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“Giannis: The Marvelous Journey” director talks about the process of making the documentary

"His story has been told, but never from his and his family’s words and their perspective."

Jonas Panerio

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The story of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s remarkable journey from being a teenager in Greece obsessed with basketball to becoming a two-time MVP in the world’s most popular basketball league, the NBA, has fascinated fans all over the world. And now, his story will be told in a new light with the release of the documentary "Giannis: The Marvelous Journey." The documentary’s director, Kristen Lappas, recently shared her thoughts on bringing Giannis' story to life.

The family’s perspective

Giannis’ incredible story has been told in print and on-screen in the movie "Rise," but never directly from his and his family’s perspective. This documentary aims to change that, giving audiences an inside look into the Antetokounmpo family and their journey together.

Through interviews with Giannis’ mother, brothers, and fiancée, viewers will get a deeper understanding of the challenges and sacrifices they faced as immigrants in Greece and how basketball became their way to connect with their new home. The film also explores the bond between Giannis and his brothers, who all share a love for basketball.

“It’s hard because I feel like the broad strokes of his story are very well documented. His story has been told, but never from his and his family’s words and their perspective. So I was hoping that they were going to say things that surprised me, and that 1,000% was the case,” Lappas said.

Giannis peeled the curtain back on several things in his personal life, including the sudden death of his father in 2017.

“He’s a really thoughtful and profound and introspective person. And he surprised me with how reflective he was on his dad’s passing, which I feel like he hasn’t talked about very much at all,” Lappas added.

Terrifying yet amazing moment in Lappas’ career

Lappas shared that once she wrapped up the final cut of the documentary, she felt terrified about going to Milwaukee to present this to Giannis and his family.

“It’s terrifying because you pour your heart and soul into these projects for two years, and you’re just hoping and praying the family thinks you did it right and you did the story justice,” Lappas said.

“And in true Antetokounmpo fashion, it was the whole family and then me and my boss … and watching them watch their family’s journey, it was truly one of the most amazing moments of my life and my career.”

Giannis reveals in "The Marvelous Journey" trailer how he didn't want to play anymore following his father's death

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO