Lesvia, the debut feature documentary by Greek director Tzeli Hadjidimitriou, offers a finely crafted exploration of the lesbian community that flourished around Eressos on the island of Lesbos. Hadjidimitriou, who grew up on the island but not in Eressos, weaves a personal and public narrative about the queer scene that emerged there, inspired by Sappho, the seventh-century BC poet whose love poetry permeates the film.
The Birth of a Community
By the 1970s, lesbians from around the world began flocking to Eressos to pay homage to Sappho. The growing number of queer visitors formed not just a scene but a community, initially centered on a nudist beach where many women camped. Hadjidimitriou's still photographs capture the sensuality of these often naked women, many appearing delighted to have found a haven where they could be themselves.
Interviews with women from various countries who experienced Eressos in its golden years build an oral history. The film documents the challenges faced, including homophobia from locals and aggressive invasions of women-only spaces. As one woman recalls, there were usually a few butches around to help hustle intruders off. Over time, tolerance grew, fueled by the economic benefits the visitors brought, leading to the emergence of female-run bars and hotels.
The Decline
However, the utopian tale took a downturn, possibly linked to Greece's economic crisis that began in 2009, which exposed the nation's financial instability. Within a few years, most lesbian bars and women-run hotels closed, and the community became more marginalized. Despite this, younger generations continue to visit, keeping the spirit alive.
The film's sound design, constantly incorporating the sea, adds an evocative layer to the narrative. Lesvia is set for release on digital platforms from 3 August. This article was amended on 28 July to correct the film's star rating.
