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Through the Olivewood Cyprus initiative, the Mediterranean island aims to become a leading hub for film production. Known for its beaches and historical heritage, Cyprus is investing in infrastructure and incentives to host international films and series. The goal is ambitious but clear: to promote the country not only as a tourist destination but also as an ideal location for film production, combining natural beauty with economic opportunities.
Why Cyprus is suitable for filmmaking
Cyprus offers numerous practical advantages for filmmakers. The climate is mild year-round, with long sunny days that allow shooting even in winter months. The island’s landscapes are extremely diverse: golden beaches, mountains, historic villages, and modern cities are all within short distances of each other, providing varied natural sets without long transfers. Logistics are also facilitated by the two international airports in Larnaca and Paphos, connecting the island to many European cities and by ports that enable the transport of equipment and film materials. Production costs are also lower than in many other European destinations, a factor increasingly considered by producers.
However, the local industry is still developing: there is a shortage of professionals and advanced facilities. For this reason, in addition to financial incentives, it will be necessary to invest in training and technical skills to make Cyprus truly competitive on the international stage.
The Olivewood plan and incentives
The Olivewood Cyprus project was launched in 2017 with the goal of attracting international film productions. The plan offers concrete incentives, including reimbursements of up to 45% of production expenses and tax breaks for companies choosing to shoot on the island. The 2025 Olivewood fund is approximately €25 million. These measures have already produced tangible results. The island has hosted foreign films and documentaries, increasing its international visibility and creating new employment opportunities for local technicians and professionals.
The project aims to establish Cyprus as a creative hub where economic advantages meet unique natural scenery. Olivewood also represents a strategic step toward consolidating the local film industry, attracting investments, productions, and talent from around the world.
Film productions shot in Cyprus thanks to Olivewood
Olivewood has already attracted several international film and TV productions, helping to build the island’s reputation as the Mediterranean’s new cinematic frontier. Among the most notable titles is Jiu Jitsu (2020), an action film starring Nicolas Cage, shot entirely in Cyprus and considered the production that put the country in the international spotlight. Also noteworthy is S.O.S. Survive or Sacrifice, produced exclusively on the island by Altadium Group.
In the following years, productions such as the British miniseries The Love Rat (2022) and the films The Islander (2023) and Find Me Falling (2024) by Greek-Cypriot director Stelana Kliris further strengthened Cyprus’s presence in the international audiovisual market. The latter film, in particular, was distributed on Netflix, confirming the growing visibility of Cypriot cinema.
Meanwhile, new projects have benefited from Olivewood funding, including Kliris’s upcoming feature Apart From Her (2026) and the Canadian drama Kaboul Montreal by Bachir Bensaddek, which received €430,000 and €331,000 in support, respectively.
Beyond feature films, Olivewood has also attracted numerous European TV productions.. More than €1.7 million has been allocated to three versions of the show Roast on the Coast, produced for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden and available on Prime Video. Each edition, consisting of six half-hour episodes, features Scandinavian comedians traveling across the island, blending humor, travel storytelling and local culture.
The sports entertainment sector has also found opportunities through a €604,000 grant for the ninth season of Superstars, a Warner Bros Discovery production featuring former internationally renowned athletes competing in sporting challenges filmed across Cyprus.
Additional support has gone to The Ex-Wife, a British thriller series based on Jess Ryder’s novel. Following the success of its first season on Paramount+, the second season, partly financed by Olivewood, continues the story with Céline Buckens, Tom Mison and Janet Montgomery, confirming international studios’ interest in the island as a stable and strategic filming location.
The future prospects of Olivewood
Despite progress, Olivewood Cyprus faces significant challenges. Competition in the Mediterranean is strong: countries such as Malta, Greece and Spain already offer advanced infrastructure and similar funding. To grow, Cyprus will need to develop production studios, streamline administrative procedures and train highly specialized local professionals.
Nonetheless, experiences from productions already hosted on the island have been positive, with praise for the variety of landscapes and the hospitality. If these elements are strengthened, Olivewood could become more than just a marketing strategy. It could evolve into a true cinematic hub capable of generating new stories, jobs and economic opportunities. With the right balance of incentives, training, and promotion, Cyprus could genuinely become the “Hollywood of the Mediterranean.”
Images:
- https://stock.adobe.com/it/images/kyrenia-marina-in-cyprus/248125078
- https://stock.adobe.com/it/images/director-shooting-period-film-green-screen-cgi-scene-with-actors-wearing-renaissance-costumes-big-film-studio-professional-crew-shooting-big-budget-movie-back-view-shot/370706184
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dimitri_Logothetis_and_Nicolas_Cage_on_set_of_Jiu_Jitsu.jpg
