Over the past decade, Cyprus has gained increasing recognition as an attractive filming destination, drawing the attention of international production companies seeking unique locations and financial incentives. The island, known for its rich history, sun-drenched landscapes, and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, has become a compelling choice for filmmakers looking for versatility in their settings.

The launch of the country’s official incentive scheme in 2018 marked a turning point for the industry, transforming Cyprus from a relatively underutilised location into a thriving centre for film and television productions – branded ‘Olivewood’. International producers have taken notice, with Hollywood and European film crews now frequently selecting Cyprus as their preferred filming base. In recent years, productions filmed on the island have gained recognition at renowned film festivals, including Cannes, Venice, and Tribeca, further boosting Cyprus’ reputation as an emerging player in global cinema.

Robust Incentives Driving Growth

The success of Cyprus’ growing film sector is closely tied to its attractive incentive scheme, which has positioned the island as one of the most competitive filming destinations in Europe. The scheme, managed by the country’s investment promotion agency Invest Cyprus through the Cyprus Film Commission, has undergone enhancements in recent years and has an annual budget of €25 million for reimbursement purposes. This financial framework offers substantial benefits to both local and international filmmakers, with cash rebates and tax credits of up to 45% on qualifying (below the line) production expenditures – making it the most generous cash rebate in the EU.

One of the scheme’s standout features is that it also provides cash back for up to 25% of above-the-line expenditures, which is rare among European incentive programmes. Producers can also take advantage of tax allowances of up to 20% for investments in infrastructure and equipment, making long-term projects more viable. The scheme further includes Value Added Tax (VAT) returns on qualifying expenses, creating a highly cost-effective production environment.

The categories eligible for incentives have also expanded to cater to the evolving landscape of the audiovisual sector. Feature films, television series, documentaries, and animation projects continue to qualify, while cross-media productions and reality programmes that promote Cyprus internationally are also eligible. Productions that integrate local cultural elements, employ Cypriot professionals, or use the Greek language receive additional consideration, reinforcing the government’s commitment to support both economic growth and cultural development.

A great example of this is the 2024 success of romantic comedy ‘Find me Falling’, which was shot entirely in Cyprus, written and directed by Cypriot-South African Stelana Kliris and featuring Harry Connick Jr. and Agni Scott. The film topped Netflix’s global charts ranking first for two consecutive weeks, and within just three days of its release reached 22.5 million streaming hours – drawing significant worldwide attention to the cinematic appeal and economic potential of Cyprus as a filming location.

Over the last few years, the Cyprus Film Commission has approved productions to big players such as UK’s Channel 4 and 5, ITV, Warner Bros, Canal+ and Canal Studio and ZDF. During 2024, the Commission approved 14 productions to be shot in Cyprus, all of which are expected to be released during 2025 – with Amazon Prime shooting four of them, which included a TV series and reality show. The Swedish version of reality show Love Island was also shot in Cyprus and is expected to return again in 2025.

A Skilled Workforce and Growing Industry

The local Cypriot film industry has also made considerable strides in building a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting large-scale productions. Over 1,000 professionals now work across various aspects of film and television production, including cinematography, directing, editing, and post-production. Many of these professionals have international training and experience, and bring valuable expertise to projects filmed on the island. In the last five years, more than 50 local production companies, fixers, and other related entities have worked with foreign productions approved by the Cyprus Film Commission.

A key benefit is also the fact that English is widely spoken in Cyprus and among industry professionals, facilitating seamless collaboration with foreign production teams. Additionally, a network of high-quality production service providers ensures that filmmakers have access to essential equipment and technical support. While Cyprus does not yet have large-scale film studios, its growing ecosystem of production companies and service providers has demonstrated the ability to handle complex and ambitious projects.

The rise of remote production technologies has also contributed to the industry’s evolution. Some Cypriot production houses now offer remote filming solutions, allowing international directors and producers to oversee shoots via live streaming. This innovation has proven especially valuable in the post-pandemic era, making it easier for global filmmakers to collaborate with Cypriot crews from anywhere in the world.

