Press Releases

I have heard a lot about a remarkable Cypriot documentary taking part in the Cannes Film Festival. I was informed then that it was a Virtual Reality Documentary which thereafter was also selected to participate in many international film festivals, winning a distinction four times as “Best VR Film”.

Today we have the privilege to be here at the Cyprus Premiere of the VR Documentary “Green Line”. There is no doubt that it is a very interesting and, according to what I have read about it, a very laborious project, in which the creators dedicated two and a half years for post-production work.

It is striking how a place so close to us, a few hundred meters away from this Gallery, the Buffer Zone –also called “Dead Zone”, is at the same time inaccessible and unfamiliar, so distant, even mysterious, I could say. It is, however, not only part of our country and our neighborhood, but also a reminder of our unfulfilled desire of ending the foreign occupation and reuniting the country. For the moment it stands as a reminder of the occupation and the military presence and sometimes a ground of tension, where only a few and only for special reasons have access to. Thinking of it can cause a reaction meaning we don’t accept this part of our land, of our community, as a definite “dead” zone.

These, I think, would have been enough for creators in cinematography to deliver a documentary that awakens our reflection and provides intense hints not only for a Cypriot, but also for other sensitive people.

In addition, the use of VR technology introduces us to a new world of visualizing, to a new and more exciting experience than what we knew so far.

It is very encouraging that in our days, despite all the well known difficulties, new creators defy the limits and deliver promising projects in the art of making motion pictures in Cyprus. Here tonight we have a very special example of this.

Looking forward to the viewing, I have to congratulate Full View Productions, as well as their supporters, the University of Nicosia, Polar Effect Productions and UNICYP and, of course, those who generously sponsored this event here at the Leventis Gallery.

___________

RM/SCH