Andreas Psaltis: “The film industry in Cyprus is full of talented individuals who are committed to making their mark”

I have been trying to set up an interview with Andreas Psaltis for a very long time. He is based in Canada and has recently been working on a documentary project in several US states, which has meant trying to find time for GOLD in what has been a quite hectic schedule. It is a happy coincidence that we finally get to talk not long after Find Me Falling, Stelana Kliris’ romantic comedy shot entirely in Cyprus, reached No. 1 on Netflix, and Psaltis has plenty to say about its success.

But first, the man himself. His start in filmmaking began with a serendipitous discovery of scholarships for international students to attend Vancouver Film School. Armed with just a borrowed camera and his imagination, he applied and was accepted, moving to Canada in 2015. Almost a decade later, he is crafting bespoke, high-quality content for a broad spectrum of clients, from government institutions and marketing agencies to educational institutions and companies in the VR/AR, Wellness and Aviation sectors.

His portfolio encompasses a diverse array of genres, from compelling documentaries and riveting horror and sci-fi shorts to time-lapse films and online commercials – the latter winning him two awards at the 2024 Telly Awards in the USA: the Silver Award for Online Commercials and the Bronze Award for Use of Stock Footage: Online Commercials.

“I still vividly remember the first time I watched my first film as a kid. I was about seven when my mom bought me and my sister The Lion King on VHS, which I still have!” he recalls, touched by the memory. “My mother would take my sister and myself to the cinema every weekend, it was our ritual. So, I was blessed to have films and cinema as a part of my childhood. My uncle was also very into film and, knowing my love of cinema, he shared his excitement and enthusiasm with me. Later he introduced me to films like Enter the Dragon, Fist of Fury, the 007 film series and many others by directors like Steven Spielberg. At the time, they were not exactly age-appropriate for me but they ignited my passion, curiosity and excitement for cinema. Every time I watched a movie, the world around me disappeared and I became part of a new world, experiencing something magical. Films made me dream big, believe in myself and imagine things I could never have otherwise done.”

Psaltis would subsequently immerse himself in the works of filmmakers like John Woo, Brian De Palma, Ingmar Bergman and Néstor Almendros, all of whom have been – and continue to be – his inspiration and visual reference points. Their films and unique styles have shaped and sculpted his own cinematic approach, although he remains curious about other filmmakers, seeking to be triggered by new styles and methods. “When you are fortunate enough to discover an artist or filmmaker who resonates with you, it sparks a wave of inspiration and creativity. This ongoing process keeps things exciting and fresh. I am constantly observing, learning and evolving. Seeing life and the people around you is crucial to learning and I embrace it fully, so as to keep growing as a filmmaker,” he says.

It is a good time to be a filmmaker right now. Movies are no longer confined to aesthetically dark cinema auditoriums. Branded film content has entered the world’s living rooms via Netflix, HBO, Hulu and other providers, as well as flooding people’s Instagram, Youtube and Facebook feeds. The global digital video content market was worth $193 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $503.7 billion by 2032. This remarkable growth is fuelled by the widespread availability of high-speed internet, content personalisation and strategies to keep users engaged and convey brand messages and stories.

I can’t help wondering how Andreas Psaltis balances the artistic aspects of filmmaking with the demands of his various clients and the different audiences he aims to please.

“This has been one of the most challenging parts of my filmmaking journey and it’s one that every filmmaker faces it until they get their big break in the industry,” he tells me. “After graduating from film school, I started working with various marketing agencies, producing and filming videos for social media and corporate clients to pay the bills and secure my Canadian citizenship. It didn’t take long for me to feel drained creatively so, to counter that, I made a point of getting together with my filmmaker friends to write scripts and discuss movies, or just grabbing my camera and heading to the beach or wandering around the city, filming people and capturing time-lapses.”

Occasionally, he says, he “gets lucky” with clients who ask for promotional work that reflects his cinematic style. “However, there are also times when I have to film more standard corporate content but maintaining this balance is essential,” he says. “As artists, we can't go on for long without creating something that resonates with us, something we are passionate about – a story. So, for me, the secret has been to balance corporate video work with passion projects. Staying creative requires dedication to side projects.”

