Celebrating Animation in the Cyprus Countryside

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Celebrating Animation in the Cyprus Countryside

23rd Animafest Cyprus Set to Delight in Salamiou Village

The 23rd edition of Countryside Animafest – Views of the World is approaching, taking place in the serene village of Salamiou in the Paphos district. Running from August 9 to 12, this renowned festival will showcase a diverse array of acclaimed animated films from prestigious international festivals, alongside fresh Cypriot productions. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of parallel events, including exhibitions, workshops, and concerts.

A Rich Tradition of Animation

For over two decades, this vibrant festival has continuously evolved, offering the Cypriot audience premieres of some of the finest global animated works. This year’s International Competition Programmes, curated by Yiorgos Tsangaris and Gerben Schermer, feature an impressive selection of 33 films from 14 countries, chosen from a record-breaking 800+ submissions. The goal is to introduce local viewers to groundbreaking international films that embody universal and humanist values.

The festival will also feature a children’s competition programme, showcasing 14 films from seven countries, with winners determined by a jury of young school students.

Local Highlights and Special Projects

In addition to international screenings, the festival will present a special project in collaboration with Birdlife Cyprus. The Cyprus Association of Graphic Designers and Illustrators and Animafest Cyprus will reveal the results of an open call for creating animated flip books inspired by the region’s birds.

A tribute exhibition will honor Cypriot photographer Charis Pellapaisiotis, showcasing his work Let The Dead Speak, created in collaboration with Stefanos Stefanidis. The festival will also feature special screenings of local Cypriot films.

Exciting Parallel Events

This year’s festival will bring back the popular zero-zero experimental stage, featuring late-night presentations by young Cypriot musicians and visual artists. Highlights include a workshop on collecting ethnographic material led by Nicoletta Demetriou, in collaboration with the Cyprus Music Archive, and Story Typer, where Yiorgos Papakonstantinou will create typewritten stories inspired by public conversations.

Workshops for both children and adults will offer hands-on experiences in various animation techniques. Additionally, the 2nd International Animation Film Camp will connect young artists and students with international centers and festivals, featuring two four-day camps led by Steven Woloshen, an acclaimed Canadian experimental animation director.

Musical Performances and More

The festival will also highlight Cypriot talent with six bands and solo musicians performing throughout the event. The musical lineup includes Yannis Koutis, Buzz Ayaz, Vlamis and the Suns, Maria Spivak, the jazz ensemble Jassba featuring Ulas Oguc, William Scott, Manos Stratis, and the Pulsar Band with Maria Avraam, Stavros Savvas, Christos Politis, and Konstantinos Harilaou.

With less than a month to go, the festival’s full programme, including additional screenings and events, will be available on the Animafest Cyprus website and social media channels.