Kefalonia is an incredible choice for filmmakers and video producers because of its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse locations that can serve a variety of cinematic needs. The island has already attracted various film and television productions, writers and researchers over the years. Whether you’re working on a film, documentary, commercial, music video, or travel vlog, Kefalonia provides an ideal setting.
Should you decide to film in Kefalonia, having local support will be crucial. Having lived on the island for the past 14 years, and with my extensive background in event planning, film production, and theatre management, I am well-equipped to assist in organizing a smooth and successful production in Kefalonia, from location scouting to coordinating logistics and crew.
Here’s why producers, directors and filmmakers could be drawn to Kefalonia:
1. Breathtaking Natural Scenery
- Dramatic Coastlines & Beaches – Myrtos and Antisamos Beaches, one of the most photographed in the world, with its white pebbles and turquoise waters, are perfect for stunning seaside shots.
- Lush Green Mountains – Mount Ainos provides a rugged, untouched wilderness with dense fir forests, offering a contrast to the coastal scenery.
- Crystal-Clear Lakes & Caves – Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave create mystical settings with their underground lakes and striking rock formations.
2. Traditional & Picturesque Villages
- Fiskardo – A charming Venetian-style fishing village with colorful houses, narrow streets, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe.
- Assos – A small, beautiful village with a historic fortress, ideal for period films or romantic settings.
- Argostoli & Lixouri – Larger towns with a mix of modern and neoclassical architecture, offering urban-style locations and more than 300 little other villages.
3. Rich Historical & Cultural Elements
- The island has strong Venetian and British influences, making it great for historical or period pieces.
- Old monasteries, archeological sites, bridges, fortresses, ruins, churches add authenticity to cultural and dramatic narratives.
- The WWII history of the island (including the Italian occupation and the real-life story behind Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which was filmed here) makes it a fitting location for war and historical dramas.
4. Favorable Filming Conditions
- Mediterranean Climate – Long sunny days and mild winters allow for extended shooting periods.
- Less Crowded than Other Greek Islands – Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, Kefalonia offers more privacy and fewer tourist distractions, making it easier for film crews to work.
- Easy Accessibility – The island has an airport, ferry connections, and good infrastructure for transporting crew and equipment.
- Hospitality – Kefalonians are known for their warm hospitality, offering a genuine and welcoming atmosphere that makes hosting a production feel like a seamless collaboration.
- Accommodation options, catering services and local restaurants offering excellent cuisine, and also various transportation methods are available on the island.
5. Previous Filming and Production Experience
- Kefalonia, famously featured in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001), showcased its breathtaking landscapes to a worldwide audience. Many locals were involved in the film’s production, and in the years that followed, they participated in various smaller projects.
- How can I help: With seven years of film and television studies and 15 years of experience in major theatrical, musical, and video events, I possess an in-depth knowledge of production processes. Additionally, having lived on the island for 14 years, I am familiar with its ideal locations and can provide local crew, actors, and experts in local history and culture to support any type of production.
Notable films filmed on the island include:
1. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001)
- Synopsis: Set during World War II, the film follows Italian officer Captain Corelli (Nicolas Cage) as he is stationed on the Greek island of Cephalonia and falls in love with a local woman named Pelagia (Penélope Cruz).
- Filming Locations in Kefalonia:
- Sami: The town was transformed to depict the village setting of the story.
- Myrtos Beach: Featured in several scenes, showcasing its stunning landscape.
- Antisamos Beach: Used for various sequences, highlighting its natural beauty.
This film significantly boosted Kefalonia’s international profile, attracting visitors eager to experience its scenic locales firsthand.
2. Magnetic fields (2021)
- Director: Nikos Gousis
- Plot: A woman and a man cross paths by chance on their way to an island and decide to explore together, searching for the perfect spot to bury a metal box. The adventure of the two strangers meeting on a ferry in Kefalonia becomes a road movie, exploring themes of human connection and the quest for meaning.
- Filming Locations: It was filmed in lesser-known locations of Kefalonia, with the island’s rugged beauty and diverse landscapes playing a significant role in the visual storytelling, enhancing the film’s emotional and dramatic tones.
3. Under threat (2018) – short film
Director: Matt Senior
Plot: A conservation film that explores the plight of the vulnerable loggerhead turtles of Kefalonia, Greece. It sheds light on the daily dangers these turtles encounter and showcases the efforts being made to protect them. From caring for injured adults to safeguarding newborn hatchlings, the film highlights the vital conservation initiatives helping to ensure their survival.
Filming Locations: It was filmed mainly in the beaches of the south of Kefalonia, home of the turtles.
4. Melissanthe (2022) – short film
- Director: Georgios Dimitropoulos
- Plot: Three thousand years ago in ancient Greece, there existed both the ethereal realm of the gods and the mortal world of humans. The gods watched over the people, while the nymphs were entrusted with guarding nature. A young and beautiful deity, torn by her unrequited love for a lustful god, vanished and abandoned her duties. Yet, her fate is far from over.
- Filming Locations: It was filmed mainly in Lake Melissani and other caves, Koutavos Lagoon and mount Ainos.
Kefalonia’s stunning landscapes have attracted various television productions over the years. Notable TV programs filmed on the island include:
1. The Bachelorette (Germany, 2021)
- Overview: The German edition of the popular reality dating show chose Kefalonia as its backdrop in 2021. The series follows a single bachelorette as she interacts with a group of romantic interests, eliminating contestants in search of her potential partner.
- Filming Locations: Key scenes were shot at iconic sites such as Melissani Cave and Myrtos Beach and many other well known locations. We were addressed as local coordinators for the project.
2. A Place in the Sun (UK)
- Overview: This British television series assists potential property buyers in finding their dream homes abroad.
- Filming in Kefalonia: Episodes have been filmed on the island, showcasing its real estate offerings and scenic beauty.
3. My Greek Odyssey (Australia, 2019)
- Overview: An Australian travel series that explores the rich history, culture, and scenery of Greece.
- Kefalonia Feature: The island was highlighted in Episode 10 of the series, providing viewers with an in-depth look at its attractions. I have worked as the local coordinator in the programme, here you can read more.
Kefalonia’s stunning landscapes have attracted also researchers for theatre productions: In the summer of 2018 we were approached by the production company that created The Captain Corelli’s Mandolin stage adaptation to the West End with a London theatre production. We assisted them in connecting with locals who were alive at the time of world war II, they visited villages and ruins and landmarks of the period, organized interviews and found valuable material to help them understand the period and the feeling of the time. Here’s a bit more about the play and here you can read more about this collaboration:
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – 2018 London Theatre Production
- Adaptation: The novel by Louis de Bernières was adapted for the stage by Rona Munro.
- Production: Directed by Melly Still, produced by Theatr Clwyd and The Royal & Derngate Northampton in association with James Seabright.
- Story: Much like the novel and film, the play focuses on the love story between a young Greek woman, Pelagia, and an Italian soldier, Captain Corelli, set against the backdrop of World War II and the island of Kefalonia.
- Significance of the Production: The setting and the beautiful story about the island, appealed to audiences looking for a deeply emotional and visually striking production. The stage adaptation following the deep research on the island, brought to life the emotional depth and historical context of the novel, staying true to its key themes of love, war, and resilience.
I can help streamline any kind of production in Kefalonia, offering the expertise and local resources needed for a successful project. If you need any more information, send us a mail through the form.