A forgotten Hong Kong martial arts film is finding new life in Cyprus through the documentary Tracking: the Cyprus Tigers. Directed by Andreas Kyriacou, the film captures the essence of a bygone era in the summer of 1990 when The Cyprus Tigers was shot on the island.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Cyprus tigers: Documentary Selection at Cannes
Tracking: the Cyprus Tigers has been officially selected for the Frontières Buyers Showcase at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where it will be presented on May 17 at the Palais des Festivals. This recognition not only highlights the film’s significance but also aims to bring to light the cultural narratives of Cyprus.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
A Story Beyond a Single Film
While the documentary revolves around The Cyprus Tigers, its narrative expands to encompass the memories and experiences of growing up in Cyprus before the digital age. Kyriacou explores the unique connection between young Cypriots and cinema, particularly the influence of video stores and VHS tapes in shaping their understanding of the world.
The Fabric of Cypriot Culture
“Cyprus has always been a strange and beautiful crossroads,” Kyriacou explains, emphasising the island’s rich cultural tapestry. The documentary reflects on how film served as a bridge for generations to discover global narratives, despite the small size of the island.
Rediscovering a Cinematic Mystery
The mystery surrounding The Cyprus Tigers has intrigued Kyriacou for years. Many locals have only vague recollections of the film, some having come across low-quality bootleg VHS copies. As the documentary unfolds, it reveals the film’s almost mythical status among genre film aficionados in Cyprus.
From Myth to Reality
“At first, it was the mystery,” Kyriacou recalls. “It existed almost like a ghost in Cypriot pop culture.” His exploration of this obscured film led to a deeper understanding of how cinema influenced and connected lives in Cyprus.
Beyond Borders: A Journey Through Cinema
As production progressed, Kyriacou recognised that the documentary became a personal odyssey, illustrating how films travelled before the internet era. The journey took the team beyond Cyprus to Croatia and finally to Hong Kong, uncovering surprising links between Cyprus and other Hong Kong productions, including Jackie Chan’s Armour of God.
Connecting Past and Present
Filming culminated in Hong Kong, where the team interviewed iconic figures of the martial arts genre, such as Sammo Hung, Simon Yam, and Alexander Chan. For Kyriacou, returning to Hong Kong was an emotional experience, as it connected his childhood memories of watching martial arts films to the creators and landscapes that brought those stories to life.
Preserving Hidden Cinema Histories
The documentary is not only a celebration of a forgotten film but also an effort to preserve the rich cinematic history of Cyprus. “Cyprus has many hidden cinema stories, but they often survive only as memories, anecdotes, old photographs, or dusty VHS tapes,” Kyriacou notes. He stresses the importance of documenting these stories before they fade away with those who lived them.
A Cultural Bridge
Producer Stavros Papageorgiou describes Tracking: the Cyprus Tigers as a “fascinating cultural bridge” that links Cyprus, Croatia, and Hong Kong, highlighting the shared experiences of a generation raised on VHS cinema. The documentary aims to introduce this narrative to a global audience, showcasing the interconnectedness of these cultures.
Recognition at Cannes: A Global Stage
With its selection for the Cannes Film Festival, Tracking: the Cyprus Tigers is set to gain recognition on an international platform. The Frontières Buyers Showcase, in collaboration with the Fantasia International Film Festival, is a prominent venue for genre cinema, providing exposure for the documentary’s unique storytelling.
The Importance of Local Stories
Kyriacou sees the Cannes selection as validation that Cypriot stories can resonate beyond their geographical confines. “Cyprus is not outside international film culture,” he asserts. “We were always part of it, even if our role was sometimes invisible.”
A Love Letter to Cinematic Discoveries
Ultimately, Tracking: the Cyprus Tigers serves as a heartfelt tribute to a generation shaped by late-night screenings, video store adventures, and serendipitous film discoveries. “Films are not just images on a screen,” Kyriacou reflects. “They are passports, time machines, emotional contraband.” This documentary not only revives a forgotten film but also reaffirms the enduring power of cinema in shaping cultural identities.
