An exciting event for cinema enthusiasts is on the horizon as the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus prepares to present its 14th edition next month. This much-anticipated festival is a must-attend for both film lovers and creators, showcasing the best of short films from local and international talents.
Festival Highlights: October 12-18 at Rialto Theatre
Taking place from October 12 to 18 at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol, the festival will offer a full week of screenings and parallel events that celebrate the diversity and creativity of short films. The festival agenda is packed with an exciting mix of fiction films, experimental works, animation, and documentaries, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. The festival organizers are working hard to finalize the lineup, but one thing is already clear: this year’s festival will once again highlight the power of short films in storytelling.
National Competition Programme: Showcasing Cypriot Talent
This year, the National Competition Programme will feature 15 short films by Cypriot directors, showcasing a diverse array of cinematic styles and storytelling. The selected films were carefully chosen by the Pre-selection Committee, ensuring that the best of Cyprus’s film industry is represented.
Here’s the list of the selected local films:
- 20 Euros, directed by Alexander Machlouzarides-Shalit
- 74, directed by Charalambos Margaritis
- DILEMMA, directed by Paris Christophi
- Pakistani, directed by Christos Zeniou
- Tsikitigklon, The Fairy And The Man, directed by Marios Mettis
- In Our Millions, directed by Meli Vasiloudes Bayada, Ally Lloyd, Esme Haddrill Selman
- Pink Moon, directed by Meray Diner
- Please, Remember, directed by Panagiotis Christou
- Rebranded, directed by Yiannis Georgiades
- Requiem in Salt, directed by Sylvia Nicolaides, Nicolas Iordanou
- Sofra, directed by Uygar Erdim
- TAXI, directed by Constantinos Nikiforou
- The Saddest Lines, directed by Bugra Ozverel
- ugly people, directed by Antonis Christ
- Underground, directed by Yiannis Christoforou
Pre-selection Committee: Industry Experts
The committee responsible for selecting the Cypriot films includes notable figures from the industry: Adonis Florides, a director and screenwriter, Nicolas Khabbaz, a producer and Director of Audiovisual Arts at Notre Dame University in Lebanon, and Doros Demetriou, a renowned film historian.
International Recognition and Awards
The Cypriot films will not only compete in the National Awards but also vie for recognition in the International Awards section. In addition, one of the films will be nominated for the European Film Awards’ Short Film Candidate. This ensures that the local talent has the chance to gain international exposure and accolades.
World Cinema and Additional Awards
Apart from the National Competition, the festival will also present films from around the world in the International Competition Programme. This section is curated by the festival’s Artistic Directors, Alexia Roider and Ioakim Mylonas, who have selected a wide range of films that reflect the latest trends in global cinema.
As always, the festival will offer several prestigious awards, including:
- Best Short Film
- Best Performance
- Best Director
- Best Cinematography
- Best Documentary
- Best Cypriot Director
A special Best Music Video Award will also be given, judged by a Student Jury from the Cyprus University of Technology’s Department of Multimedia and Graphic Design.
Looking Ahead: Festival Details and Jury Announcement
As the festival dates approach, further details will be shared about each film, the festival schedule, and the members of the judging panels. Film lovers and participants alike are eagerly awaiting what is sure to be a memorable event celebrating the art of short films.
14th International Short Film Festival of Cyprus
This annual short film festival offers a rich programme of both national and international films. Taking place from October 12-18, it will be held at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol. For more information, visit www.isffc.com.cy or www.rialto.com.cy.
This festival is set to be a major event in the Cyprus cultural calendar, highlighting the artistic and storytelling capabilities of short films. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the world of cinema through a local and international lens.