Kavafis (Cavafy)

This film tells the story, in flashbacks, of the life of the famous Greek poet Constantine Cavafy (1863-1933), whose homo-erotic visions were to provide inspiration for Lawrence Durrell’s “The Alexandria Quartet” and several of David Hockney’s paintings. The film retraces his emotional development, as he grew to reach the highest levels of poetic expression. His life in Alexandria and his travels to Greece and Constantinople brought him closer to the rich sensuality of ancient cultures, leading him to a life full of erotic longings and passions. Cavafy voiced an unconcealed love for young men. His sexual preference, idealised in pure classical tradition, became the moving spirit of his sublime poetry.