MVP

Tag: bicommunal

  • International film — Cyprus Hosts 20th International Film Festival with Artistic Celebrations

    International film — Cyprus Hosts 20th International Film Festival with Artistic Celebrations

    International film: Celebrating Cinematic Talent in Nicosia

    This week, Cyprus welcomes the 20th International Film Festival, the Golden Aphrodite, alongside the 5th Women in Film and Television Festival. Both events are taking place at the Melina Mercouri Hall, running until Saturday, and promise a vibrant array of screenings, artistic events, and professional activities for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

    A Showcase of Global Filmmaking

    Approximately 60 filmmakers from around the world will present their work, selected from 115 films competing across multiple categories from 52 countries. This year’s festival not only highlights cinematic talent but also serves as a new international platform for Greek and Cypriot filmmakers. Collaborating with the Bridges Film Festival in Greece and the Inspire-TV™ platform, the festival is poised to enhance connections within the film community.

    A Meeting Point for Cultures

    The festival is especially significant as it acts as a meeting point for Greek Cypriot and international artists, fostering new relationships and opportunities for collaboration. As a budding destination for film tourism, Nicosia is keen to promote its cultural offerings and attract visitors interested in the cinematic arts.

    Engaging Community Activities

    Each evening, the festival features film screenings complemented by a bicommunal photographic exhibition titled Cyprus Women – Environment and Peace. Organised in collaboration with the Nicosia Photographic Society, this exhibition showcases authentic photographs from both sides of the divide in Nicosia. It highlights the contributions of women towards environmental protection and peacebuilding, capturing their beauty, strength, and resilience in daily life.

    Honouring Remarkable Women

    On Saturday evening, the festival will culminate in a grand awards ceremony, where the distinguished international jury will present the prestigious Golden Aphrodite Film Awards along with the Women in Film and Television – Cyprus LIFE Awards. This year, the spotlight will shine on two remarkable women from across the divide: Fryni Papadopoulou, a presenter and producer at CyBC TV and radio, and Neşe Yaşın, a Turkish Cypriot poet, author of My Own Country, and journalist.

    A Symbolic Musical Premiere

    The finale will also feature the world premiere of the song CWEP – Cyprus Women Environmental Peacemakers, performed by the Bicommunal Choir for Peace – Lena Melanidou. This performance symbolises the unifying power of culture and the shared aspiration for reconciliation among the communities of Cyprus.

    Festival Details and Accessibility

    The 20th Cyprus International Film Festival, Golden Aphrodite, along with the Women in Film and Television Festival, is being held at the Melina Mercouri Hall in Nicosia until September 27. With free entrance to the events, the festival invites all to explore the rich tapestry of film and culture on offer. For more information, visit www.cyprusfilmfestival.org.

  • Bicommunal — Bicommunal Women’s Group Advances Tree Planting in the Buffer Zone

    Bicommunal — Bicommunal Women’s Group Advances Tree Planting in the Buffer Zone

    A series of environmental projects spearheaded by a bicommunal women’s group will see tree planting and seed sowing continue within the UN-patrolled buffer zone throughout September. This initiative aims to transform the buffer zone, historically a symbol of division, into a vibrant area of unity and environmental stewardship.

    Bicommunal: Planting Olive Trees as a Symbol of Peace

    The project commenced with the planting of an olive tree in Pyla on Friday, a gesture dedicated to the memory of the missing individuals from both communities. The olive tree, recognised globally as a symbol of peace, marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to foster hope and connection.

    Creating a Legacy of Unity

    Petra Terzi, head of the Women in Film and Television chapter, one of the participating organisations, emphasised the significance of this project. “The buffer zone, which for decades has been a symbol of division, can become a green spot, a place of hope and a legacy of unity,” she stated. Through these actions, the group aspires to cultivate an environment where future generations can thrive without the barriers of walls and fear.

    Community Collaboration for Environmental Initiatives

    Munnever Ebedi, representing the Lefka Environmental Promotion Association, echoed Terzi’s sentiments by highlighting the importance of bicommunal environmental actions. “These initiatives promote cooperation between communities and represent a tangible step towards peace,” Ebedi remarked. The collaborative spirit of the project aims to bridge gaps and foster understanding between the communities involved.

    Choosing Flora for a Sustainable Future

    As part of the initiative, the group has selected trees and seeds that are native to Cyprus and resilient to local weather conditions, particularly in light of the ongoing water shortages affecting the island. This careful selection underscores a commitment to sustainability and environmental resilience, ensuring that the plants not only survive but thrive in their new environment.

    Upcoming Conference to Foster Dialogue

    In conjunction with the planting activities, a two-day conference is scheduled for September 22-23 at Ledra Palace. This event will gather academic activists from Cyprus and abroad, along with members of the Bicommunal Technical Committees for Gender, Environment, and Education. The conference aims to facilitate dialogue and exchange ideas on environmental issues while promoting gender equality and education.

    Funding and Support for the Project

    The tree planting initiative is part of the “Cyprus Women Environmental Peacemakers – CWEP” project, which is funded by the European Union. The EU has contributed €7,000 under its assistance programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, showcasing support for projects that aim to foster peace and cooperation in the region.

    Impact on Local Communities and Future Generations

    As the bicommunal women’s group continues its efforts, the impact on local communities is expected to be profound. By engaging in these environmental projects, participants not only contribute to the beautification of the buffer zone but also promote a culture of collaboration and peace. The hope is that this initiative will inspire future generations to maintain the spirit of unity and coexistence.

    Looking Ahead: A Greener Future

    The ongoing commitment to these environmental projects highlights a shared vision for a greener future in Cyprus. By transforming areas historically marked by division into spaces of cooperation and growth, the bicommunal women’s group is paving the way for a legacy that can transcend current divides.