Bonelli's eagle is the only eagle species that breeds in Cyprus. It's a symbol of power and an imposing presence; it's the absolute master of Cyprus skies.
Bonelli's Eagle is the only eagle which nests, albeit in small numbers, in the mountainous regions of Cyprus. A symbol of great power and an imposing presence, it is the absolute master of Cyprus' skies. Bonelli's Eagle is one of the rarest but most significant birds of the Cyprus avifauna; unfamiliar to many, it lives and reproduces far from human eyes in remote and secluded regions. It is for this reason that Bonelli's Eagle requires protection by the state, being a species which is in real danger of disappearing from the beautiful island of Cyprus. In this documentary we follow several stages of the life of an eagle in the boundless Cyprus forests.
Cyprus 1935. Philippos is in love with Giorgoulla but his social status does not allow him to ask for her hand in marriage. His passion drives him to do something inconceivable. Based on true events, “Blind Passions” is a short period drama about love, passion…and its consequences. Christmas 1935 - Philippos, a poor young man is passionately in love with Giorgoulla, the daughter of Neophytos, a wealthy, arrogant man. Philippos knows that if he asks Giorgoulla’s hand in marriage he will be turned down because of his low social status. His passion for the young lady makes him do something inconceivable for that period on the island: ignoring his friend’s indications, he follows Giorgoulla on Christmas day. He stuns her by grabbing her from the back, tries to tell her that he is in love with her and forcefully kisses her. She struggles to get away but Philippos manages to do so when her cousin Niki arrives at the scene. Philippos runs away. When Giorgoulla tells her parents what happened, they turn to the local police. Neophytos is furious with Philippos and demands that he gets arrested and put to jail. Events take an unexpected turn and someone ends up… murdered!
Pavlos and Maria have been married for the last few years. When they discover that they (technically) can't have children naturally, they opt for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and seek for medical assistance. However, while their efforts prove/become fruitless, the couple's relationship suffers the psychological and economic/financial/finance effects of their decision. Finally, they consider exploring adoption as an alternative for creating a family, leading them into a new path.
This documentary film concerns the Cyprus silk industry, which has played an important role in the economic life of the island throughout the centuries. Although silk appeared in Cyprus from the Byzantine times, the period in which this material predominated in the "Silk Routes" is mainly from the 13th to the 15th century A.D. during the Lusignan Rule of the island. Cyprus was then developed into the manufacturing and trade center of the silk industry in the eastern Mediterranean basin, supplying with silk the Church in the West. Besides, one has to mention that the silk industry in Cyprus survived as a cottage industry until the mid-20th century. The traditional methods of silk production and weaving into precious textiles as well as their uses for the dowry household linen and costumes are presented in this documentary film. These rare documents are completed with selected interviews from craftsmen and traders from the last generation of silk producers with a couple of refugees as predominant characters throughout the film. The documentary's objective is not only to present scenes and information, but to maintain constant interest in the subject and to give artistic values as well: by means such as the "popularized" narration, the presence of the magical relationship between these craftsmen and their products, etc. within the framework of a changing society and economy. Dr. Eleni Papademetriou, cultural anthropologist, who studied the subject during fieldwork, in archives and museums, since 1965, writes the script.
This is an investigative documentary that explores the archaeoastronomical and geodesic aspects of three of the most important ancient temples in Cyprus: Apollo Hylates' temple at Curium, Aphrodite's temple at Palaepaphos and Aphrodite's temple at Amathous. The film explores also the connection these three temples have with other temples in the region such as the Apollo's temple at Delphi and Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and the Cheops's great pyramid in Egypt..
In Greek mythology Gyps Fulvus (Griffon Vulture) are the servants of the Gods, carrying the souls of the dead in the endless universe. It is easy to see why the Ancient Greeks linked these huge birds to death since they’re indeed the undertakers of countryside, feeding on dead bodies. Despite their habits they have a majestic beauty. Historical records suggest that the Griffon Vulture, largest native bird, was once abundant on the island of Cyprus and could be found on all areas. However, more recently, the combination of food shortage and poisoned baits have marked a decrease in in their numbers. Thankfully, a small colony of Griffon Vulture numbering only about 15 birds survives on the high cliffs of Episkopi Bay, within the British Base area. The environment department’s work ensures that here at least the birds are safe.
Follow us into the vast forest areas of Troodos and Paphos while exploring the wildlife and the shelter of the beautiful and impressive moufflons. The moufflon is known to be a unique subspecies of sheep-goat worldwide and the largest native ground (χερσαίο) mammal that characterizes Cyprus fauna. It was considered an endangered species and thus it is included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) red list since 1978. However, since 1990 it is considered as Vulnerable species and under protection by the CITES, the international treaty for the protection of rare species.
In this documentary, we explore moufflon's ecology, their biology, nutrition, social space, safety and preservation.
The destruction which the cultural heritage of Cyprus has suffered in the occupied areas is complete. Archaeological sites wrecked. Churches destroyed wall paintings and mosaics in fragments. In the 21st century, Cyprus is trying to save whatever is left of the archaeological treasures which the occupying regime has sold at high prices in the markets of Europe and America.
As a teenager, Chris abruptly abandoned his dream of becoming a fighter pilot of the US Navy to join a colourful yet reclusive Sufi sect led by the mysterious Turkish-Cypriot Sheikh Nazim. He then harbors a new dream of becoming an Islamic scholar. But the Sheikh has other, maybe grander, plans for him. A decade and half later, Chris, now known as Alauddin, lives in Germany, happily married to Fatima, the wife the Sheikh advised him to marry when he was 17, and working as a cook in the Sheikh’s restaurant. But despite his apparently problem-free lifestyle, Alauddin has begun to question whether the destiny alluded to by the Sheikh will ever materialize. He travels to Cyprus, the Shiekh’s home and spiritual headquarters, to find out.
Nikos Nikolaides is one of the most prominent figures in Greek literature. He was part of a new generation of poets and writers of the mid twentieth century. Nikolaides, in his writings, struggled for perfection of form and content. Man, for him was a deeply complex creature, sad and melancholic at his core but always liable for redemption. The construction of the character and the detailed chiseling of the tormented soul as presented by him, were new to the literary scene of the time. The documentary follows Nikolaides from birth to death, his meandering mainly through Egypt Cyprus, Greece, and his friendships with other creators of his time. Academics and researchers talk about his work and its importance in the evolution of Greek literature. Archived photos, reenactments, interviews of those who knew him and readings from his prose structure the documentary. Nikolaides, like his characters, was a man at odds with the world; he was a man of elegance in an inelegant world.
