The documentary ‘Cyprus: The Divided Island’ premiered on Monday at the Ledra Palace in the Nicosia buffer zone, under United Nations auspices.
Director David Castillo said the screening included snippets of more than 50 hours of recordings, the complete versions of which will be released in the coming months, along with the documentary’s final format, on television platforms, probably in three episodes.
He said many people tried to prevent this work from being carried out and put obstacles in the way, but fortunately, many others made the work easier.
Castillo said the production team always aimed for neutrality, and to show maximum respect for both communities on the island, providing a chance for each to explain their story with total freedom, but in a respectful manner.
“When we released the trailer, we received criticism from both sides, each saying that we are favouring the other, and for me, that was the proof that we have been neutral. So I said to myself, and then to all my team, if both sides think we are not neutral because they believe we favour the other, it means we have done a good job, because in reality, we have been neutral,” he said.
He thanked the local authorities attending the event, as well as various ambassadors and diplomats representing Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Palestine, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Switzerland, and the European Parliament.
“Today, the eyes of the world look at Cyprus, again, through these people. And I would like to ask them directly, without filters, that tomorrow, when they arrive at their embassies, they ask themselves, what can I do to help Cyprus? What can I do so that my government and the country that I represent here help to achieve peace in Cyprus? Yes, I said peace, because a ceasefire can never be considered a situation of peace,” he said.
“Why does the European Union take part with Ukraine and not with Cyprus, which is also a member state? Why do they decide to confront Russia but not Turkey? Talk to your governments, explain the problem of Cyprus. Demand that they become aware of the problem and be a part of the solution. Help Cyprus now in order to achieve the most important thing, peace, peace for all, and peace forever,” he concluded.
The documentary explores more than six decades of territorial, identity, and political conflict in Cyprus, featuring interviews, personal testimonies, and an analysis of the diplomatic, social, and cultural implications of the conflict.
The story is told through the voices of over 32 people, including the leaders of both communities and the former United Nations representative in Cyprus.
To view the trailer, click here: https://www.thedividedisland.com/.
