Cyprus – General – General information
Cyprus – a cradle of civilisation – is at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. Ideally located between three continents, it has been a meeting point of great civilisations. Its history is amongst the most ancient in the world with the first traces of civilisation dating back to the ninth millennium B.C. The declaration of Independence in 1960, which established the Republic of Cyprus, is an important landmark in the history of the island. Following the Turkish invasion of 1974, part of Cyprus remains under Turkish occupation. In 1983, in violation of the Constitutional Charter of the United Nations, Turkey proclaimed the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” which, to date, is only recognised by Turkey itself. The accession of Cyprus to the European Union in 2004 has undoubtedly further consolidated its presence on the world map of political developments.
The idyllic scenery, beaches, natural parks, mountains and forests with their unique and rare flora, traditional villages, desert and dry landscape at just a short distance from dense forests and modern cities, make up a natural studio offering a variety of sets, a unique destination for the shooting of feature films, advertisements and any kind of audiovisual work where beauty and geomorphic variety are of the essence. The West and the East meet on the island and are assimilated into the Cypriot landscape, leaving their mark throughout the ages. The historical value of Cypriot monuments, combined with the island’s natural beauty and age-old civilisation, undoubtedly make up a truly exceptional destination.
Despite the numerous conquerors in its age-old history, for thousands of years Cyprus has developed and maintained its own civilisation, assimilating cultural elements from the different civilisations that succeeded one another, in a land interspersed with monuments of unique value in our world heritage, such as Neolithic settlements, magnificent specimens of ancient Greek art and civilisation, Greco-Roman theatres, Byzantine churches and monasteries with rare frescoes and portable icons, Latin churches and Crusader towers, Ottoman mosques and prehistoric settlements. Cyprus is known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty which, according to legend, arose from the sea foam.
- Unique geographical location in proximity to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
- Ideal climate, combining sunshine and low rainfall.
- A diverse landscape, natural coastal and mountain beauty, traditional villages and modern cities, all in close proximity.
- Low crime rate and conditions of security.
- Highly qualified workforce.
- Professionals in the audiovisual sector.
- Excellent hospitality translated into pleasant living conditions.
- Excellent infrastructure, especially in the sector of telecommunications and other services.
- Widespread use of English and other European languages.
The island’s main economic activities are in the sectors of commercial shipping, services of high standard and tourism. Following the discovery of hydrocarbons in its Exclusive Economic Zone, Cyprus is attracting interest from across the world, creating new prospects for growth.
Regarding the development of the film industry, Cyprus is an ideal destination for film makers. The excellent climate and services of high standard create perfect conditions for film productions as the island is an open-air natural set, “THE ALL IN ONE FILMING DESTINATION”, which offers the following:
