The Divided Island

The Divided Island is an excellent documentary which tells the heart wrenching story of the conflict which has divided Cyprus for the past 50 years. The story is told by a unique blend of factual story telling and real life personal stories from participants who have lived through this conflict which has allowed the film to have a resounding impact on the viewers. The directors have managed to present an highly emotional yet still unbiased take on the conflict teaching the viewers about stories from both sides of Turkey and Greece through the medium of the eyes of the people who lived through it.

I would highly recommend to watch The Divided Island.

As a people who have been historically infantilized, I cannot describe how satisfying it is to have a balanced representation of our collective history by an inter-communal duo. Whether you're an expert or curious about how Cyprus came to be, this documentary offers insights and most importantly, stokes solidarity between not just Cypriot communities, but colonised communities of the Global South who have suffered partition due to British divide and conquer policies and US imperialism. Any land with natural resources to exploit has a people whose history is dominantly described by the very people who wish to extract from them. This is what it looks like when those subjects overcome those barriers and reclaim their narratives.

This film has truly resonated with me and so many others, shining a light on the complex and painful history of Cyprus while inspiring a new generation to envision a future of unity and peace. The collaboration of two friends from both communities is a powerful symbol of hope, showing that Greek and Turkish Cypriots can work together toward a shared future. Stories like these can be incredibly impactful, breaking down barriers and building mutual understanding. Hopefully, this film continues to spark dialogue and hope across Cyprus and beyond. Here's to more initiatives like this. Part Two pls.

The Divided Island offers a fascinating glimpse into the recent history of Cyprus. A series of powerful, hard-hitting testimonials from Greeks and Turks who lived through the horrors are captivatingly presented alongside insight from historians, piecing together 70 years of history in 90 minutes.

The most impressive aspect of this film is its ability to illicit empathy from both sides. The documentary is co-produced by Greek and Turkish Cypriots, providing balance and measure to a debate which has traditionally been characterised by fierce hatred for either side.

It's the story of Cyprus, told by Cypriots. Leveraging an impressive range of archive footage, the documentary forces both sides to acknowledge the trauma and pain caused by the conflict. It's a story, that until now, has remained untold, providing critical perspectives on the events that led to the division of the island and Nicosia - Europe's last divided city.

This outstanding film offers a captivating look into the divided island of Cyprus, delving deep into its complex history and the ongoing challenges faced by its people. It's incredibly educational, presenting insights into a conflict I knew little about, and leaves a lasting impact. While there are emotionally intense scenes that may be triggering, the film skillfully balances them with a strong sense of hope for future generations. The production quality is exceptional, with stellar work by Two Fresh, Director Cey, and DOP Andy. Highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding Cyprus's journey and resilience.