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Cypriot Actress Marina Makri Joins Shooting Stars 2025 As A Rising Star Of European Cinema

Marina Makri, a distinguished Cypriot actress, has been selected as one of Europe’s most promising talents for 2025. Chosen by an international jury from the European Film Promotion (EFP) network, she will represent Cyprus in the prestigious Shooting Stars 2025 programme.

About The Shooting Stars Initiative

The European Film Promotion’s (EFP) Shooting Stars programme annually spotlights ten of Europe’s brightest emerging actors. These rising stars are given the chance to enhance their careers through exclusive meetings with industry professionals, including casting directors, talent agents, journalists, and key entertainment industry figures. The programme takes place during the Berlin International Film Festival, where the selected actors engage in international networking opportunities and media exposure.

Makri’s Impressive Career And Achievements

Marina Makri is a multi-award-winning actress with an established career in theatre, cinema, and television. Her portfolio includes roles in successful local and international film productions, as well as appearances in acclaimed television series. She holds a master’s degree in Visual Culture and a degree in Art Theory, showcasing her deep-rooted passion for the arts.

Her exceptional talent was recently recognised at the Cyprus Film Days 2024 International Film Festival, where she received the Best Actress award from the festival’s international jury.

A Milestone For Cypriot Cinema

Makri’s selection for Shooting Stars 2025 is a significant milestone for Cypriot cinema. The Deputy Ministry of Culture’s Department of Contemporary Culture emphasised that this recognition highlights Cyprus’s growing influence in the global film industry. Cyprus has been actively participating in EFP programmes like Producers on the Move since 2018, working to showcase Cypriot talent on the international stage.

As Marina Makri prepares to take the stage at the Berlin International Film Festival, her story inspires hope for the future of Cypriot cinema, shining a light on the island’s growing cultural footprint in the world of film.

MENA Tech Index Fell 4.6% In July, But Outperformed Global Tech

The MAGNiTT Tech Index fell 4.6% in July, marking its second consecutive monthly decline as technology stocks weakened across global markets. MGTI closed the month at 165.24, down 4.76% in 2026 and 24.88% from its January 2025 peak.

Despite the decline, the index remained 65.24% above its January 2023 inception level. Its lower correlation with global technology benchmarks also limited its exposure to the broader technology sell-off.

Saudi Technology Stocks Lead The Decline

Saudi technology companies accounted for much of July’s decline. Nice One fell 21.3%, Jahez dropped 17.2%, and Rasan declined 15.7%, while Talabat gave back part of its second-quarter recovery.

Only three of the index’s 15 constituents ended July higher. MGTI also underperformed regional equity markets, with Saudi Arabia falling 1.89% and Dubai declining 2.69% during the month.

MGTI Shows Lower Correlation With Global Tech

July marked a reversal in global technology stocks, with MSCI EM IT falling 12.81% and MSCI ACWI IT declining 5.64%. MGTI’s lower correlation with those benchmarks limited the decline, with a correlation of 0.36 to MSCI EM IT.

The index also has limited exposure to semiconductors and large-cap AI companies that have driven much of the recent global technology rally. Its performance therefore differs from the broader global technology cycle.

MGTI Remains Above Its 2023 Level

MGTI has gained 65.24% since its January 2023 inception despite its recent declines. The index entered August down 4.76% for 2026 and nearly 25% below its January 2025 peak.

The MAGNiTT Tech Index July 2026 Monthly Update includes constituent-level performance, regional and global benchmark comparisons, and data on correlation, beta and volatility.

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