life (1996) blends biography with ethnography, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the Greek diaspora's fragmented yet enduring connections. The film's understated yet powerful narrative is anchored by Kalliopi's reflections, delivered with warmth and wisdom to her younger friend Eleni Pangratiou-Alexakis. With its focus on one woman's journey, the documentary transcends its 57-minute runtime, leaving audiences with a deeper appreciation for the personal legacies that define history.