New Push for Studio Infrastructure 

While Cyprus has established itself as an attractive filming location, the absence of large-scale film studios has remained a challenge for productions requiring soundstages and controlled environments. The government has in fact identified the lack of large studios as a potential investment opportunity, and while some concrete plans for state-of-the-art film studios in Cyprus are under consideration, further developments and official announcements are still pending. These types of purpose-built studios would certainly enhance Cyprus’ ability to accommodate big-budget blockbuster productions, reducing the need for filmmakers to seek studio facilities in other countries.

Beyond studio development, Cyprus’ existing infrastructure plays a crucial role in its appeal as a filming destination. The island is well connected to major cities across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, with two international airports offering direct flights to key production hubs. Due to its small size, internal distances are short between all cities, which are also all under 100 km from one of the two international airports. Cyprus’ well-maintained road network allows crews to move efficiently between locations, enabling filmmakers to capture dramatically different settings – from coastal beaches to snow-capped mountains – within the span of a single day. Thanks to the island’s status as a popular holiday destination, accommodation options are equally diverse ranging from luxury five-star resorts to traditional village homes, providing a variety of settings for productions while ensuring comfort for visiting film crews.

Versatile Backdrops for Many Genres

One of Cyprus’ most compelling attributes is its extraordinary variety of filming locations. The island’s 648-kilometre coastline features an array of breathtaking settings, from secluded rocky coves to pristine pebble and sandy beaches, offering an ideal backdrop for productions requiring picturesque seaside scenery.

Inland, the landscape shifts dramatically. In Nicosia, the flat plains look like a desert in the peak of summer but are transformed to a lush green during winter months. In the centre of the island, the pine-clad Troodos mountains provide stunning hilltops, dense forests and valleys, waterfalls and picturesque vineyards and traditional villages, with its peaks covered in snow in the winter. Larnaca offers cityscapes, a castle and salt lakes teeming with flamingos in the winter, while Paphos – the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite – has more historical sites, beautiful beaches and hills, the Akamas Nature Reserve and banana plantations scattered along its coast.

The island has a rich historical and cultural landscape featuring various historic periods, ranging from archaeological sites to quaint villages and modern cities. Cyprus offers endless opportunities for film makers with its ruins of ancient city kingdoms with pillars and amphitheatres, Venetian bridges tucked away in forest hills, ancient aqueducts, Byzantine art and architecture, as well as the unique 16^th century Venetian city walls and heart-shaped bastions of Nicosia that protect the labyrinthine streets of the vibrant old city.

The coastal city of Limassol offers a modern and more cosmopolitan city scape with beach-front skyscrapers dominating the view. The Limassol Marina juts into the sea adjacent to the old town and the medieval Limassol Castle, where according to legend Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England in 1191. Also, near Limassol is the Kolossi Castle, which is a former Crusader stronghold of the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and was briefly taken over by the Knights Templar in 1306.

Predictable Climate

Cyprus’ natural light and stable climate further enhance its desirability as a filming location. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and mild winters, productions can shoot year-round without major weather disruptions. The hot and dry summer is from May to October, and the mild and green winters with occasional rain are from December to February. There are clear distinctions between the two seasons, which are separated by a short autumn and spring when the island’s flora is in full bloom. This predictability is a significant advantage for filmmakers working within tight schedules and budgets, ensuring consistent lighting conditions and reducing production delays.

The Future of ‘Olivewood’

As Cyprus continues to invest in its audiovisual sector, the country’s ambitions extend beyond simply being a filming destination. The country is actively working to transform Cyprus into a fully-fledged film production hub, with a focus on long-term infrastructure investments, international co-productions, and policy enhancements that will further strengthen the industry. Continuous refinements to the incentive programme will ensure that Cyprus remains an attractive choice for filmmakers amid increasing global competition. The industry is also exploring partnerships with international film schools and training institutions to cultivate a new generation of talent, positioning Cyprus as a centre for both production and education in the cinematic arts.

With its combination of financial incentives, diverse landscapes, skilled professionals, and government-backed initiatives, Cyprus is well on its way to becoming a premier film destination. As ‘Olivewood’ continues to grow, the island is proving that it has not only the scenery but also the expertise to support a thriving, sustainable film industry for years to come.

For more information, contact Cyprus' investment promotion agency, Invest Cyprus.

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March 2025