'Famagusta’ series creator responds to Turkey’s Netflix backlash

The creator and director of the series ‘Famagusta,’ Andreas Georgiou has subtly responded to Turkey’s reaction to Netflix picking up the show.

The series, which has already been screened on television in Greece and Cyprus, depicts the events of 1974 and was due to be screened on the Netflix screening platform later in September. However, following intense protest by Turkey’s radio and television authority, it appears the series will now only be screened on Netflix’s platform in Greece.

“As the organisation that regulates and supervises digital broadcasting services in our country, [we have] held the necessary meetings with the broadcaster Netflix and an understanding has been reached that the production will not be broadcast [outside Greece],” Ebubekir Sahin, head of Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council, said in a social media post.

“The production in question will only be included in the Netflix catalog in the country where it was previously broadcast (Greece), and will not be included in Turkey or any other country’s catalog,” he continued.

To date, the series does not appear to be scheduled for screening on Netflix's Cyprus platform.

Appearing to respond to the backlash in a post on his personal Facebook page, Georgiou stated that the message of the series was love and cherishing humanity, adding “Every human being has the right to live and love freely… without borders and restrictions! Free!”

He made particular reference to his two nieces’ friendship with his own friend’s daughter pointing out that his nieces were Greek Cypriot and their friend Turkish Cypriot, “We raise them and teach them to love each other. This is the message of the Famagusta series, created by people who cherish humanity. Every human being has the right to live and love freely… without borders and restrictions! Free!”