Since the turn of the 20th century, nationalism in Cyprus triggered fears and trauma and many sad memories. After the partition, the authorities on both sides used a powerful tool, namely the education system, to build a negative image of the other, instilling fear and hate among the new generations. In this documentary, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots born between 1975 and 1990 and educated on both sides of the divide share their experiences and their views on nationalist propaganda, one-sided narratives, and historical distortions in the education systems. The interviewees also shed light on how such negative perceptions, formed in their childhood affected their intercommunal relationships.

In regions that have witnessed such conflict, reminiscing and sharing memories are vital for healing to begin. Transferring the individual and collective narratives to future generations is critical to creating empathy and bringing about change. “Education Beyond History” aims to contribute to the steps towards peace and reconciliation in Cyprus. The film also aspires to contribute towards the debates around peace education, confidence building measures on education and the future of the education system after political settlement