Production has started in Nicosia for “Apart from Her”, the new film by Cypriot director Stelana Kliris, whose recent Netflix hit “Find Me Falling” gained international recognition, according to Variety magazine.
The period drama, which Kliris also wrote, follows a young woman who leaves Cyprus in 1974 for apartheid-era South Africa through an arranged marriage. The story unfolds as she befriends a local woman harbouring a dark secret, exploring themes of cultural identity against significant historical events.
The international cast features Palestinian actress Leem Lubany (Oscar-nominated “Omar”, Emmy-nominated “The Old Man”), British actor Luke Pasqualino (“The Musketeers”), and Namibian actress Girley Jazama, who earned African Movie Academy recognition for “Under The Hanging Tree”.
Despite being set in both Cyprus and 1970s South Africa, the film will be shot entirely in Cyprus, with locations in Pera Orinis and Nicosia. The Nicosia Municipality, under Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, has assisted in transforming parts of the capital to recreate 1970s South Africa.
“In ‘Apart From Her’ we see an entire country’s internal conflict embodied in one woman and as an exploration of cultural and personal identity set against significant historical events”, Kliris told Variety.
The international co-production involves Over The Fence Films (UK), Atalante Productions (Greece), and Cyprus-based Meraki Films, with support from various film funds including the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Greek Film Centre.
Filming will continue until 6 December.
Read more:
