Cyprus has selected Myrsini Aristidou’s film Hold Onto Me (Krata Me) as its official Oscar entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
The announcement was made by the Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture following the completion of the work of the seven-member National Oscar Submission Committee.
The committee reviewed the films submitted and made its decision based on the criteria and procedures established by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The film has been officially submitted to the US Academy.
The 99th Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on March 14, 2027.
A film with international recognition
Hold Onto Me has already received recognition at several international and local film festivals.
Its awards and distinctions include:
- Sundance Film Festival 2026 – Audience Award (selective)
- Sofia International Film Festival 2026 – Special Mention for Maria Petrova
- Cyprus Film Days 2026 – Best Film, Best Director and Audience Award
- Los Angeles Greek Film Festival – Best Film
- International Film Festival 2026 – Media Choice Award for Filmmaker and an acting award for Maria Petrova
The Deputy Ministry of Culture and the National Oscar Submission Committee wished Aristidou, producer Monica Nicolaidou of Filmblades and all those involved in the production every success.
The story of Hold Onto Me
The film follows 11-year-old Iris, who learns that her estranged father, Aris, has returned for the funeral of his own father.
Her desire to get to know him leads her to an old shipyard where he lives alone.
An unexpected relationship begins between them, filled with tenderness and conflict, ultimately transforming both father and daughter.
Film credits
Hold Onto Me was written and directed by Myrsini Aristidou.
Director of Photography: Lasse Ulvedal Tolbøl
Production Design: Dimitra Sourlantzi
Costume Design: Sasha Paloudan
Editing: Jenna Mangouland
Music: Alex Weston
Sound Recording: Stavros Terlikkas
Sound Design: Christos Kyriakoulis, Aris Louziotis
Re-recording Mix: Kostas Varympompis
Colour Grading: Brian Gouse
Make-up: Ioanna Nika, Giorgos Vavanos
Hair: Sotiris Foiniris
Casting: Daina Papadaki, Michalis Michaelidis, Lydia Georganou
Cast: Christos Passalis, Maria Petrova, Aulona Lupa, Jenny Sallo, Nikolas Metaxas and Achilleas Grammatikopoulos.
Production: Filmblades, 1.61 Films.
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