All You Need to Know About Cyprus's International Film Festival

Pomp and colour abound at the annual Cyprus International Film Festival
Pomp and colour abound at the annual Cyprus International Film Festival | © Sergey Galyonkin / Flickr

Currently in its 13th edition, the Cyprus International Film Festival is arguably the most significant event for independent films not only from Cyprus, but also from other countries across the world. Here’s everything you need to know about this artistic event ahead of its next appearance in June, 2018.

Background

The annual festival, which will be held from June, 13 – 23, brings together new and upcoming directors in various disciplines of entertainment to showcase their talent and to show support to move their artistic work to the next level.

The International Film Festival of Cyprus (CYIFF) was inaugurated in 2006 to support emerging local and international artists. As the first international film event to be held in Cyprus, it opened up the island to the world, welcoming artists to showcase short films, feature films, music videos, animations, dance, experimental films and video art.

Initially, the festival was held in three cities, Limassol, Lanarca and Nicosia. Today, with the support of the private sector and the municipalities and local authorities where it takes place, recent events bring together people in Paphos – the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess of love and fertility.

This year, the event will be held at Pafos Neapolis Amphitheatre at Neapolis University Pafos.

It’s time for female filmmakers to shine

Watch and learn

For emerging filmmakers, this is the best platform to meet fellow producers, as showing work here means being reviewed by some of the world’s best accredited film producers.

With the VIP jury consisting some of the best producers, such as the legendary director of photography Bill Butler from the USA, films here are set for the global stage. Others who have graced the stage include Vivek Singhania from India, film director Wang Jingguang from China and George F Roberson from the USA.

For those in the field, the event is still open for submission – if your work has been produced the last 36 months, you can make a point of sending your art. You will not only learn from like-minded peers, but you can also make lifelong friends and contacts – not to mention experience the best of Mediterranean culture in a scenic spot.

What’s there for the filmgoer?

The event offers film lovers an exciting moment to watch fascinating new films, as well as to meet new people, to discuss cinema, and to take in international stars in the film world. Plus, you can always brag to your friends that you were among the first people to see a unique creative picture when it makes it to the big screen.

On the sidelines of the event, you’ll have the opportunity to sample Cyprus’s culture and cuisine. It would be highly regrettable to visit the island and leave without visiting some of the hidden gems of Cyprus, such as the archaeological park in Paphos, or without trying the local cuisine.

Tombs of the Kings located in Paphos, Cyprus

Parallel events

There’s increased global interest in the festival, meaning that exploring new dimensions to keep the event alive is a joy in itself.

While the event promises visitors a good time via the medium of film, there’s also a wide line-up of related activities which feel like festivals of their own due to their busy nature and scale.

Activities running alongside the main event include masterclasses and labs where script contests, reviews, storytelling development, casting and pre-production are carried out. These create important meeting platforms for both local and international filmmakers.

Gender paradigms

Last year, CYIFF launched a new category, the Aphrodite Cinematic Award, which highlights women in film in Cyprus.

The programme invites women to take part in the competition for a picture filmed on the island. The novel idea attracted several entries, seven of which were screened at the event. From issues affecting immigrants, to love and war, family, and religion, 2017’s award was diverse and eye-opening. This year’s event promises to be even bigger in numbers and thematic areas.

Cyprus International Film Festival supports rising local female filmmakers

Why you should be in Cyprus in June

As well as the film festival, the attractions of Cyprus at this time of year are many and varied.

The weather is perfect for basking in the sun sipping freshly-squeezed watermelon juice – normally in season at this time – or your favourite cocktail.

Since you’ll be in Paphos already, you can take some time to amuse yourself at the waterpark. With the water temperature ranging between 20-25°C (68-77°F), it’s easy to lose yourself at the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark which features a lazy river, a wave pool, and slides.

Does ancient history fascinate you? If so, you might find the St Paul’s Pillar, which has stood the test of time throughout the millennia, a more than impressive sight.

The night before your flight back home, make sure to sit down to a meze. By so doing, you will have an opportunity to sample most of the Cypriot cuisine over a glass of local wine. You can even go international and try Lebanese, Mexican, or Chinese delicacies if you want to ring the changes – the choice is yours.

Lastly, you might want to visit the local Aphrodite’s Rock Brewing Company. Here, you’ll have a firsthand experience of what goes on at the production site of the hand-crafted beer. You can also take advantage of organised wine tours around Paphos, if you want to learn more about the area’s favourite tipples.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article