Limassol studio launch signals long-term film investment in Cyprus
Copper Island, the international film company with roots in the US, UK, Europe and Australia, has officially launched its new post-production facility in Limassol’s old town, marking a strategic investment in Cyprus’ growing role as a hub for global filmmaking.
The event drew a crowd of cultural and diplomatic figures, including Deputy Culture Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou, who delivered the address on behalf of President Nikos Christodoulides.
Also in attendance were Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, representatives of the US and Greek embassies, and key members of the country’s creative, academic, business and media communities.
In his message, the President said Copper Island’s presence would “actively contribute to the establishment of Cyprus as a point of reference in international creative production,” adding that the company arrives at a time when the island is becoming “a new, dynamic audiovisual hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
He referred to a series of government measures, including a cash rebate scheme, tax incentives and a wide range of funding programmes, that have drawn foreign investment and supported both international and local productions.
Many of these, he noted, have secured global distribution.
“Last year we celebrated the first Cypriot production on Netflix. This was indeed a great achievement with multiple positive ripple effects.”
The Department of Contemporary Culture, he added, is also investing in education, audience development and the wider promotion of cinema.
“We’re sitting on a gold mine, and we’re not sufficiently aware of it,” he said, quoting the recent joint declaration by European Ministers of Culture, which emphasised the film industry’s significant contribution to Europe’s GDP.
As a result, Cyprus is increasingly becoming a dynamic hub for creative production in the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to Christodoulides, the results of this effort are already visible. Cypriot productions and co-productions have secured a strong presence at prestigious A-list film festivals, such as Cannes, Karlovy Vary and Tallinn Black Nights. Some of these have earned awards, while Find Me Falling marked a milestone as the first Cypriot production on Netflix.
Describing the company as a key new player, the President said its name, inspired by the island’s historic ties to copper, reflects the deep connection Copper Island wishes to form with Cyprus, the country it now calls home.
For company founder Matt Murphie, who has lived in Cyprus for nearly a decade, the launch marks both a business expansion and a personal commitment.
“This evening is not just about opening a post-production facility. It’s about reaffirming our commitment to Cyprus,” he said.
“Copper Island’s vision is to raise the awareness of Cyprus internationally as a first-class film destination and assist in further developing the industry here. I have long thought that not enough people on this planet know about the true beauty of this island and there is no better way to showcase this than through the power of cinema.”
“Filmmaking has proven to have positive economic benefits on local economies, and I have no doubt that increasing film productions on the island will have a positive effect on the Cypriot economy.”
Over the past two years, the company has contributed to more than ten film productions, with combined budgets exceeding $100 million.
“Our role has ranged from equity financing and cash-flowing rebates, to development support and full creative production,” Murphie said.
“Most recently, we served as producers on Dead Man’s Wire, starring Bill Skarsgard, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino.”
He added that Copper Island has worked on projects ranging from $55 million to under $2 million, collaborating with iconic talent such as Anthony Hopkins, Jude Law, Sydney Sweeney and Ana de Armas, and with directors including Ron Howard, “one of the highest-grossing filmmakers of all time.”
“But despite all of that, what excites us most right now is what’s happening right here, in Cyprus.”
The company’s upcoming slate includes Bride Hard, an action-comedy starring Rebel Wilson, due for release in 2,500 US cinemas on June 20, 2025.
Meanwhile, Dead Man’s Wire, directed by Gus Van Sant, is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival in August.
Eden, directed by Ron Howard and starring Jude Law and Ana de Armas, which premiered in Toronto last year, will be released this summer.
At the local level, Copper Island is currently involved in two Cypriot productions.
Murphie said, “We’re incredibly grateful to have already been involved in Apart from Her, written, directed and produced by the talented Stelana Kliris, who was responsible for Find Me Falling.”
He added, “All filmed in Cyprus and was the most watched Netflix feature globally on its week of release.”
The second project, The Well, by Marios Piperides and Janine Teerling, is set to enter post-production next week at the Limassol facility.
Describing Cyprus as a film studio in itself, Murphie noted, “From the mountains to the sea, from the rural villages to the urban sprawl, it has waterfalls, rivers, even snow. Cyprus offers an extraordinary range.”
He said that “now, through this post-production hub, we can turn that raw material into stories that resonate around the world.”
He acknowledged that the facility may be small for now, but said it is “fitted with the very best technology available.”
What truly makes Cyprus stand out, he said, is not just the landscape but “the professionals, crews, producers, and creatives who’ve been building this industry for years.”
Murphie made it clear that “We’re not here to compete. We’re here to collaborate because filmmaking, at its best, is about teamwork.”
“We have already worked with some of you and hope to work with many more of you, and I want to say thank you for welcoming us.”
He also acknowledged the support of his core team,“particularly David and Luke, who relocated from Australia with their families.”
He added, “I would also like to thank their wives for being up for the adventure.”
Reflecting on the journey, he remarked, “At the moment, most people in Hollywood cannot locate Cyprus on a map, but then again, there are many places they cannot locate on a map, so let’s not take it personally.”
What matters, he said, is that “step by step, project by project, we’re putting Cyprus on their map.”
And finally, he ended with a line that summed it all up,“Forget Hollywood, it’s now all about Cyprus.”
Lastly, director and producer Stelana Kliris, speaking at the event, warmly welcomed Copper Island to the island’s film community.
She noted that everyone in the room shared a common passion, storytelling, cinema, and a deep love for Cyprus.
She said that the arrival of new collaborators, especially those committed to telling stories rooted in Cyprus or inspired by its landscapes, can only strengthen the local industry.
“We want to tell more of our stories and we want to welcome filmmakers from around the world to tell their stories here,” she said, adding that film productions support a wide range of sectors, from tourism and hospitality to transport, finance and catering.
Bodies such as the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Cyprus Film Commission, she pointed out, have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s cinematic landscape.
Yet just as vital are the local filmmakers, producers and crews, who continue pushing the industry forward.
She described Copper Island’s arrival as a welcome boost.
“It is wonderful to welcome a new member of our film family who has come to the island with the same goal,” she said, referring to Matt Murphie, Dave, Luke and their team.
From her own experience on the film Apart from Her, Kliris said the Copper Island team proved integral to the project, offering financing, creative support and access to their facilities at a pivotal point in the production.
She noted that their involvement came at a critical moment, and that the collaboration had been seamless.
“I am deeply grateful for their faith in me and my film,” she said, adding that they were also currently supporting her friend, filmmaker Marios Piperides, which further demonstrated their long-term commitment to Cyprus.
Although the local film community remains relatively small, she believes its potential is significant, and that collaboration, rather than competition, is the key to growth.
“Success for one of us means success for all,” Kliris said, expressing her excitement for what lies ahead and wishing Copper Island every success in its journey on the island.