This week, the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus launches its 15th edition, inviting attendees to explore a vibrant array of activities beyond watching films.
- This week, the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus launches its 15th edition, inviting attendees to explore a vibrant array of activities beyond watching films.
- Wednesday's Queer Fragments screening will confront themes of intimacy, abuse, friendship, loss, and unfinished legacies, reflecting the fragility and strength of gay men’s lives.
Short films: Diverse Events Await in Limassol
The festival is set to take place from Saturday, October 11, to October 17, 2023, in Limassol. In addition to its international and national competition sections, this year’s edition features a rich sidebar agenda filled with workshops, discussions, and special screenings designed to engage a wide audience.
Workshops for Aspiring Filmmakers
Among the highlights is the What’s the Story? Cyprus workshop, an intensive five-day film development writing experience tailored for eight directors and screenwriters from Cyprus and neighbouring Mediterranean countries. This workshop will run concurrently with the festival, concluding on October 17.
Innovative Therapy Through Film
On Sunday, the festival will host the Cinematherapy programme by Ε.Κ.Κ.Ο.ΜΕ.Δ, which merges the cinematic experience with therapeutic processes. Taking place at the Rialto Theatre at 5pm, this event promises to offer a unique perspective on the interplay between film and mental wellbeing.
Student Filmmaking Challenge
An exciting opportunity for students living in Cyprus is the Shoot’n’Run 2025 challenge, which invites participants to create a short film of up to three minutes in just three days. This event, implemented by the School of Fine and Applied Arts of Cyprus University of Technology, kicks off on Wednesday.
Panel Discussions to Enhance Filmmaking
The following day, a panel discussion titled From Idea to Screen: Making Better Short Films will take place at 6pm. This session will provide local filmmakers with insights into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by short film production. Additionally, Nenad Bogdanovic will present the European programme Creative Europe – Media, focusing on supporting European film production in today’s digital landscape.
Special Screenings for All Ages
The festival also promises a series of special screenings, starting with Shorts for Kids on Sunday at 12pm at the Rialto Theatre. This programme aims to introduce young audiences to the enchanting world of cinema through a selection of captivating short films from around the globe.
On the same day, the Echoes of the Earth: Memory, Land and Future screening will occur at Dusty Munky at 10.30. This screening showcases films that explore the fragile yet unbreakable bonds between humans and the land.
Honouring Cypriot Cinema
On Monday, the festival will pay tribute to Irena Joannides, a distinguished Cypriot filmmaker, writer, and translator who passed away earlier this year. The Remembering Irena Joannides event will present a selection of her acclaimed short films, reflecting her vision and sensitivity that have significantly influenced contemporary Cypriot cinema.
Exploring Contemporary Themes
The following day will feature documentaries as part of the Cyprus: Once Now event, which delve into the contemporary Cypriots’ relationship with traditional values. This screening examines the evolving social fabric and how it connects to a rapidly changing world.
On Tuesday, audiences can look forward to Between Reality and Fiction, a screening that showcases films blurring the lines between documentary and fiction. This event highlights characters’ inner worlds and the complexities of their narratives.
Wednesday’s Queer Fragments screening will confront themes of intimacy, abuse, friendship, loss, and unfinished legacies, reflecting the fragility and strength of gay men’s lives.
Final Special Screening
Finally, the festival will present the Tales of the Unfortunate special screening, featuring four shorts that highlight the stories of those often sidelined by society, yet who share a common need to alter their trajectories.
Free Admission to All Events
All parallel events and special screenings during the festival have free admission and are suitable for audiences above 18, except for the Shorts for Kids programme, which welcomes younger audiences. For the complete festival programme and more information, visit www.isffc.com.cy.
