Cyprus Film Days Returns for 23rd Edition
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Loading... - Baniti Emad
- 13 Mar 2025
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From April 4 to 12, Cyprus will host its largest cinematic event, the 23rd Cyprus Film Days International Festival 2025. This annual festival is renowned for its immersive experience of cinematic art and narrative, taking place at Limassol’s Rialto Theatre and Nicosia’s Zena Palace. The festival aims to foster vibrant dialogue between artists and audiences through an exciting film screening program and parallel events.
Organized by the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Rialto Theatre, this year’s festival offers cinephiles a unique opportunity to discover groundbreaking films. The lineup includes premieres from both acclaimed and emerging Cypriot and international filmmakers, showcasing works that address pressing social and artistic issues with sensitivity and grit.
Artistic directors Argyro Nicolaou and Marios Lizides have curated a program that emphasizes film variety and the freshness of cinematic language. The Viewfinder section will feature films that have made waves in the international arena, while the International Competition Section – Glocal Images will present poignant narratives from around the world. These selected films explore a range of themes, from social and political movements to deeply personal stories, inviting audiences to reflect on their own responsibilities in the narratives presented.
A special highlight of the festival is the Cypriot Films Competition Section, which will showcase three new films that celebrate the creativity of local filmmakers. Additionally, the festival will include a parallel program and the Cyprus Film Days for Children and Youth, aiming to educate younger audiences with films that promote equality, respect, and solidarity. This year also marks the return of the successful short film competition for students and young people up to 24 years of age.
In a tribute to the recently departed visionary filmmaker David Lynch, the festival will feature an in memoriam segment showcasing some of his most trailblazing films. The opening and closing ceremonies, taking place on April 4 and 12 respectively, will be staged by interdisciplinary artist Korallia Stergidou.
Parallel events will enrich the festival experience, including a masterclass in VR filmmaking by media artist Deniz Tortum, a practical filmmaking workshop inspired by Cyprus’ invisible myths led by Mariangela Ciccarello and Oliwia Tado, and a special casting workshop conducted by acclaimed casting directors Francesco Vedovati and Makis Gazis.
Awards will be presented in various categories, including Best Film, Best Cypriot Film, Special Jury Award, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Cypriot Director, and Best Performance in a Cypriot Film. All films screened in the official international competition and Cypriot films competition sections will be eligible for the Audience Award, determined by viewer votes cast immediately after each screening.
The sixth edition of Dot.on.the.Map Industry Days, a co-production, training, and networking platform led by producer and director Danae Stylianou, will also take place during the festival. This initiative aims to foster partnerships between producers, directors, and screenwriters from Mediterranean countries and international film industry professionals.
With its diverse offerings and commitment to cinematic excellence, the Cyprus Film Days International Festival promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar, celebrating the art of film and its power to inspire and connect.
