2020 Cyprus Country Report

BENEFITS:
Diverse landscapes never
seen on screen
Ideal weather conditions
for year-round filming
Short internal distances and
good global air connectivity
Modern infrastructure and
advanced telecoms
Centuries of history, art and culture
Access to local talent pool
Sector Profile
The island’s natural beauty, local talent, great climate, and versatile locations that could
double-up as various destinations from virtually anywhere in the world offer boundless
creativity and opportunities for film directors, with only the imagination setting the limits.
a variety of vehicles on both a short- or longterm
basis, and thanks to the island’s status as a
popular holiday destination Cyprus offers every
conceivable type of accommodation – ranging
from low-budget hotels and a growing number of
five-star luxury resorts, to villas and agritourism
houses.
NURTURING OLIVEWOOD
Although Cyprus made its official entrance onto
the world stage only recently, the country has
in fact attracted attention and interest over the
decades from big producers and directors worldwide.
Unfortunately, many of these prospective
projects never came to fruition due to a lack of
incentives and official single body to represent
the industry and aid in tackling bureaucracy and
permits. With a new government-backed framework
in place, the country can now turn this interest
into real action.
The island’s natural beauty, local talent, great
climate, and versatile locations that could double-up
as various destinations from virtually anywhere
in the world offer boundless creativity and
opportunities for film directors, with only the imagination
setting the limits. Cyprus offers a truly
cinematic environment and has set the scene for
those with vision.
However, industry professionals and producers
have warned Cyprus not to rest on its
Olivewood laurels, as to develop the sector into a
true international industry and economic driver
more investment is needed in crucial infrastructure
such as purpose-built studios, and in educating
the professional crews and technicians to
support the industry in the future.
Knock-on effects of fostering this sector will
create jobs, develop new infrastructure and
equipment that will further support the industry,
and indirectly also enhance complementary
sectors such as cinema tourism, professional services,
land development and investment funds
related to film.
Cyprus certainly has all the pieces of the
puzzle to develop a thriving film sector, what is
needed now is the right kind of investments and
strategies to support the growth of the industry
and attract major international players to captialise
on the immense potential of this beautiful
and versatile island. n
Discover more at www.cyprusprofile.com
Country Report CYPRUS 2020 91