A Greek independent series which was to be shown around the world on Netflix, called Famagusta, has been cancelled. The series can only now be viewed in Greece. Originally, it was available for any Netflix subscriber to view. However, it has been deemed as ‘black propaganda’ and as ‘distorting historical events’. 

One in three Greeks have been severely affected by the Ottoman invasion of Greece, Anatolia (now Turkey since 1923) and her surrounding islands. We are asking to be able to tell our story—something given to other religious and cultural groups on Netflix. We need to be given the freedom and creativity on Netflix, which is offered to so many. We ask why must our story be silenced? 

We ask Netflix to show Fumagusta; otherwise, the Greeks of the world will no longer subscribe to Netflix, a streaming service that appears to control the truths of the world. 

Cultural information on Fumagusta:

Famagusta is a city located on the east coast of Cyprus. It is now illegally occupied by Turkey. The city was founded around 274 BC by the Greek Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Greeks have lived in this area since this time. Famagusta holds major significance given that throughout the ages, it was a sanctuary for Christians who were fleeing persecution and wars due to their beliefs. The population increased tremendously as an influx of Christian refugees. In the 13th century, their arrival had transformed it from a tiny village to one of the richest cities. 

Now more recently and in 1974, the area was invaded by Turkish tanks and bombed by Turkish aircraft. Two days after this, the entire Greek Cypriot population had to flee the city. This attack resulted in the death of many civilians (Greek and other) as well as tourists. The area was immediately fenced off by the Turkish army until 2020. At this time, some areas have been opened to allow viewing by its original inhabitants and journalists. 

Note: UN Security Council Resolution 550 (1984) considers any attempts to settle any part of Famagusta by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible and unjust and calls for the transfer of this area to the administration of the UN. The UN's Security Council resolution 789 (1992) also urges that with a view to the implementation of resolution 550 (1984), the area at present under the control of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus be extended to include Varosha.

We ask that Netflix allow the viewing of Fumagusta and to allow the freedom of independent series and movies which tell the story of ordinary people, regardless of how difficult this may be. We ask that our story be heard and not silenced.