Tag: short films

  • Short films: Explore More Than Films at the 15th International Short Film Festival of Cyprus

    Short films: Explore More Than Films at the 15th International Short Film Festival of Cyprus

    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.

  • Outdoor Film Nights in Paphos This August Invite Movie Lovers

    Outdoor Film Nights in Paphos This August Invite Movie Lovers

    Outdoor film nights in Paphos this August offer a delightful mix of cinematic experiences under the stars, perfect for locals and visitors alike. With screenings set against stunning backdrops, each event promises to be an engaging escape into the world of film.

    • Entry to this event is also priced at €5, with proceeds supporting the Margarita Liasidou Foundation, a cause devoted to community welfare.
    • As the summer continues, the atmosphere at these events is expected to be lively and inviting, encouraging attendees to relax and immerse themselves in the magic of cinema.

    Outdoor film: Garden Screenings at Kimonos Arts Centre

    This Wednesday, the Kimonos Arts Centre continues its popular Garden Screenings series. The featured film is Garden State, an indie classic starring Zach Braff and Natalie Portman. Set to take place at the Attikon Open-Air Cinema, the screening is scheduled for 9pm on August 20. The film follows a young man returning home for the first time in years, exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected encounters.

    Organisers describe Garden State as a film that “feels like a hug, or a sigh, or both,” making it a perfect choice for anyone who has ever felt lost yet hopeful. Tickets for this screening are available for €5 at www.kimonosartcenter.com or at the door.

    Cinema By the Sea: A Family-Friendly Experience

    The following evening, August 21, the Petrides Foundation will host its annual Cinema By the Sea event at Venus Bleu Beach. Starting at 8.30pm, families can enjoy a screening of the beloved comedy Night at the Museum. This seaside occasion invites movie-goers to bring along beach chairs, pillows, or blankets to enhance their viewing experience.

    Entry to this event is also priced at €5, with proceeds supporting the Margarita Liasidou Foundation, a cause devoted to community welfare.

    Exploring Alternate Lives in The Roads Not Taken

    On August 22, Kimonos Arts Centre will screen The Roads Not Taken, featuring an impressive cast including Javier Bardem, Elle Fanning, and Branka Katic. This film delves into the imagination of a father, Leo, as he navigates the alternate lives he could have led. The screening will commence at 9pm at Attikon Open-Air Cinema, with tickets once again priced at €5, available online or at the venue.

    A Showcase of Short Films

    To wrap up the month, on August 27, Kimonos Arts Centre will present a collection of four short films by directors Sylvia Nicolaides and Nicolas Iordanou. These films include Requiem in Salt (2024), Reimagining a Sound (2022), Amalgamation (2020), and Soma & Lil (2017). This event will take place at 9pm at Attikon, and will feature a Q&A session with the directors, providing attendees with insights into the creative process behind these captivating works. Tickets will be available for €5 at the door or via the Kimonos Arts Centre website.

    Embracing Community and Culture

    These outdoor film nights in Paphos not only showcase diverse cinematic offerings but also foster a sense of community. They provide an opportunity for residents and tourists to gather, enjoy quality films, and support local initiatives.

    As the summer continues, the atmosphere at these events is expected to be lively and inviting, encouraging attendees to relax and immerse themselves in the magic of cinema.

    Whether it’s a nostalgic indie film, family-friendly comedy, or thought-provoking drama, the August film nights in Paphos cater to a wide range of tastes, making them a must-visit for film enthusiasts.