Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has opened submissions for the first time to select its official entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The deputy ministry of culture announced the move as part of a broader effort to raise the international profile of Cypriot cinema.
Submission process announced
The call for submissions was issued by the deputy ministry of culture through the official body representing Cyprus at the Academy Awards.
The deputy ministry’s contemporary culture department said the decision was linked to the recent success of Cypriot cinema and its growing international presence at major festivals. Officials also said the move reflected the desire of film professionals in Cyprus to compete on a more visible global stage.
Growing international presence
The announcement comes as the local film industry gains increasing visibility abroad. Cypriot films that have received international recognition include Myrsini Aristidou’s Hold Onto Me, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival, and Minos Papas’ Motherwitch, which premiered at International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Other Cypriot productions have also screened at major international festivals in recent years.
Industry response
For filmmakers, the opportunity to make an Oscars submission is seen as both an opening and a milestone for the country’s expanding film industry.
“Cyprus cinema has definitely gone from strength to strength over the last few years,” said Cyprus Directors’ Guild president Stelana Kliris.
“Seeing both established and emerging filmmakers coming into their own and participating in major international festivals such as Sundance, Cannes, Rotterdam and Karlovy Vary, it is great that they now have the opportunity to be considered for an Academy Award,” she said.
Selection committee
The official submission will be chosen by a National Selection Committee appointed by the deputy ministry after the July 10 deadline for submissions.
The seven-member committee will include representatives from institutional bodies and the film industry. Film professionals on the committee include cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos, directors Kyros Papavassiliou and Gianna Americanou, and filmmaker Stelana Kliris, director of the recently released production Find Me Falling.
