Synopsis

A multi-layered short film about the unique nature in Cyprus, the division in Cyprus and a man who goes beyond borders.

Director's statement

Our film was made in Northern Cyprus, where there is absolutely no film industry and no film funding. We are one of the handful filmmakers there. Our films count as the first works produced in Northern Cyprus.

The subject counts as controversial and courageous, since peace and unification in Cyprus are still taboo and in discussion. The negotiations between the leaders of both sides of the island, north and south, are still going on since 40 years without any outcome.

‘The Olive Tree at the Border’ could be regarded as a film made to complete our trilogy about Cyprus & peace.
The film approaches the subject of peace and borders from an environmental aspect.

Director's short bio

SHOLEH ZAHRAEI
Sholeh Zahraei was born in Tehran/Iran, grew up in Berlin, and studied
Digital Filmmaking in Amsterdam. Later she moved to Cyprus where
she graduated with a BA with High Honors from the Department of
Radio, Television and Film and pursued her Master’s degree in the
Department of Visual Arts & Visual Communication Design.
Sholeh has worked with the renowned Cypriot filmmaker Derviş Zaim
as his student and mentor for her projects.
She has produced several short films such as experimental, fiction,
documentary, video clips and TV ads. Sholeh has gained film experience
on film sets in Germany, The Netherlands, USA, Canada, UK, Turkey,
Cyprus and Iran where she has worked on sets with renowned directors
like Jafar Panahi and Bahram Beyzaie.
Since 2010 she also works on underwater photography and film.
Currently she is working together with Kamil Saldun on their debut
feature film.
Sholeh has been selected to participate at the Berlinale Talents 2016.

KAMIL SALDUN
Kamil Saldun was born in Cyprus, in the city of Famagusta. He graduated
from the Faculty of Art and Science, Department of History in 2008. Later
he obtained his Master's Degree from the Faculty of Education in
Famagusta, Cyprus.
In 1999 he got involved in theater as an actor. Since then he has worked
with several theater groups in Cyprus participating in many international
theater festivals.
Since 2010, Kamil Saldun has been working together with Sholeh
Zahraei on different film projects as an actor, writer, producer and director.
Since 2012 he also works on underwater photography and film.
Currently he is working together with Sholeh Zahraei on their debut feature
film.

Film Participations Awards

-Green Peace Action Group Film Festival: Best Short Film Award
-Fone Film Festival
-Golden Island International Short Film Festival: Best Newcomer Award
-Fouskoplis Culture & Art Festival
-International Family Films Festival Turkey
-Amucine Short Film Competition
-Pervolia International Film Festival
-8º Festival Internacional Cine en el Campo
-Climate Change International Film Festival: Winner Best Film Acting, Honorable Mention Advocacy, Honorable Mention Best In Festival, Honorable Mention Hope, Honorable Mention Music
-Kolkata International Wildlife & Environment Film Festival – India: Inaugural film, Best Director Award
-Chinese American Film Festival
-International Green Culture Festival GREEN FEST
-Title Ruse Film Festival
-Phoenix Film Festival Melbourne