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Cyprus Launches Competition For Feature Film Production Funding

The South-Eastern Europe Cinema Network (SEECN) has unveiled an exciting opportunity for filmmakers through a competition aimed at funding production plans for feature films among its member countries. Announced by the Cyprus Ministry of Culture’s Department of Contemporary Culture, this initiative seeks to support and enhance the creative output of the regional film industry.

Funding Details and Goals

The SEECN competition offers substantial financial support, with funding amounts ranging from €6,000 to €10,000, contingent on the network’s financial capacity. The goal is to boost collaborative projects that promote cultural exchange and innovation in cinema. This funding aims to provide a significant boost to filmmakers, helping them bring their creative visions to life and reach a broader audience.

Eligibility Criteria

The competition targets feature films with a minimum runtime of 70 minutes, intended for theatrical release. To qualify, proposals must be co-productions involving at least two producers from the network’s member states, which include Cyprus, Greece, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Romania, and Bulgaria. This requirement encourages cross-border collaboration, fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared cultural experiences.

Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit detailed proposals by 16 September 2024. Each submission should include:

  • A synopsis of the film
  • An extended summary
  • The full screenplay in both English and Greek
  • Additional documentation in English

Two identical, bound copies of the complete production folder are required for the application to be considered. The proposals will be meticulously reviewed at the network’s General Assembly meeting scheduled for November 2024.

Selection Criteria and Operation

The selection criteria focus on the project’s potential to contribute to the cinematic landscape, its cultural relevance, and the feasibility of the production plan. The Department of Contemporary Culture will provide additional information and support to applicants. Interested parties can contact the department via phone or email and access detailed guidelines and application forms on the Ministry of Culture‘s website.

Importance of the Initiative

This competition underscores the SEECN’s commitment to fostering cinematic excellence and supporting filmmakers in the region. By providing financial assistance and encouraging international co-productions, the initiative aims to elevate the standard of filmmaking and promote cultural dialogue through the arts.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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