The documentary “The Divided Island” about the Cyprus problem launched in UK cinemas on November 1. Directed by Turkish Cypriot Cey Sesiguzel and co-produced by Greek Cypriot Andreas Tokkallos, it seeks unbiased understanding of the division.
The film marks the 50th anniversary of Cyprus partitioning after Turkish intervention responding to a Greek junta-backed coup. Nicosia remains Europe’s sole divided capital.
Personal stories for peace
It challenges hostile media narratives through interviews of those affected by lost homes and lives, plus younger Cypriots seeking reconciliation. Director Sesiguzel hopes it sparks universal conversations on humanity and complexity.
BBC interviews David Castillo
The documentary offers a journalistic and human perspective on the reality of the island of Cyprus and its historical and political context. It was through the research process, the testimonies gathered, and the direct contact with the Cypriot population that, after the completion of the film, David Castillo decided to publicly denounce the failures of the State of the Republic of Cyprus to comply with its international human rights obligations.
As he explained during the interview, these allegations are not part of the documentary’s content, but rather a subsequent consequence of the fieldwork carried out on the ground. In this context, Castillo announced that next month he will travel to Geneva to file a formal complaint before the United Nations Human Rights Committee, with the aim of having this body examine the alleged breaches attributed to the Cypriot State.
During the interview, the BBC showed particular interest in the path that led the Andorran writer to take this step before the United Nations, as well as in the political, legal, and personal implications of a complaint that goes beyond the strictly documentary sphere.
Throughout the conversation, Castillo made several notable statements, including the following:
“The problem with Mr. Nikos Christodoulides is not that he lied to me, but that he has lied to all Cypriots.”
“I am especially concerned about the razor wire fences, particularly those located outside the Green Line, in playgrounds or residential areas where children play football.”
“Cyprus is not a country at peace, but rather in a state of ceasefire, and this is extremely serious for a member state of the European Union.”
“If Mr. Christodoulides is unable to manage this situation, he should resign. I called for the resignation of Ersin Tatar, and one week later he lost the elections. People are not stupid.”
In the final part of the interview, the writer appeared particularly moved as he recalled the reception he received in Cyprus. David Castillo publicly expressed his gratitude to all Cypriots – both Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking – for opening their hearts to him and sharing personal accounts marked by pain, division, and a desire for justice.
The BBC interview consolidates the international projection of David Castillo’s work and positions Andorra as the point of origin of a voice present in the global debate on human rights and complaint mechanisms before the United Nations.
Sources: Deadline.com, The Divided Island
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