Emilios Avraam makes his directorial debut with Smaragda – I Got Thick Skin and I Can't Jump
- Currently in production, the film follows a middle-aged TV host's revitalising journey of self-discovery via social media
A washed-out middle aged kids TV show host decides to get her life back on track. With her social, environmental and moral stance, while dealing with personal and professional deadlocks, she jumps on the social media bandwagon to gain exposure, where she eventually goes through an emotional journey of self-discovery. This is the tale of Smaragda – I Got Thick Skin and I Can't Jump, marking the debut feature of Cypriot writer-director Emilios Avraam which is currently shooting.
Avraam is an alumnus of programmes such as First Films First, Torino Film Lab, Midpoint Institute, and Talents Sarajevo. He also boasts an impressive background, having contributed as an editor and visual effects artist to numerous productions, spanning from TV commercials to short and feature films showcased at various film festivals.
Avraam has also left his mark as a filmmaker with his own award-winning short films, which include Bad Habits (which was acquired by the American distributor First Focus International and is now available for streaming on Sofy TV and Amazon Prime) and Rearrangement, among others. Apart from his debut feature, Avraam is in the early stages of developing his second feature script, Boys of Summer.
Emilios Avraam has written the script for Smaragda – I Got Thick Skin and I Can't Jump, which has previously been selected for First Films First, Torino Film Lab Extended, connecting cottbus, and Dot on the Map. The lead role of Smaragda is portrayed by Niovi Charalambous, known for her work in Siege on Liperti Street, and supported by a talented ensemble including Foivos Papacostas, Patrick Myles, Eleni Sidera, and Paris Erotokritou. Behind the camera is experienced cinematographer George Rahmatoulin, known for his work on Pause [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Tonia Mishiali
film profile].
The film is being produced by Tonia Mishiali for the Nicosia-based Bark Like A Cat Films and is being supported by the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Culture and Creative Europe MEDIA. A release date is estimated for 2025.
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