Opinion
By Simos Manganis
Something is quietly changing in Cyprus, and this time, it’s not about tourism or real estate. The island is emerging as a new hub for global film and television. From high-end series to blockbuster films and major reality shows, Cyprus is starting to shine on the radar of international studios. And like any great production, this transformation is driven by strategy and professionalism.
Cyprus offers exactly what producers seek: compact geography, reliable weather, safety, easy access to Europe, and a growing pool of skilled professionals. In just a few hours, a production can move from mountain to sea, from a traditional village to a high-tech setting. Add to that a legal and financial framework ready to support growth, and you have the perfect canvas for filmmakers.
The real breakthrough came with the Audiovisual Industry Promotion Plan, offering cash rebates of up to 45% for productions spending part of their budget on the island. This incentive fuels an entire ecosystem, hotels, catering, transport, financial services, construction, and hundreds of specialized professionals. Each shoot leaves behind revenue, experience, and know-how. At the same time, every production markets Cyprus globally, turning the island into a cultural export in its own right.
Already, productions from Europe, the UK, and the US are choosing Cyprus, investing millions, bringing international crews, and forming partnerships with local talent. Beyond the economic benefits, these projects train the next generation of professionals in international standards, creating a new class of creators who can work from Cyprus for the global market.
In this ecosystem, Green Olive Films plays a leading role. One of Cyprus’ most active production companies, it has helped build the island’s profile as a rising audiovisual destination. With experience in international projects and a network spanning the Mediterranean, Green Olive Films connects major foreign productions with local talent. Acting often as co-producer, the company ensures shoots run smoothly and meet global expectations. The result: productions come to Cyprus not just for incentives, but to work with a team fluent in the “language” of Netflix, ITV, and Paramount+.
Cyprus’ journey mirrors the early successes of other countries. Malta, leveraging stable incentives, built an industry hosting productions like Gladiator and Jurassic World Dominion. Israel, with its 1999/2000 Film Act, grew a global powerhouse with hits like Fauda and Tehran. In every case, success was no accident. It was strategy in action.
Cyprus can follow, and even surpass, the same course. The country has the scale, stability, and infrastructure the international market demands. By maintaining consistent policy, investing in branding Cyprus as a film-friendly destination, strengthening financial incentives, and fostering public-private collaboration, the island can create a self-sustaining growth engine for decades. Companies like Green Olive Films are crucial, providing the most valuable commodity for any production: reliability.
In today’s streaming era, where platforms crave fresh content and authentic visuals, Cyprus has a golden opportunity. It may not yet rival London’s studios or Los Angeles’ budgets, but it has something even more valuable: flexibility and the ambition of a new generation eager to produce world-class content. With a shared vision from government and industry, Filmed in Cyprus could become more than a slogan. It could become an internationally recognized seal of quality.
With key players like Green Olive Films leading the way, Cyprus is ready to take center stage in the region and stake its claim in the trillions of dollars flowing through the global entertainment industry.
Simos Manganis is CEO of Green Olive Films.
