Press Releases

First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Professor Luca Bombardieri, Professor of Cypriot and Aegean Archaeology, as well as Professor Tommaso Braccini, Professor of Greek and Latin Philology, for this exceptional initiative. Their dedication to exploring and promoting the cultural heritage of Cyprus is truly commendable, and we are honored to be part of this event.

It is a great pleasure to be here today at the University of Siena to present our work “Myths and Tales of Cyprus”, a production of the Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus made possible by my colleague Erotokritos Fahmi and our truly talented collaborators the researcher Dr Iosif Hadjikyriacos and film director Mark Kassinos.

This series was born out of a deep need to preserve, highlight, and share our cultural heritage. The myths and traditions of a country are more than just stories of the past. They are living narratives that connect generations, reflect the values of a nation, and form an essential part of their cultural identity. Through this series, we wanted to showcase Cyprus not only as a place of rich history but also as a nation that treasures its heritage while reintroducing it to the world in a fresh and engaging way.

That is why we chose storytelling, an approach which speaks to all. The episodes are short, designed for today’s digital world, and combine live-action cinematography with animation. This dynamic and youthful approach breathes new life into ancient myths, making them accessible and inviting to a wider audience.

As mentioned above, a key role in the success of the series was played by the meticulous research of Dr Iosif Hadjikyriakos, who unearthed valuable insights from historical and folkloric sources, bringing these myths back to light. At the same time, the vision of film director Mark Kassinos ensured that each episode captured the magic of these narratives through stunning visuals and compelling cinematic techniques.

These myths are not just stories; they are echoes of our past in Cyprus that continue to shape our identity today.

Before we begin the screening, I would like to emphasise how vital it is to keep our myths alive. These tales are not mere legends – they are vessels of wisdom, tradition, and cultural continuity.

They teach us who we are, where we come from, and ultimately, how far we can go to our future.

I sincerely thank you for this honouring invitation and for your interest in our work. I sincerely hope you will enjoy the screening! 

(IA/AS)