International film festival opens in April 2026
The Cyprus Film Days International Festival will return for its 24th edition from 17 to 25 April 2026, transforming the Rialto Theatre in Limassol and Zena Palace Cinema in Nicosia into hubs for international cinema, storytelling and cultural exchange.
The Cyprus Film Days programme continues its focus on contemporary filmmaking, bringing together directors, producers and audiences through a diverse selection of global and Cypriot productions.
Cyprus Film Days highlights international competition
At the centre of the Cyprus Film Days programme is the Glocal Images International Competition, which features films from a wide range of cultural and geographical backgrounds. The section explores themes such as identity, social change and human relationships through independent cinema.
Selected titles include Nino by Pauline Loquès, Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day by Ivona Juka, Hysteria by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, Forastera by Lucía Aleñar Iglesias, Sink by Zain Duraie, Lust by Ralitza Petrova, Aisha Can’t Fly Away by Morad Mostafa and Life in a Beat by Amerissa Basta.
Cyprus Film Days showcases Cypriot cinema
The Cypriot Films Competition Section remains a key pillar of Cyprus Film Days, highlighting local productions and emerging talent.
Films include Hold Onto Me by Myrsini Aristidou, Motherwitch by Minos Papas, Maricel by Elias Demetriou and Diversion by Marinos Kartikkis, reflecting a range of social, historical and allegorical narratives from Cypriot filmmakers.
Cyprus Film Days expands international programme
The festival also features the Viewfinder – Contemporary International Cinema section, presenting award-winning films from major global festivals.
Among them are La Grazia by Paolo Sorrentino, Yes by Nadav Lapid, Sound of Falling by Masha Schilinski and All That’s Left of You by Cherien Dabis, each recognised at Cannes, Venice and other leading international events.
Additional sections include Cinemas of Dissent, Special Screenings under the Common Ground programme, and Cyprus Film Days for Children and Young People, offering films focused on diversity, coexistence and education through cinema.
Cyprus Film Days jury and awards announced
The Cyprus Film Days International Jury will be led by Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO and Director of the European Film Academy. The panel includes producers, curators, screenwriters and filmmakers from Germany, Greece, the USA and Cyprus.
The jury will evaluate films in the Glocal Images Competition, with awards announced on 25 April 2026 at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol.
Prizes include Best Film, Best Cypriot Film, Best Director, Special Jury Award, Best Cinematography and Audience Award, with total cash and service-based prizes supporting filmmakers and post-production development.
Information
€5 per screening | €30 festival pass (for all screenings)
Free entry for university students with a valid student ID
Free entry for pupils attending the children’s programme
Free entry for disability card holders
All screenings, except the children’s programme, are suitable for audiences 18+.
All films will be screened in their original language with Greek and English subtitles.
Films in the Cypriot competition will also include Turkish subtitles.
The festival is organised by the Deputy Ministry of Culture in co-organisation with the Rialto Theatre.
The 24th edition of Cyprus Film Days will take place 17–25 April 2026 at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol and Zena Palace in Nicosia.
Rialto Theatre — +357 77 77 77 45
www.cyprusfilmdays.com
Facebook & Instagram
Cyprus Film Days International Festival
Also read:
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