Psaltis has a special passion for documentaries, which began when his film theory teacher introduced him to the work of Werner Herzog. “What captivates me the most is the raw, unfiltered glimpse into real-life events, experiences and emotions. It’s the thrill of the unknown that draws me in – the way the story naturally unfolds in front of the camera, often in unexpected ways,” he explains. “There’s a unique kind of magic in capturing reality as it happens. Unlike scripted films, where every detail is meticulously planned and rehearsed, documentaries require a different kind of creativity and adaptability. As a filmmaker, you’re not just telling a story; you’re discovering it along the way, piecing together moments of truth to create a compelling narrative. Documentaries are a powerful medium for change and awareness; they can shed light on important issues, give voice to the unheard and inspire action. Being part of that process – using my skills and creativity to bring real stories to life – is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a constant reminder of the impact that storytelling can have on our world.”

Technology has always affected the film sector in a big way and Psaltis embraces the immersive possibilities offered by the latest technology with openness and an eagerness for what is to come. Indeed, he acknowledges how technology has impacted his own work, particularly in video production, marketing and the quality and efficiency of content creation. “As camera quality has significantly improved and devices have become more compact, drones have become more accessible, allowing people such as myself to capture breathtaking aerial shots anywhere in the world. Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (VR/AR) tools further enable me to craft stunning visuals and create immersive experiences that resonate with audiences,” he says, adding, “AI is an exciting frontier. I've been experimenting with various AI video editing tools that streamline post-production work, making marketing content more efficient. However, while AI offers intriguing possibilities, it has yet to fully integrate into filmmaking production in a way that can replace artists' creativity” he adds reassuringly.

Looking ahead, Psaltis believes that technology will continue to evolve, further enhancing filmmakers’ capabilities. “I've been experimenting with short-form spatial content and I believe that VR/AR will become increasingly mainstream, providing new avenues for engaging audiences. Staying ahead of technological trends is crucial for me,” he states determinedly. “Embracing these advancements improves my work's quality and efficiency and opens up new creative possibilities. It allows me to push the boundaries of storytelling and audience engagement, ensuring that I can continue to produce compelling and innovative content. However, I understand that the rapid pace of technological growth can cause anxiety and stress for many. As a filmmaker, the most important thing is the story. No matter what camera, editing tool or format I use, the story must always be the priority. These technologies are merely tools that help us tell that story and share it with the world.”

Andreas Psaltis is more than ready to embrace the ever-evolving nature of film but can the same be said for the filmmaking community here in his homeland? He is unabashedly vocal about the island’s progress in the sector and the people who champion it. “Cinematography and the filmmaking industry in Cyprus have faced challenges compared to other European countries but I've seen remarkable progress over the past few years. This improvement is largely due to the incredible talent of Cypriot filmmakers who are tirelessly working to elevate the country's film industry, constantly pushing boundaries and striving for excellence,” he enthuses. “The film industry in Cyprus is full of talented individuals who are committed to making their mark. They are creating films and sharing their stories, all while fighting for the industry's growth and recognition,” he continues. “Some of these filmmakers, whom I am proud to call friends, have won awards on international stages but have chosen to remain in Cyprus to lead the way and contribute to the industry's development. There is so much talent in Cyprus and I hope the Government will recognise this and provide more funding and support for film and the arts. These hardworking and passionate artists deserve all the resources they need to continue their incredible work. Let's continue to support and celebrate the filmmakers of Cyprus as they pave the way for a brighter future in the industry.”

He is naturally thrilled by the success of Find Me Falling. “This is a celebration of the incredible achievement of these filmmakers, who are putting Cyprus on the global filmmaking map. This release not only showcases their exceptional skills but also highlights the potential and bright future of the Cypriot film industry.”

Psaltis may have found success over 9,000 km from his home country but, like his Cypriot compatriots and colleagues, his soul is overflowing with stories and images, which he shares via his camera with the world. We are in dire need of more storytellers like him, who can bridge art and business to bring people together across the globe.

This interview first appeared in the September edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.