Tony Srour
Businessman, director, producer
Artistic DirectorCYIFF 2010
Interview to CINE@ART Nr 3, for CYIFF 2009
“After a long-lasting career in international production as well as a three-year dynamic presence in Greece, Cypriot businessman, director and producer, Tony Srour declares himself actively present in the greek advertising production. This year is also a member of the Cyprus Film Festival jury.”
Q: Greece is a really small film market. What potentials are there so that it can be expanded?
A: Greece constitutes a small market, its potential though is enormous, because many young and talented directors work here. We are working with them very closely in order to expend the business and lead it to international standards.
Q: “Mamma Mia” and “My life in Ruins” are two recent films which have been shot in Greece. The first one was a box office hit for several weeks internationally, proving that physical scenery and well organized productions can work. What other preconditions should there be so that more productions are implemented in our country?
A: Greece is an astonishing destination for realization of shootings, because of the great localities, its natural beauties and climatic conditions. But the existing bureaucratic difficulties put obstacles in the production. Also, a lot of places are very beautiful but on the same time remoted with no existent developed infrastructure to support a production. So, a big investment in logistics is definitely needed for a shooting on an island for example. As you understand this increases the cost without compensation or support by the state and the institutions or significant tax breaks We must provide services and incentives for producers and studios to take the decision to film in Greece.
Personally, I had never a serious problem with the Greek authorities, in order to get a licence for a shooting. I trust completely my collaborators who know well the process and how to deal with an eventual problem.
Q: What is your connection to the festival and how do you see initiatives like this?
A: Last year I met the organizer Mrs Petra Terzi during the festival.I liked the festival and immediately I offered my services. This year my company is also a sponsor. This year, when Mrs Terzi, approached me about being a jury member I was intrigued with the idea. I think that this festival is a very good initiative that helps the country to be exposed to the entire world in this specific field.
Q: Could you see a film market taking place in Cyprus and in Corinth within the framework of the festivals in the future?
A: I think it s premature to foresee if another film market can develop. The biggest film market exists at the festival of Thessaloniki, which celebrates this year its 50
th anniversary impact abroad. There is also a great rivalry between small festivals in Greece. But I consider that the festival of Cyprus has an enormous potential to be developed. I find that there is a great opportunity not be missed for the island of Cyprus to be exposed to the entire world not simply as a tourist destination but also a cinephil’s destination. A good example is the cinema festival of Dubai, that began few years ago and which has acquired important position in the filmmakers agenda. This however can be achieved only through governmental support and financing. The state should embrace the festival. Let's hope that it will be taken more generously in the future.
Costas Demetriou, actor, director, producer - Cyprus
Alexandra Pavlidou, actress - Greece
Costas Cacoyannis, music composer - Cyprus
