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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 13, 2024

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.

New Decrees For Blue Card And Foreign Students: Key Changes And Implications

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 20, 2024

The Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance has announced a series of new measures aimed at addressing the increasing demands of Cyprus’ labor market. These initiatives are designed to attract highly skilled professionals from third countries and broaden employment opportunities for foreign students in select fields, as outlined in the recent Decrees published in the Official Gazette of the Republic.

Attracting Skilled Professionals

One of the key updates is the introduction of a minimum annual salary for foreign professionals, which has been set at €43,632, 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Cyprus. This salary threshold applies to individuals coming to work in sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), pharmaceuticals for research purposes, and maritime industries (excluding skippers and crew).

Expanded Employment Options For Foreign Students

The new regulations also provide an update on the employment rights of foreign students. From December 2024, students from third countries will be able to work in Cyprus, with the new rules replacing the previous March 2024 start date.

Students studying ICT who have completed their first academic semester will be eligible to work in occupations related to their field of study, thereby gaining practical experience while pursuing their education.

In response to critical sector shortages, the regulations also clarify the specific occupations and salaries that Blue Card holders—third-country nationals—will be eligible for in Cyprus. The Blue Card, in line with the European Directive, allows highly skilled professionals to live and work in EU member states.

Strengthening The Labor Market and Economy

These updates are expected to bolster the supply of specialized workers in key sectors, addressing existing gaps and promoting the continued growth of Cyprus’ economy. At the same time, the new measures offer foreign students enhanced opportunities for professional development, facilitating their seamless integration into the country’s workforce.