Dialogos

STELLA – Four Cities, One Screen

Published March 24, 2026, 09:01
STELLA – Four Cities, One Screen

Queer Wave presents Michael Cacoyannis's film “Stella” with simultaneous screenings in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos on Tuesday, March 31st. The screening is part of the Cultural Program of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 and aims to highlight the timeless importance of the film and gender roles. “Stella,” released 71 years ago, remains relevant and prompts reflection on women's emancipation and challenging patriarchal social structures. The film is characterized by the iconic participation of actors and artists such as Melina Mercouri, Yannis Tsarouchis, and Manos Hadjidakis. Queer Wave seeks to highlight a lesser-known queer dimension in Cacoyannis's work, emphasizing his progress in portraying dynamic female characters and the suggestive presence of queer themes in other films, such as “Zorba the Greek” and “Up, Down and Sideways.” Cacoyannis himself had expressed openness regarding sexual conventions and his love for creation. The screening of “Stella” is an opportunity to re-evaluate Cacoyannis's work through a modern, queer lens, highlighting aspects that remain essential and politically alive.