N Cyprus to feature in new movie by UK film-makers
ICONIC locations in the TRNC are set to feature in a fulllength movie by budding British film-makers, Cyprus Today can reveal.
Scenes for the 90-minute long Derecho are planned to be shot in Girne, Karaman, the Kervansaray area of Karaoğlanoğlu, Lefkoşa and other areas in May.
The “mystery” story, which will also be shot in northwest England, Yorkshire, London and Baoding in China,
will be directed by students from Preston’s University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and will be shown at international film festivals.
The two directors are Ryan Mcleese and Garjun Lau. Blackwoods Production is producing the film, their first feature, in association with UCLan.
Producers Claire Robinson and Oliver Blackburn are preparing to visit the TRNC, where they will be shown around potential filming sites by Karşıyakabased Peter Wills of North Cyprus Film Productions.
Derecho, named after a devastating storm system that moves a long distance rapidly along an area several miles wide, follows Alex Lake, a “troubled journalist”, as he begins to learn the “truth about his mother’s mysterious death”.
Speaking to Cyprus Today, Ms Robinson said: “Myself and Oliver are very excited to be visiting Northern Cyprus where we will tour different sites . . .
“We decided to film [here] because of its beautiful scenery and many beaches. We also love the large amount of history that the North holds and feel it will look fantastic in our film.
“As a group, we all wanted to film in locations that aren’t necessarily used . . . for UK films and feel that Girne is possibly the place for us.
“The title of the movie, Derecho . . . ties in nicely with our storyline.”
Ms Robinson said the film would be released in mid-2019, although it has already been entered as a “rough edit” to be shown at Britain’s Great Northern Creative Festival in November.
“The official premiere will be held in Preston, where our main offices are based,” she added.
“Upon completion, we are planning to enter it into international film festivals, including any festivals in Cyprus.”
Mr Wills said: “This once again shows how unique North Cyprus is because of its untouched, uncommercialised scenery and rich history. It has . . . panoramic mountain and sea views, making it appealing for film producers.”