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TZELI HADJIDIMITRIOU
The Researcher of Authenticity

Born and raised in Lesvos, she returns to her island every
year to redefine herself, reconnect with her desires and re-
call everything truly important in life. Γέννημα θρέμμα
της Λέσβου, επιστρέφει κάθε χρόνο στο νησί της, για να
επαναπροσδιοριστεί, να ξαναβρεί τις επιθυμίες της και
να θυμηθεί αυτά που είναι όντως σημαντικά στη ζωή.
What’s so special about Lesvos? It’s a lyrical place. Re-
laxed and receptive. Just like its light. Soft and pervasive.
It’s the same light that has inspired great painters; visitors
who were enchanted by the island and stayed to portray
it in their works of art. Poems and stories were written
here. Lyrical poetry was born here – beginning with Sap-
pho and leading to Elytis. It’s the same place that molds its
people breathing into them strength, humour, generosity
and immagination. Should you surrender to this heaven,
you shall become an artist.
How came up the idea of the documentary series “The
Silent Path” with local people? When the financial crisis
arose, I lost my job, my sense of security and everything
that I took for granted or I thought was indispensable
in life. Instictively, I bought a video camera and came to
Lesvos feeling as if only here could I find a new way of ex-
isting. Through a slice of kneaded bread spread with ka-
tiki, a glass of raki, a song, and endless chats, I once more
put down roots into my basic needs. The presence of peo-
ple I met randomly as well as my old acquaintances, their
words, the way they perceive life, their very life, their spon-
taneous nurturing, and their acceptance of me although
they didn’t get what I was asking, consisted in my personal
therapy. “The Silent Path” gives voice to everyday people who, despite
living their life silently, know how to share, laugh, create, love, endure
and go ahead with dignity.
How would you summarise Lesvos in a snapshot? How can a place
so vibrant, diverse and textured make it in a single click? Out of sen-
timental attachment, I would say gazing the moon’s path over the se-
rene waters of Gera bay, sitting under the olive trees sipping ouzo and
feeling the taste of salted sardines on your palate. It’s such a shame that
pictures can’t convey aromas or tastes, because then Lesvos would make
the most enchanting film!
Τι το ξεχωριστό έχει η Λέσβος; Είναι τόπος λυρικός. Απαλός και
δεκτικός. Όπως και το φως της. Είναι μαλακό και διάχυτο. Απ’ αυτό το
φως εμπνεύστηκαν μεγάλοι ζωγράφοι, περαστικοί που γοητεύθηκαν
από το νησί κι έμειναν αποτυπώνοντάς το στα έργα τους. Γράφτηκαν
ποιήματα και ιστορίες. Εδώ γεννήθηκε η Λυρική Ποίηση ξεκινώντας

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