Cyprus is stepping up its pitch to the international audiovisual industry, with the Cyprus Film Commission presenting its incentives programme to film and television professionals in London, as part of a targeted three-day roadshow aimed at boosting foreign productions on the island.
The roadshow, organised by the Cyprus Film Commission, included two events for UK-based audiovisual professionals and a third addressed exclusively to Cypriots living and working in the United Kingdom. All three events were held in London and attracted significantly higher attendance than initially expected.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Lefteris Eleftheriou, head of the Film Commission and the main speaker at the events, said the aim was to raise awareness of Cyprus’ incentives programme and encourage producers to consider the country for future projects. “It is one of the most generous and fastest cash rebate payment schemes in the sector in Europe,” he noted.
During his presentation, Lefteris Eleftheriou outlined the financial incentives available to both foreign and domestic productions, the practical support offered to productions filming in Cyprus, and the eligibility criteria companies must meet in order to secure funding.
Interest from the British audiovisual sector proved particularly strong. According to Eleftheriou, attendance at the event hosted at the Cypriot High Commission far exceeded expectations, with the venue reaching full capacity.
Cyprus’ incentives programme for film and television productions was launched in 2017, but gained wider international visibility in the years following the Covid-19 pandemic. With an annual budget of €25 million, it currently supports more than seven international productions, the majority involving British companies, alongside a growing number of French and Scandinavian projects.
A key feature of the scheme is its requirement for foreign productions to collaborate with Cypriot businesses, a model designed to strengthen the local audiovisual ecosystem and create lasting economic benefits.
The final event of the roadshow was co-organised with the business association Cypriots in the City. Its president, Fanos Theofanous, described the initiative as an example of how cooperation between the diaspora and state institutions can help shape Cyprus’ economic future.
The Commercial Section of the Cypriot High Commission also played a key role in supporting the event, underlining the diplomatic mission’s involvement in promoting Cyprus as an international hub for creative industries.
Source: CNA