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“Find Me Falling” Dominates Netflix Global Top 10 Films

In a significant milestone for the Cypriot film industry, “Find Me Falling,” produced in Cyprus and featuring Harry Connick Jr., has ascended to the pinnacle of Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for most-watched films. The film, directed and written by Cypriot filmmaker Stelana Kliris, achieved 14.4 million views within just five days of its release on 19 July 2024. It also garnered an impressive 22.5 million hours viewed, substantially outperforming the second most-watched film, “Trolls Band Together,” which recorded 15.8 million hours.

This success marks a historic first for a Cypriot film on the global streaming platform. “Find Me Falling” weaves a compelling narrative around John Allman, an ageing rock star portrayed by Connick Jr., who retreats to Cyprus to revive his musical inspiration. The film’s rich storyline, described by Kliris as a “vacation” experience, delves into themes of love, both romantic and familial, and the sacrifices made for passion and loved ones. Connick Jr.’s character navigates the idyllic yet tumultuous island life, facing complex personal and professional challenges.

The film’s success underscores the growing influence of Cypriot cinema on the global stage, highlighting the country’s potential as a hub for international film production. Kliris’s achievement with “Find Me Falling” not only showcases local talent but also paves the way for future Cypriot productions to gain international acclaim.

Forbes readers, especially those in the entertainment and film production sectors, should note the strategic elements contributing to the film’s success. The collaboration with an internationally renowned actor, the compelling narrative set in an exotic locale, and the film’s high production values have resonated with global audiences. This serves as a case study for leveraging local cultural assets and talent to achieve worldwide recognition.

The film’s triumph on Netflix exemplifies how strategic storytelling, coupled with robust production and marketing efforts, can elevate regional cinema to global prominence. As “Find Me Falling” continues to captivate audiences, it stands as a testament to the potential of Cypriot filmmaking in the competitive entertainment landscape. This landmark achievement signals a promising future for Cyprus in the international film industry, inspiring local filmmakers to aim for global success.

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

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.

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