Marina Makri: Actress of Passion

Text: Romina Xyda / Photos: Panagiotis Mina

The actress from Limassol with a promising international career follows the call of acting, living lives beyond her own and learning from them.

The saltiness of the sea, the sound of the waves, the blazing sun – these are Marina Makris’ earliest memories: “I grew up in Limassol, and my most cherished memories are tied to the waters of Kourion. That was where I always felt free – the place where I could truly breathe.”

Photo: Pavlos Vrionides

From a young age, there was an image within her that never faded. Until one day, it became reality: “I used to picture myself going to the theatre for rehearsals. I didn’t know what it meant back then – it was just something inside me. And in the end, when I started working in theatre, I realised that vision had been a calling, waiting for me to follow it. I never said, ‘I will become an actor.’ I was preparing to study something else, and for years, I worked alongside acting.”

In 2024, her performance in the film Africa Star earned her the Best Performance in a Cypriot Film award at the Cyprus Film Days International Festival. “Great work was done both in front of and behind the camera. Together, we brought a character to life with depth, honesty, and truth.

And I believe that’s what resonated with the audience.” Shortly after, this recognition led her to the European Shooting Stars, a prestigious programme highlighting Europe’s most promising emerging actors. “It’s an important honour. But above all, it marks a promising beginning – a bridge between Cypriot actors and European cinema. It gives us visibility, opportunities, and new possibilities.”

Photo: George Rahmatoulin

When asked which moment in her career she considers the peak of her creativity, she answers without hesitation: “It’s far too early to say. I’ve only been in the industry for ten years. I think I’m still building, still learning.” Yet, every role has left something with her. “Everything I’ve done has taught me a lot. I can’t single out one character because each role comes with its own challenges.” But if she could live the life of one of her characters, which one would she choose? “I’d pick Antigone from Photis Georgides’ series Camping. She’s cold, ruthless, professional, and dark – nothing like me. And that’s exactly why I’d love to step into her world for a while, to see what it’s like to be someone so completely different from who I really am.”