We’re looking forward to introducing you to Savvas Christou. Check out our conversation below.
Savvas, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Actually yes, there have been a few moments like that recently. One that stands out was during a production we did for our company. The whole team was laughing so much that at one point we almost could not finish on time. The script, the acting, the whole situation we were filming were just hilarious.
What made me proud was not only how fun it was, but also the atmosphere behind it. Everyone was so professional and at the same time genuinely enjoying themselves. It really felt like no one was going to work, we were all creating something together. I am proud that we have built an environment where people feel safe, creative, and part of a strong team that supports each other.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Savvas Christou and I am a filmmaker and educator from Cyprus. I am the founder of Cult Experiences, a production company and creative platform that focuses on cinematic storytelling across film, advertising, and education. What makes Cult Experiences special is that we bring together creativity, professionalism, and genuine storytelling in everything we do.
Through Cult Experiences we organize the Cult Experiences Festival, which includes the Cyprus Fashion Film Festival, the Cyprus Dance Film Festival, and the Cyprus Music Video Festival. We also run creative workshops, filmmaking challenges, and corporate team building experiences that use the tools of cinema to inspire teamwork and imagination.
I also founded the Cult Experiences Academy, where we teach film directing, cinematography, and screenwriting through practical workshops and projects that encourage collaboration and artistic growth.
In addition to that, I teach at UCLan University, where I focus on directing, lighting, and editing, helping students understand how all these elements come together to tell a story. Recently, I started developing the Cyprus Film Festival, a new event dedicated to narrative films, hosted by the beach with Starlit Screens. It is such a beautiful and cozy setting that adds a completely different feeling to the festival experience.
Right now, our main focus at Cult Experiences is on narrative ads, cinematic and story driven commercials for our clients, and it has been going fantastic so far. I am very proud of our team and the creative environment we have built together.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I was playing in bands as a drummer. Being on stage at a young age, surrounded by friends and music, was such an incredible feeling. There was this raw energy, this connection with people, that made you feel alive and confident in a way nothing else could. Back then, playing music was a huge thing for us. It brought people together, it was a way to express who you were.
Now it feels like that kind of live energy and appreciation for music is not as strong as it used to be. But those moments really shaped me. They taught me about rhythm, teamwork, and emotion, things that I still carry into my work as a filmmaker today.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds in my life came during the period of my feature film Captive. On set, everything felt perfect. I had the ideal cast and crew, a team that believed in the story and gave everything to bring it to life. But once filming was over and I had to take on the role of producer alone, dealing with contracts, distribution, finding a sales agent, and making decisions that could shape my entire career, it became incredibly stressful.
I spent endless hours teaching myself how to handle all of it. Reading contracts, studying distribution deals, and understanding the business side of filmmaking. It was exhausting and there were moments when I almost collapsed from the pressure.
That experience taught me a lot about myself. I started to see how the world really works, how demanding and lonely this industry can be, but also how strong I could be when I had no one else to rely on. I still remember one day when I sat down with myself and talked for hours. It was probably one of the best and worst days of my life. That moment helped me understand that healing is not about avoiding the struggle but about learning to survive it and grow from it.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think the public version of me is real, but it is not the whole picture. What people usually see is the professional side, the filmmaker who leads projects, teaches, and speaks with confidence. That side is true, but it comes from a lot of work, mistakes, and personal reflection behind the scenes.
At the same time, there is another part of me that is more instinctive and bold. For me, being an artist means expressing yourself fully, even when it looks a bit crazy to others. There are times I make bold moves or creative choices that surprise people, but those moments are often when I feel most myself. So yes, the public version of me is real, but there is always more underneath it, more emotion and spontaneity that sometimes only comes out through the art itself.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people might misunderstand my legacy as being only about productivity or achievement, when in reality it has always been about emotion and connection. From the outside, it might look like I am always working, directing, teaching, or organizing festivals, but behind all of that is a deep need to communicate something human.
I never wanted to just build a career. I wanted to build a community, a space where people can feel inspired, safe, and creative. Some might see my work as ambitious or even intense, but for me it all comes from care, from wanting to make people feel something real. I think with time that part will become clearer. My legacy, I hope, will not be about how much I did, but about how many people I helped believe that art can truly change their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.cultexperiences.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvas_christou?igsh=cGpuMDNya3FoeWcz&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savvaschristou?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
