Larnaca’s historic Rex Cinema is making a comeback

With efforts going on to revive the famous Rex Cinema into a thriving Film Center, Larnaca get ready for a cultural rebirth.

The famous Rex Cinema, located on Vasileos Pavlou Square in the center of Larnaca, could soon undergo a new revival as the municipality announces intentions of turning it into a film center.

This idea not only addresses the strong aspirations of locals who have been waiting to see the legendary REX cinema returned to life, but it also establishes Larnaca as a destination for lovers of cinema.

The suggestion made by Michalis Kalopedis, a film producer and president of the Larnaca Film Club, was warmly received by Mayor Andreas Vyras.

Vyras said, "This proposal is gaining momentum."

He disclosed that an additional proposition from the Larnaca 2030 organization is now being examined, with the objective of instituting a Museum of the People of Larnaca.

The goal of the Larnaca Film Club's plan is to establish a center for independent cinema that will encourage the creation, support, and advancement of culture in Larnaca.

The Municipality of Larnaca is an important stakeholder in the proposed non-profit Larnaca Film Centre, which intends to increase the city's attractiveness to both national and international film productions.

Beyond just creating a basic cinema space, plans aim to entice movie producers to Larnaca by building the required infrastructure and a special "film office."

An essential component of the proposed Center, the Larnaca Film Club will be crucial in promoting excellent independent films from Europe and beyond.

The Film Club recommends holding conferences, seminars, and other cultural events at the Rex Cinema Centre in order to diversify revenue streams.

The Municipality of Larnaca is moving on with its plans, and to choose a designer for the building's renovation study, a tender is being held.

"When the project matures, efforts will be made to find funding from EU Cohesion Funds," Mayor Vyras said, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining the facade's retro character and colors.

The Salon Pink cinema burned down in 1948, and the REX cinema was constructed in its place in 1950. The process of bringing this iconic place back to life has begun.