The 7th AEI Film Festival (Cyprus International Festival of Archaeological, Ethnographic, and Historical Documentaries) is set to return to Nicosia for nine immersive days of documentary screenings and educational workshops. Hosted at the CVAR – Severis Foundation on Ermou Street, the event runs from October 26 through November 3, spotlighting both local and international documentaries. This year’s festival also includes a unique line-up of family-friendly activities and workshops, designed to engage children and adults alike.
Celebrating Art, Culture, and Collaboration Since 2018
Launched in 2018, the AEI Film Festival has grown into a key event for creatives and history enthusiasts, encouraging cross-cultural collaboration and nurturing connections among those interested in archaeology, ethnography, and cultural heritage. As it marks seven years, the festival’s 2024 edition promises another showcase of innovative and celebrated documentaries. Films are highlighted within four competitive categories, each with its own awards for Best Documentary Film, Best Director, and Best Photography.
New ‘Neon Cinema’ Competition for Young Filmmakers
A new competition segment called Neon Cinema debuts this year, featuring short documentary films created by high school students. This category highlights five-to-ten-minute films that will be evaluated by a jury of Cypriot high school students, offering young filmmakers a chance to gain recognition and develop their craft.
Honoring Director Adonis Christoforou
In a special award ceremony on October 29, the festival will honor Adonis Christoforou for his significant contributions to photography and cinema. This tribute will include a screening of two of his documentaries, “Enas Karpasitis,” produced by CyBC, as well as a curated exhibition showcasing photographs from his film sets between 1977 and 1982. The event at CVAR, starting at 7 pm, will also feature traditional music performances by the ZYGIA Music Scheme, creating an evening that celebrates Cyprus’s artistic and cinematic heritage.
Interactive Workshops for All Ages
Alongside the screenings, AEI’s parallel programme offers a variety of hands-on workshops tailored for both children and families. This Saturday, an astronomy workshop will introduce young attendees to the basics of uranography through a star map focused on the Northern Hemisphere’s November sky. Designed to blend interactive learning with mythology, this workshop runs from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm at CVAR and is free, although pre-registration is required.
On Sunday, an art therapy workshop welcomes families to explore themes of cultural heritage through collaborative art. This session encourages family members to creatively reflect on memories of their homeland using various art materials.
Next Sunday, a geology workshop at the Troodos Geopark will allow children aged 6 to 16 to discover natural wonders in Troodos and beyond. To participate, visitors can register via the AEI Film Festival’s Facebook page.
Event Details
- Event: 7th AEI Film Festival (Cyprus International Festival of Archaeological, Ethnographic, and Historical Documentaries)
- Dates: October 26 – November 3
- Location: CVAR Severis Foundation, Ermou Street, Nicosia
- For More Information and Registration: AEI Film Festival Website