Süt Babam and The Story of the Green Line screened at mini Cypriot film festival

Last week in London, a mini film festival took place where films from Cyprus – Süt Babam (The Milk of Peace) and The Story of the Green Line – were shown in the three day screening at the Turkish Cypriot Community Association (TCCA) in Haringey, and at University College London (UCL).
The producers of the two films, Panicos Chrisanthou and Cemal Yildirim, and narrator and protagonist of The Milk of Peace, Birgul Kilic Yildirim, were present at the events.
The mini Cypriot film festival was supported and facilitated by the Turkish Cypriot Community Centre, AKEL UK organisation, Kalimeraba Youth and the UCL Cypriot Student Union.
It is a well-known fact that cinema, like all fine arts and progressive literature, has had a significant impact on society by shaping cultural attitudes, values and beliefs. It has influenced the way people perceive themselves and the world around them and has contributed to the spread of global cultural trends. We can also think of this universal approach for Cypriots who have watched and evaluated each other from opposite sides for decades, but in fact, have always been a part of each other. In this sense, the All Cyprus Film Festival held in Cyprus, (both in the north and south) in November and December last year, where films produced by the producers from both communities were shown, was very successful.
The two movies screened at the TCCA premises and UCL, received great interest from London audiences. Both Süt Babam (The Milk of Peace) and The Story of the Green Line, which attracted attention not only from members of the Cypriot community, but from viewers from different cultural backgrounds, had excellent production and editing techniques, and with the authentic, sincere narration and the presentation of detailed information, they reminded us that even in war situations, the human nature of Cypriots to help each other when in need and to build friendships and understanding, was present.
From Cyprus (north), Genc TV attended the events and interviewed the producers and members of the audience. Hellenic TV, based in London, conducted an interview with producer Panicos Chrisanthou. Both stations will show their recordings in the coming week ahead.
At the end of each screening, question and answer sessions took place. Viewers expressed their gratitude to the producers for making such good quality films that promote peace and understanding among Cypriots, which tell the other side of the coin, and which unite people from both communities, with the hope that living together is possible, contrary to what far right nationalist politicians claim from both sides.
Eleni Tryphonos stressed the importance of these kind of films to be screened everywhere in Cyprus and particularly in schools. She asked if the Ministry of Education had shown any interest in these films, and from the answers given by both Panicos Chrisanthou and Cemal Yıldırım, unfortunately there has been no interest in screening these films in schools. In fact, said Panicos, “they only recommend and show nationalist films to children in schools!”
However, said both producers, “in some schools, individual teachers or principals took up the initiative as a responsibility towards their students, and ensured that these films were shown in their respective schools.”
Another audience member, Ertanch Hidayettin, said, “We watched the movie Süt Babam the other night with tears in our eyes. Such movies are one of the reasons why hopes for peace in Cyprus remain alive!”
Another commented, “While I was watching it, I hoped that it would be a cure for those who are infected with the disease of hatred! At one point I couldn’t control my tears, I got goosebumps. I congratulate Birgül for taking us on this beautiful journey through time, and dear Mr Cemal for bringing it to life. I’m sure there are many more stories like this. My hope is that we can all become Cypriots first!”
Expressing his views on The Story of the Green Line, Demetris Hadjidimitriou, said: “The film deals with the friendship of two soldiers on the Green Line from opposing armies. Together they embark on a journey of discovery of their history, of what happened to them and their families in the war.
“In the end, hatred is overcome and replaced by understanding. The way forward is not to believe the propaganda of their officers, but together to create bonds and friendship and to realize that the pain of war should not divide, but unite ordinary people.”
The producer of The Milk of Peace, Cemal Yildirim, and the narrator-protagonist Birgul Kilic Yildirim, penned this message for Parikiaki readers: “There was not a sound in the hall while our film was being watched. We could only hear the sound of sighs accompanying the tears flowing from eyes. And we understood at that moment.
“Films with a theme of reconciliation about Cyprus, such as our film My Foster Father, play an important role in establishing a solid foundation for the peace process in Cyprus. We have experienced this once again. Because in our film, which has been shown in nearly 30 events in Cyprus, both in the north and the south, we have always felt the same feeling and thought in people. Our pains were common and Cyprus must definitely be united.”
The producer of The Story of the Green Line, Panicos Chrisanthou, said in a statement: “In my career spanning over 40 years, I have made many films with the aim of bringing people from two communities closer together and helping them see the truth and understand each other. People who come to our films like them, they appreciate them and encourage us. Just like here in London. Speaking from my own experience, in the south (Cyprus), there are of course those who speak against the films, even extreme reactions. But one thing I have determined for sure, is that none of those who have given these extremely negative reactions have seen my films. I know that those who have been in this situation, after being convinced to see the film that was being talked about, found nothing bad in it, and felt ashamed and regretful!”
Cypriots from both communities who watched the films, said that they wish to see more of these screenings in the future. Fred Yusuf commented: “Perhaps with the permission of the directors of these films, we can organise other showings in other parts of London. I am sure there are people who would like to see these films but were not able to attend the screenings.”