Lesvia: Unveiling the Lesbian Legacy in Skala Eressos
Have you heard? There is a documentary about our special place that’s making waves in the LGBTQI community? Lesvia is an intimate exploration of how lesbians established their unique community within the charming village of Skala Eressos on the island of Lesvos.
Did you know that lesbians worldwide have been drawn to Skala Eressos since the 1970s? The documentary dives into the heart of Skala Eressos, chronicling over 40 years of love, community, conflict, and the pursuit of acceptance. The film is directed by Tzeli Hadjidimitriou, who lightheartedly calls herself a ‘double lesbian’: a lesbian born in Lesvos. She first came to Eressos in 1980 and continues to spend many months a year living there, so her perspective features a real insider’s experience.
Tzeli was inspired by the light, landscapes, people, and everyday life of Lesvos, and embarked on this cinematic journey to capture the essence of a disappearing way of life.
The documentary, a result of twelve years of meticulous work, features in-depth interviews with the lesbian community of Eressos and the local residents. The discussions were structured to allow individuals the space to authentically share their stories, unveiling the unexpected interactions that shaped the history of this vibrant village.
Skala Eressos, with its mesmerising volcanic landscape, 3 km beach, blue sea, and the unique light that once inspired the ancient Greek poet Sappho, becomes a central character in the film. Filmed across all four seasons, it intertwines with Tzeli’s personal narration and history, documenting not just her journey but the village’s history, the struggles of the lesbian community, and the creation of safe spaces.
As a community we are excited about ‘Lesvia’ as it promises to shine a light on a collective narrative, pointing to the histories of hundreds of lesbians who carved out a space for themselves in our special place.
For those in the UK, the film will be featured at the upcoming BFI LGBTQI Flare festival—a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the rich tapestry of Skala Eressos and its lesbian legacy. The film will also be showing in May across Lyon, Amsterdam, Berlin and Thessaloniki. You can keep up to date with more news on “Lesvia” here.
