Λεσβία (Lesvia), also known as
Lesvia: The Herstory of Eressos, dir. Tzeli Hadjidimitriou, 2024 Greece, 77 min., in Greek with subtitles 👏
Saturday, June 22, 2024, 1:00 PM, Roxie + streaming
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| Λεσβία (Lesvia) |
The ancient Greek poet Σαπφώ (Sappho, which is pronounced “sap-FO,” not “saffo”) lived in the town of Ερεσός (Eresos) on the island of Λέσβος (usually romanized as Lesbos, but pronounced “LEZ-vos”). Of course, that last bit is where the term “lesbian” comes from, although in local usage, it just means someone from the island of Lesvos, the third-largest island in Greece and the eighth-largest in the Mediterranean. Lesvos is located within sight of the Turkish mainland, on the east side of the Aegean Sea, with Eresos on the far side of the island, looking out over the sea.
In the 1970s, women who love women began going in increasing numbers to Lesvos for vacation. The locals were at first surprised, then wary, finally reaching an uneasy accommodation with the tourists as more lesbians became Lesvians. Several businesses, including not one but two women-only hotels, flourished over the years, but in the 21st century, the flow of lesbian tourists slowed as more options became available for liberated vacations. Many of the lesbian businesses closed in the 2010s, but in the 2020s, there seems to be a bit of a resurgence.
This documentary tracks the rise and fall and possible revival of lesbian Lesvos. It’s a worthy addition to the history of a crucial period of LGBTQ+ history. Highly recommended.
Note: the film contains extensive nudity, mostly in the context of a nude beach, no more prurient than the film still shown here, but for that reason, the YouTube preview is age-restricted.
