PRESS RELEASE August 24, 2026
🎬 21st Cyprus International Film Festival
CYIFF 2026 | 21–25 September | Nicosia
Five Days. One City. A World of Stories.
There are festivals you attend to watch films.
And there are festivals that make you want to be there.
The 21st Cyprus International Film Festival – CYIFF returns from 21–25 September 2026 at the Melina Merkouri Cultural Hall in Nicosia, inviting filmmakers, artists, actors, photographers, cultural professionals and film lovers to five days of cinema, visual storytelling, encounters and unexpected discoveries.
For 21 years, CYIFF has created a space where international cinema meets Cyprus — where a screening can lead to a conversation, a conversation to a collaboration, and a chance encounter to a new story.
And this year, there is so much to discover.
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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
A vibrant international programme bringing together films, filmmakers and new voices from around the world, with stories that deserve to be discovered.
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CHINESE CINEMA
A special presence of Chinese cinema, including selected screenings and the World Premiere of La Croix (The Crossing) by Hu Xueyang.
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1974 – MEMORY, STORIES & PEOPLE
A special tribute exploring Cyprus and the memory of 1974 through cinema and the personal stories of people who experienced those years and continue to carry their memories forward.
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QUEEN OF CYPRUS
The powerful documentary by Panikos Panayiotou, exploring Cypriot women, loss, resilience, the meaning of home and the determination to rebuild a life — in Cyprus and around the world.
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WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION
Women filmmakers, women’s stories and special events celebrating female creativity, equality and the contribution of women to cinema and the wider creative industries.
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CWEP – CYPRUS WOMEN ENVIRONMENTAL PEACEMAKERS
The continuation of a unique bi-communal initiative bringing women together through culture, environmental action, dialogue and peacebuilding.
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NOSTIMON IMAR
A special section honouring filmmakers and artists of the global Hellenic Diaspora — stories of people who travelled, created, rebuilt and carried a sense of home with them.
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THINGS WE PASS BY – PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
A photography exhibition inviting us to do something we rarely do: stop.
To look again at people, places, moments and details that we normally pass by. A meeting point between photography and cinematic vision, celebrating the power of the image to reveal stories that are right in front of us — if we take the time to see them.
The deadline for submitting up to 4 photographs, taken either with a camera or a mobile phone, is 6 September.
Please send your photographs to: cywift@gmail.com
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MONOLOGUE CHALLENGE
A new CYIFF platform for actors and performers. Monologues of up to 10 minutes, in Greek or English, offering emerging and established performers an opportunity to take the stage, meet audiences and connect with professionals.
Deadline: September 16
Applicants should send to cyiffcyprus@gmail.com:
• One recent photograph
• A short biography
• The monologue they wish to perform
• A video audition, if available
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GOLDEN APHRODITE AWARDS
The grand finale of CYIFF. Filmmakers and films that have distinguished themselves throughout the Festival will be celebrated at the Golden Aphrodite Awards Ceremony on 25 September.
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But CYIFF is not only what happens on screen.
It is about the people you meet.
The director sitting next to you after a screening.
The actress you meet during a conversation.
The photographer who makes you see something you had never noticed before.
The filmmaker from another country who may become your next collaborator.
The conversation that continues long after the lights go up.
And perhaps — an invitation to an event you didn’t expect.
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BE OUR GUEST
This year, we want to do something a little different.
We don’t simply want you to come and watch a film.
We want to meet you.
If you would like to be part of CYIFF 2026, register your interest and join our circle of Festival friends, artists and supporters.
Those who register may receive personal invitations to selected private and special Festival events, subject to availability.
These may include:
🥂 Opening Night Reception
🎬 Special Screenings & Premieres
🌍 International Filmmakers Meet & Greet
👑 Queen of Cyprus Special Event
🎬 Women in Film / WIFT Cyprus Reception
🤝 CWEP Women & Peace Event
🎭 Monologue Challenge Event
🇨🇳 Chinese Cinema Special Event
📷 Things We Pass By – Exhibition Event
🏆 Golden Aphrodite Awards & Closing Reception
And a few more intimate encounters and surprises that will not necessarily be announced publicly.
❤️ The invitation is personal. The experience is yours.
If you love cinema, art and great stories —
if you are a filmmaker or simply someone who enjoys meeting creative people and discovering new perspectives —
we would love to have you with us.
Send us your name and contact details to register your interest in CYIFF 2026.
Personal invitations to selected special events will be sent according to availability.
www.cyprusfilmfestival.org
cyiffcyprus@gmail.com
21 years of CYIFF.
21 years of people, images and stories without borders.
This year, the next story you remember might be your own.
📍 Melina Merkouri Cultural Hall, Nicosia
📅 21–25 September 2026
CYIFF 2026
Cinema Without Borders.
Come for the films.
Stay for the people.
Leave with a story.