Plot

Members of the Baltatzis family recount the 1922 burning of Smyrna, Greece, including the assault on vibrant Greek and Armenian communities.

The historical incidents and facts that preceded and occurred during the occupation of Smyrna in 1922 by the Turkish army, including the massacre of the local Greek and Armenian population, are recounted through the lives of the Baltatzis family members.

Filio Baltatzi, a silver-haired Greek-American lady, embarks on a journey to the island of Lesvos to assist refugees. But what makes her mission even more extraordinary is that her family members, too, were refugees on the same island more than a century ago. They had fled their homeland after the Great Fire of Smyrna destroyed much of the port and burned the city to the ground. Now accompanied by her initially reluctant granddaughter, Filio's trip becomes a unique intergenerational experience. The family's history, chronicled in her grandmother's diary, comes alive as the past and present intertwine on the island of Lesvos.—Nick Riganas

Filio an elderly American lady decides to go to Mytilene, in the island of Lesvos, to help the refugees. She takes her unwilling granddaughter, to follow her. No one knows her secret. Almost a century ago, her family lived on that island. They were refugees as well, who came from Smyrna after the destruction of the city. Filio starts reading her grandmothers recipe book, which also served as a diary and includes information of what happened to Filio Baltatzis.

Through the interesting saga of an eminent Smyrniot family, the spectator is transferred to the legendary city of Smyrna. Its cosmopolitan society leads a joyful and interesting life. Greeks, Turks, Jews, Armenians and Levantines live together harmoniously for centuries. Culture and music, rich cuisine, the best of the West and the East make Smyrna irresistible. Secret passions, forbidden love affairs, political intrigues, are all part of its life. Cocktail parties, theatre, opera for the aristocrats, tavernas, café chantants, brothels and cafes for everyone. A peaceful life on the surface that hid all kinds of dangers that finally destroyed this paradise.

The Baltatzis family is the core of the movie, surrounded by their loyal Greek and Turkish servants, Jews, Armenians and wealthy Levantines. In 1918, everything changes as Germany loses the first World War along with its ally, Turkey. It's the end of the Ottoman Empire, and the Europeans are ready to divide it amongst them, and share the country's wealth. In 1919, their ally, Greece, is ordered to send its army and occupy Smyrna. Asia Minor becomes Greek again.

Venizelos' Great Idea becomes true. However, not everybody agrees with these actions. Some are afraid it will not last forever.

The Baltatzis family is divided into two. Dimitris, the older brother and Filio's husband, supports Venizelos, while Spyros, the younger brother, stands by the King. The relationships with the Turks change. The Baltatzis family becomes even richer. Their son, Vassilis goes to war, their daughter Lefkothea gets engaged to the wealthiest Levantine, Eddie Whittall, and Filio, the main character, shares with her notebook, her recipes but also her fears.

The destruction starts on August 15, 1922. No one is expecting it as the Greek Army had always been invincible. No one is afraid. After all, the Allies' warships are at the port. No one leaves Smyrna until the very last moment. When the great fire starts, they realize they are trapped between the fire, Kemal's army and the sea. All foreign ships must remain neutral. No one can save them.

The Baltatzis family tries to leave in vain. Grandpa stays behind and dies in the arms of his loyal Turkish servant, Osman. Only Filio is saved by their Kemalist ex-driver, Halil, who has always been in love with her. Politics may have separated the two nations but not their people. Many Turks try to save their old Greek friends.

Filio leaves alone. She becomes a refugee in her Mother Country, Greece. The last recipe in her notebook is written at the port of Mytilene, where she lives as a refugee. She cooks for those who have survived the Catastrophe.

Filio is sitting at that same place in the port. Her granddaughter, with tears in her eyes, reads the last pages of her great grandmothers notebook. The young American girl, has realized how anyone could become a refugee at some point. In the face of the refugees who arrive in Mytilene, she now sees the faces of her ancestors.

The past and the present become one.