Athens, Greece and Princeton, NJ (May 29, 2025) — The American School of Classical Studies at Athens is honored to announce that its short film, Mary Lefkowitz & Women in Ancient Greece (watch film), has been awarded the Anthropology Short Film Award at the 2025 Palenque International Film Festival. This prestigious honor marks the third international award for the School’s documentary film work.
Produced in 2024, Mary Lefkowitz & Women in Ancient Greece explores the influential scholarship of Mary R. Lefkowitz, Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities Emerita at Wellesley College. Renowned for her groundbreaking research in ancient Greek literature and culture, Professor Lefkowitz has reshaped the understanding of women’s roles in antiquity. The film celebrates her lasting legacy and the ongoing relevance of her scholarship. It was created to commemorate her receipt of the Athens Prize and premiered at the American School’s gala in New York City.
This latest distinction adds to the growing recognition of the School’s achievements in documentary filmmaking. For nearly a decade, the American School has produced a wide array of short films, acclaimed by diverse audiences for their educational and artistic merit (visit short film library).
On June 27, 2021, the School’s earlier production, Twelve Decades of Discovery: American School Excavations at Corinth (watch film), received the Special Mention by Jury for Continuing Legacy in Archaeology at the 18th annual TAC International Film Festival in Eugene, Oregon. That film was also awarded the 2020 Orona Foundation Award at the 20th International Archaeological Film Festival of the Bidasoa.
“The short films produced by the American School over the past decade bring to light the individuals and ideas that are central to our mission,” said George T. Orfanakos, Executive Director of the American School. “We are deeply grateful to our academic community, whose expertise enriches these stories, and to our talented director, Nikos Dayandas, whose creative vision has helped bring them vividly to life.”
Orfanakos, who has also served as Executive Producer of the films, added: “When I first joined the American School, I was moved by the depth and breadth of scholarship represented in its 144-year history. I believed it was essential to share these complex and compelling stories in a format accessible to the wider public. We are honored that our work continues to be recognized for its quality and that it has inspired the enduring generosity of Charles O. Yoder and others who share our commitment to preserving and promoting the School’s impact and legacy.
