Department of Con­tem­po­rary Culture - Deputy Ministry of Culture

The Department of Contemporary Culture - Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus is the main exponent of the cultural policy of the State as regards contemporary culture. Acknowledging the power of cinema and its importance in shaping contemporary societies, the Cyprus Cinema Office at the Department of Contemporary Culture is responsible for cinematographic productions, film education, professional training as well as for festivals and distribution.

The Cinema Office runs a range of funding programmes for the development of the local film industry and the enhancement of cinematographic production with a dedicated funding scheme for feature, short, documentary and animation films, a special support programme for independent Cinema as well as the Minority Co-production Scheme for the support of Cypriot participation in international co-productions. The Cinema Office is also responsible for the international promotion of Cypriot cinema through its presence at major film markets around the world and its collaboration with international film festivals and the Cypriot Diplomatic Missions. 

State-funded film production in Cyprus began in May 1994 with the establishment of the CINEMA ADVISORY COMMITTEE, following a decision of the Council of Ministers (March, 1994). The Committee’s mandate is to make suggestions for funding to the competent Ministerial Committee following an annual call for proposals submitted by Cypriot producers in the categories of feature films, short films and documentary films, as well as encourage co-productions with other countries. Its responsibilities also include the in-depth study of the Cypriot film industry and the submission of suggestions and proposals regarding legislation and state policy on cinema and the audiovisual sector in Cyprus.

The Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus is also responsible for bilateral agreements and the promotion of Cyprus as a filming destination location. It also represents Cyprus in various EU Cinema Expert Groups and the Audiovisual Working Group in Brussels.

Cyprus is a founding member of Eurimages, member of the Creative Europe MEDIA Program, the SEE Cinema Network and the EFAD. Cyprus has ratified the Convention on Cinematographic Co-production of the Council of Europe. 

In addition to the above, the Department of Contemporary Culture, through its Cinema Office, promotes the development of film education and film going in Cyprus, providing local film festivals, film clubs and other cultural organisations that deliver film education and curated screening programmes with expertise and financial support. Last but not least, the Cinema Office in collaboration with local and international stake holders runs specially designed programmes for professional training, audience development and capacity building in the audiovisual sector.