As the cultural pulse of Limassol prepares for an exciting event, the 14th Cyprus International Short Film Festival is set to energize the city from this Saturday until October 18. With an engaging lineup of short films and unique experiences, both on and off the screen, this year’s festival brings fresh energy with an array of parallel events designed to inspire, educate, and entertain.
Cinematherapy: A Healing Journey through Film
Date: October 13 | Time: 5:30-7:30pm | Location: Old Vinegar House
For the first time, the festival introduces Cinematherapy, a groundbreaking combination of cinema and psychotherapy. This therapeutic practice uses film as a tool for self-exploration and emotional growth, allowing viewers to engage with the storytelling on screen in a deeply personal way. By identifying with the characters and their journeys, audiences are provided with a safe space to reflect on their own life experiences.
This year’s Cinematherapy session will showcase the short film Daphne, directed by Tonia Mishiali. After the screening, there will be a discussion between the director and lead actress Niovi Charalambous, moderated by Denise Nikolakou, a leading integrative psychotherapist who also heads the Cinematherapy Programme of the Drama International Short Film Festival.
Contemporary Mirrors: Reflecting Reality through Documentaries
Date: October 13 | Time: 10:30pm | Location: Dusty Monkey
For documentary enthusiasts, Contemporary Mirrors offers a late-night showcase of short documentaries. These films highlight the freedom filmmakers possess to explore and investigate the world around them, revealing hidden truths and sparking critical thinking. This event is ideal for filmmakers and film lovers who seek content that challenges the status quo and promotes social change.
Fatherhood: Rewriting Traditional Roles
Date: October 15 | Time: 10:30pm | Location: Dusty Monkey
Fatherhood explores the evolving definition of what it means to be a father. Without adhering to traditional roles, men are encouraged to define fatherhood in their own way, discovering new and innovative approaches to parenthood. This session promises a thought-provoking reflection on family dynamics and the flexibility of modern fatherhood.
TGF – What’s the Story? Cyprus
Date: October 14-18 | Location: RESET Multifunctional Social Space
This intensive five-day short film development workshop will offer hands-on guidance to eight talented directors and screenwriters from Cyprus and the Mediterranean region. Led by two experienced tutors, the workshop will assist participants in crafting their short film concepts, providing invaluable mentorship.
Info Session: Greek Film Centre
Date: October 16 | Time: 6-7pm | Location: Rialto On Stage
The Greek Film Centre will present its short film funding initiatives during an informative session. Athena Kartalou, Director of GFC, will guide attendees through the centre’s programmes, offering insight into funding opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
This Uncanny Freak Show: A Night of Dark Entertainment
Date: October 16 | Time: 10:30pm | Location: Dusty Monkey
Prepare for an unforgettable night as This Uncanny Freak Show takes over Limassol’s Dusty Monkey. Curated by Christiana Ioannou, this bizarre, loud, and wild event will feature green-fingered creatures, seductive vampire dancers, and dog-headed demons. It promises a surreal experience for all attendees, combining horror, theatrics, and sheer spectacle.
Info Session – Creative Europe: Supporting the Film Industry
Date: October 17 | Time: 12pm | Location: Dusty Monkey
A presentation on Creative Europe – Media, focusing on supporting European film production in today’s digital world, will be conducted by Nenad Bogdanovic, the Head of Creative Europe Desk Cyprus. This session will offer insights into European film production and the resources available for filmmakers across the continent.
14th Cyprus International Short Film Festival
From October 12-18, Limassol will host this annual celebration of short films, featuring both national and international competition categories. Screenings will take place at the Rialto Theatre, with films shown in their original language and subtitled in both Greek and English. To learn more, visit the official festival websites at www.isffc.com.cy or www.rialto.com.cy.
This year’s festival promises not only cinematic adventures but also the chance to experience art, therapy, education, and mind-bending entertainment all in one place.