Since moving from South Africa to Cyprus in 2002, Paul Lambis has been involved in promoting Cyprus’ cultural legacy.
The award-winning playwright, published author, filmmaker, and television host, continues to use his creativity, as well as his popular web television series Culturescope, to promote Cyprus and the people who continue to make a positive impact on the island, whether local or diaspora.
As one of the senior editors for the Cyprus Mail, the island’s main English language newspaper, Paul has been interviewing and profiling communities and individuals from the global Cypriot diaspora, recognising their importance as ambassadors of Cyprus abroad.
“For many decades, our expatriates have contributed to the economic and cultural life of Cyprus, enriching the societies in which they live and work,” he said.
“The Cypriot diaspora, which includes all Cypriots permanently settled in more than 115 countries around the world, should be embraced as hidden assets of Cyprus.”
Lambis has created theatre for over two decades and has a worldwide reputation for developing theatrical productions. In 2014, he wrote, produced, and co-directed ’74’, an award-winning play about the consequences of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus on human life, particularly women and children.
“Although a heavy subject, our island’s fifty-year division is still very much an open wound, and I wanted to stage a production at the time, in the English language, that would not only shed light on the atrocities of the invasion and illegal occupation of our island, but also hold up a mirror to the world about the Cyprus problem.”
’74’ earned praise from critics and was recognised for its academic and historical value, inspiring Lambis to write a screenplay adaptation.
In 2016, his screenplay won the Best International Screenplay award from the Scriptwriters Guild of Greece, and it 2019 it won first place at the International Cyprus Film Festival.
“The film is currently in development to be filmed on location in Cyprus,” he added.
Broadway recognition
“Through my work as a writer, I have explored many theatrical genres and styles, all of which have played a significant part in bringing various social issues to light.”
‘Melina: The Last Greek Goddess’, which he co-wrote, produced, and directed, won Best International Show Off-Broadway in New York, shining a spotlight on Cyprus, as he was represented the country under the auspices of former President Nicos Anastasiades.
It was during the Covid pandemic that Lambis showcased the best of Cypriot, Cyprus-based, and diaspora talent on his web television series, Culturescope, now in its third season.
“The show immerses viewers in the broad and ever-expanding network of the island’s movers and shakers, whether their ties to Cyprus are through their roots, birth, or as their home of choice,” Lambis explained.
Culturescope has featured a diverse range of local and international individuals, including celebrities and influencers, pioneers and leaders, politicians, and philanthropists.
“My goal is to bring together Cypriots from all over the world while also shining a light on the island’s lesser-known and beautiful areas, such as tucked-away villages and artisanal communities producing and preserving traditional crafts.”
“Every week, I find myself in a privileged position, chatting with a member of our extended Cypriot family in another corner of the world, and I was inspired by the talent and success of all our overseas ambassadors, yet very few locals are aware of the success and efforts the Cypriots of the diaspora are making to promote our country overseas, and their invaluable contribution to our island’s economic growth.”
Lambis has taken the initiative to establish the first Cyprus Diaspora Forum, scheduled to be held in Cyprus from March 6-9, 2024. This forum aims to unite Cypriot diaspora communities, influential individuals from Cyprus’ public, private, and government sectors, media representatives, academics, and members of civic society. Through innovation, philanthropy, cultural and social engagement, the forum aims to emphasize the significance of Cyprus’ diaspora and enhance relationships.
“The Cyprus Diaspora Forum is the first annual gathering to honour and promote the entrepreneurial and inventive spirit of Cypriot Diasporans, Cypriots, and friends of Cyprus.” We are thrilled to be hosting exceptional individuals as keynote speakers at the event, which will bring together a global community for meaningful networking and knowledge exchange.”
“The response has been overwhelming so far, and I am astounded by the number of Cypriots and foreigners who have expressed their willingness to support the event,” Lambis said.
“We also have an excellent team from all over the world working feverishly behind the scenes, such as Klea Symeou from the United States, Fodi Kyriacos from the United Kingdom, Niki Charalambous from South Africa, all of whom are now based in Cyprus, as well as Filli Kaoullas, a well-known figure in Australia, and many other individuals from various parts of the world who are helping to bring this exciting initiative to fruition.”
Connecting the Diaspora
The four-day event, which will take place in Limassol, will also be held virtually via a specialised online platform designed for the conference. “We are pleased to invite businesses, organisations, communities, and individuals to participate in our virtual showcase,” he said.
The online exhibition, according to Lambis, will bring together high-level Cypriot-led organisations, foreign businesses, and industry experts from around the world from a variety of growth sectors, including hospitality and tourism, health and wellness, media, education, culture and arts, film, sports, politics, real estate, finance, legal services, startups and innovation, entrepreneurship, social and philanthropic causes.
“Online visitors will also be able to explore the multiple booths, meet hundreds of exhibitors, and attend key panel discussions while relaxing in the comfort of their own home or workplace. The platform can also be used to arrange one-on-one meetings with businesses, organisations, and individuals. This is business-to-business at its finest,” he stated.
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum will also include a high-end gala dinner on the final night of the conference, as well as the CYDIA Awards 2024 ceremony, and a rich line-up of entertainment “with prominent flavours of traditional and contemporary Cyprus.”
The CYDIA Awards 2024 are an annual ceremony that honours Cypriots of the diaspora in sixteen categories, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be given to an individual who has had a significant impact on many people or organisations, or who exemplifies what it means to be an ambassador of Cyprus abroad.
“We have opened a nominations page on our website, where people from all over the world can nominate who they believe should be recognised as inspirational people from Cyprus’ diaspora.”
Many second and third generation diaspora members have relocated to Cyprus over the last two decades and have become an integral component of Cypriot society. “Yet, Cypriots who remain overseas continue to maintain a constant interaction with Cyprus.”
“These ambassadors should be embraced as assets, not only for their cultural, political, and social contributions; their investments in Cyprus over the years have marked an increase in the wealth of certain sectors of the island and can be traced directly to their hard-earned funds while living abroad, and the Cyprus Diaspora Forum is the platform we need to unite our global family.”
Key Australians to participate
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum will host a range of prominent speakers from the United States, South Africa, Great Britain and Australia along with Cypriots from the island itself. The prominent Australians include: Filli Kaoullas Surgical Technician and Philanthropist, Andrew Lambrou Pop Artist, Daniel and Luke Mancuso Founders of ‘Yiayia Next Door’ and Peter Abraam.
Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
To find out more about the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, visit www.cyprusdiasporaforum.com
