Nicosia, Cyprus. Queer Wave will hold a simultaneous screening of Michael Cacoyannis’ 1955 film “Stella” on Tuesday at 8.30pm across Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. The event is part of the Cultural Programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council.
Event aims and context
Queer Wave said the screening seeks to draw attention again to Cacoyannis’ film and invite both long-time viewers and first-time audiences to watch it through a fresh queer lens.
The organisation said the film remains relevant 71 years later and encourages reflection on the significance of gender roles in society.
About the film and its themes
In his second feature, the Limassolian director presents “Stella” with contributions from Yannis Tsarouchis, Manos Hadjidakis, Vassilis Tsitsanis, Sophia Vembo and Melina Mercouri, who played the title role before gaining international fame.
Queer Wave described “Stella” as a symbol for the emancipation of women seeking to transcend patriarchal boundaries and define the limits of romantic desire and fate, while posing the question of what has changed today.
Queer dimension in Cacoyannis’ work
Queer Wave said the event aims to highlight a silenced queer dimension of the director’s work, citing Cacoyannis’ statement: “I lived a good life, regardless of the fact that I never had a family. I loved beings who loved me back with even greater passion; I often broke the romantic conventions imposed by the morality of the time. I loved my work, however, much more.”
The organisation noted Cacoyannis’ focus on dynamic female figures, listing “Stella” (1955), “Electra” (1962), “The Trojan Women” (1971) and “Iphigenia” (1977). It also cited “Zorba the Greek” (1964) for tenderness between the two male protagonists and said Cacoyannis later became the first Cypriot creator to include a gay protagonist and members of the trans community in “Up, Down and Sideways” (1992).
Storyline
The film follows Stella, a singer at the nightclub Paradeisos, who is pursued by men with different intentions. Stella is portrayed as strong-willed and uncompromising, setting her own terms in relationships in ways that break with social expectations.
Screening locations, language and admission
The screenings will take place simultaneously at Pantheon Theatre in Nicosia, Rialto Theatre in Limassol, Lefkara Conference Centre in Larnaca and the House of Arts and Literature in Paphos.
The screening is listed for March 31 at 8.30pm, in Greek with subtitles in English and Turkish. Tickets cost €7 in Nicosia and Limassol, with free admission in Larnaca and Paphos. Contact numbers are 96-361628 (Larnaca) and 99-434923 (Paphos), and further information is available at www.queerwave.com.
Will you attend one of the simultaneous screenings of “Stella” in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca or Paphos?
