21st Cyprus International Film Festival to take place in Nicosia

Nicosia, Cyprus. The 21st Cyprus International Film Festival will be held at the Melina Merkouri Cultural Hall from September 21 to 25, bringing together filmmakers, artists, actors, photographers, cultural professionals and film audiences.

The programme includes international competition screenings, Chinese cinema, a tribute to Cyprus and the memory of 1974, and events focused on women filmmakers, bi-communal action and the Hellenic Diaspora.

International programme and Chinese cinema

The festival’s international competition programme will feature films, filmmakers and new voices from around the world.

Chinese cinema will be included in the 2026 programme through selected screenings and the world premiere of La Croix (The Crossing), directed by Hu Xueyang.

Cyprus tribute and women’s stories

A special tribute will explore Cyprus and the memory of 1974 through cinema and the personal stories of people who experienced that period.

The programme will include Panikos Panayiotou’s documentary Queen of Cyprus, which examines Cypriot women, loss, resilience, home and rebuilding a life.

Special events will also focus on women filmmakers, women’s stories, female creativity, equality and women’s contribution to cinema and the wider creative industries.

Bi-communal and diaspora initiatives

The festival will highlight a bi-communal initiative involving women through culture, environmental action, dialogue and peacebuilding.

It will also feature filmmakers and artists from the global Hellenic Diaspora.

Public exhibition and monologue challenge

The Things We Pass By exhibition invites members of the public to submit up to four photographs of scenes, people, places, moments and details that are often overlooked. Photographs may be taken with a camera or mobile phone and must be submitted by September 6 to [email protected].

The festival will also introduce the Monologue Challenge, a platform for emerging and established actors and performers. Participants may perform material for up to 10 minutes in Greek or English and must apply by September 16 via [email protected].

Closing ceremony

The festival will conclude on September 25 with the Golden Aphrodite Awards Ceremony, which will honour filmmakers and films distinguished during the event. The closing ceremony will be open to the public.