Hard to locate movies set in out-of-the-way places, probably because of poverty, but maybe also because they're supposed to be forgotten until 'ownership' is resolved. I did find 'Unclenching the Fists' which is set in Ossetia - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14775666/
Thanks, Mike. I haven't seen that Yes Theory film. That city, Famagusta, is where my mother is from. My sister is finishing a documentary on it too. It's her second. She made another one on Famagusta way back, called Hidden in the Sand, which is a direct translation of Ammochostos, the Greek name for Famagusta (Ammos = Sand & Chosto = Hidden). Here's the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGloIYgW198
"I left my soul inside. Open up." That sign probably sums up how millions of refugees feel.
I checked out her website. Creativity abounds in the family. I'll watch the full short doccie at https://www.vasiamarkides.com/hidden-in-the-sand. My data almost dead so have bookmarked it for Aug 1.
I look forward to her 'Waking Famagusta'. I'm sure you'll keep us informed.
Barbarous and blood thirsty times are again upon us. At least the Cypriot citizens of both sides appear to accept that it's all propaganda and a reason for a parade.
What a wonderful story and essay, made so much better for the personal background. Thank you for this. I had the privilege of visiting Cyprus once, in 1993, while I was teaching in Palestine. I loved it.
Thanks, Val. Yes, they're so geographically close. If I remember right, it used to be that if you were on the very eastern tip of Cyprus, at the very end of the long Karpasia peninsula that juts toward the Middle East, the only radio station you pick up is Syrian
So many reminders of the needless waste, suffering and loss of our wars. Your column really brought awareness to me of a tragedy I knew little about. Thanks.
You managed to say "Politicians suck" elegantly. Great article, inspiring visuals and reflective ambiguity.
I've long wanted to visit all the places politics has shrouded, from Northern Cyprus to Transnistria (which Substack says is a spelling error).
Not their best, but I appreciated the historical images in Yes Theory's trip to Cyprus - https://youtu.be/vdkQWgZLrYA
Then there's places such as Shohimardon that I'd never heard of - https://youtu.be/34XymEDY9Wc
Hard to locate movies set in out-of-the-way places, probably because of poverty, but maybe also because they're supposed to be forgotten until 'ownership' is resolved. I did find 'Unclenching the Fists' which is set in Ossetia - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14775666/
Thanks, Mike. I haven't seen that Yes Theory film. That city, Famagusta, is where my mother is from. My sister is finishing a documentary on it too. It's her second. She made another one on Famagusta way back, called Hidden in the Sand, which is a direct translation of Ammochostos, the Greek name for Famagusta (Ammos = Sand & Chosto = Hidden). Here's the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGloIYgW198
I watched her 'Samso Cure'.
"I left my soul inside. Open up." That sign probably sums up how millions of refugees feel.
I checked out her website. Creativity abounds in the family. I'll watch the full short doccie at https://www.vasiamarkides.com/hidden-in-the-sand. My data almost dead so have bookmarked it for Aug 1.
I look forward to her 'Waking Famagusta'. I'm sure you'll keep us informed.
Thank you for this. Spot on.
Every Cypriot needs to read it and stop letting “those above” write the narrative for them.
The Olympians would frown upon this comment...
Haha… I was going with “those above” as “those in power”… I’ll take the Gods over the politicians any day.
I know you were. I was just going for a pre-Christian, polytheist interpretation
Barbarous and blood thirsty times are again upon us. At least the Cypriot citizens of both sides appear to accept that it's all propaganda and a reason for a parade.
They sure are. Unfortunately, for every one person who recognize the propaganda, there's two or three think it's gospel...
What a wonderful story and essay, made so much better for the personal background. Thank you for this. I had the privilege of visiting Cyprus once, in 1993, while I was teaching in Palestine. I loved it.
Thanks, Val. Yes, they're so geographically close. If I remember right, it used to be that if you were on the very eastern tip of Cyprus, at the very end of the long Karpasia peninsula that juts toward the Middle East, the only radio station you pick up is Syrian
Val, have you written about it. If so, share the link with me please.
Thanks for this. A great example of how history dims while sparks can linger on. The Guardian has an interesting photo spread of the frozen-in-time neutral zone: https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2024/jul/20/where-time-has-stood-still-for-50-years-the-un-buffer-zone-in-cyprus-in-pictures
I did a short stint in the Cypriot army and I was stationed as a guard over the buffer zone. I remember a lot of stray dogs and some snakes...
So many reminders of the needless waste, suffering and loss of our wars. Your column really brought awareness to me of a tragedy I knew little about. Thanks.
Powerful photos. Strong Soviet vibe.
Imagine a people fighting over Rights. That's hard to fathom in the USA these days. You sure travel a lot Mike,even though this work is 20 years old.
Slugging down a jug of wine,with no one caring what side you're on?
A rare memory indeed.
May you never run our of the sweet elixir of Dyonossies 🍷 and of course I sent this message to the wrong writer.
Silly me. 😬
Oh, I don't think it will. The festival runs for a solid eight nights every fall without fail!
Constantine, I thought I was writing to Mike. Sorry about that.
Well the same blessing will go you ! May your wine cup always be full. 🏆
Yes, I figured the confusion was probably due to the crosspost! 🍻
Was a Crosspost from my side. My devilish attempt to share.
And a first for me! I'm glad you were the one to take my crosspost virginity, Mike...
I will always cherish the memory (AND NEVER TELL ANYONE).
😃 😀 😄 😁 🤣 😂
I haven’t, Mike, but if I do I’d be honored for you to read it.