“Lesvos will continue to function as an island. That is what we are, an island. It is not a Dubai or a London, it is a remote island,” filmmaker Billy Cotsis enthuses about the island he has spent a year on and visited over 20 times.
The Sydney-based writer/director has dedicated his life to documenting the worldwide Greek diaspora, and never as passionately as this cinematic love letter. The film was commissioned by the Mytilenean Brotherhood of NSW.
Teaming up with London filmmaker Basil Genimahaliotis and Sydney travel buddy Arthur Seli, the group set out on a road trip to uncover all that is unique and wonderful about Lesvos, as well as the current refugee crisis that has hit the island. Along the way, the audience will be treated to a few laughs, the making of ouzo, local food and pay homage to Sappho, the first ever lesbian.
A number of local identities feature, including writer and artist Tzeli Hadjidimitriou, who is currently exhibiting in China. Award-winning Turkish actress Ayça Damgacı also makes an appearance to enthuse her love for the island.
“The island had a downturn of around 60 per cent of tourism numbers in 2016, and business investment has also declined. It’s a real shame that international media coverage of the warmth shown by the islanders to refugees has somehow scared off tourists,” Basil told Neos Kosmos.
The documentary is a way of showing how safe, wonderful and inspiring the island is, and will form part of a long-term marketing plan for the Pan Lesvos Association of Australia and New Zealand.
The association is in the process of working toward a trade show, a new website and an international conference as a way to promote the island. The NSW branch will be holding its annual Sardelles Festival at Mytilenean House on 25 September, with more than 400 people expected to turn out. Lesvos is clearly at the forefront of thinking for many people in Australia.
‘Lesvos: Fall in Love’ will play on Tuesday 18 October at Norton Street Cinema at 7.00 pm as a double with Theopi Skarlatos’ ‘This is a Coup’.
The Greek Film Festival commences on Tuesday 11 October, playing in six cities across Australia.
For more information go to www.greekfilmfestival.com.au