Lesvia (SOLD OUT)

Since the 1970s, lesbians from around the world have been drawn to the island of Lesvos, birthplace of the ancient Greek poet Sappho. When they find paradise in a local village and carve out their own lesbian community, tensions simmer with the local residents. With both groups claiming ownership of Lesbian identity, filmmaker Tzeli Hadjidimitriou—a native and lesbian herself—is caught in the middle and chronicles 40+ years of love, community, conflict, and what it means to feel accepted.

Lesvia is Hadjidimitriou’s first feature film, and is based on archival films and photographs as well as contemporary filming. The materials are combined with personal testimonies and excerpts from the director’s diary, who records the story of the lesbian community of Eressos through her personal experience. The volcanic landscape of Eressos that inspired the poet Sappho herself, takes on the role of main character in this documentary. Since release, Lesvia has won audience awards for Best Documentary at Pink Apple and Wicked Queer.