The 15th International Short Film Festival of Cyprus presents this year’s National Competition Section, featuring 17 short films directed by Cypriot filmmakers. These films were selected from a total of 43 submissions, a testament to the continued growth and thriving creativity of the island’s film scene.
Diverse and bold, the programme includes fiction, animation, documentary, and experimental films, highlighting both the artistic range and the exploratory spirit of their creators. The selected works engage with themes ranging from personal and social identity to historical memory and political realities, reflecting the concerns and aspirations of a new generation of filmmakers.
Participation in the National Competition Section is not only an opportunity for visibility but also a significant step toward the further development of Cypriot cinema on the international stage. Remaining steadfast in its commitment to supporting local talents, the ISFFC offers filmmakers and their films a platform to meet a broad audience, compete for major awards, and open doors to international co-productions and distribution opportunities.
The following films were selected by the Pre-selection Committee:
- The Fight, directed by Antony Petrou
- Half an Orange, directed by Loukia Hadjiyianni
- NIKH (or The Impossible Hope of Trying), directed by Savvas Stavrou
- Potpourri, directed by Paul Iacovou
- Lout, directed by Christina Georgiou
- Nikos’ Long Walk, directed by Andreas Sheittanis
- The Visit, directed by Louis Patsias
- The Archive of Grigoris Antoniou, directed by Theopisti Stylianou-Lambert, Alexia Achilleos
- Iconoclast, directed by Aris Stefani
- Adoption is an Option, directed by Christina Tryphonos
- Echo of Time, directed by Marios Kleanthous
- We Were Never Perfect, directed by Alexandra Matheou
- The Weaver, directed by Yiorgos Tsangaris
- Τhe 15 Oranges are Coming, directed by Constantinos Kiprianidis
- Prelude to a Supernova, directed by Christos Artemiou
- Yellow: A Quantum Tale, directed by Rahme Veziroğlu
- Overnight Coup, directed by Marina Xenofontos
In addition, as part of the special screening titled “Cyprus: Once Now”, six documentaries will be presented out of competition, exploring the relationship of contemporary Cypriots with tradition, social change, and the evolving world around them:
- Voices Sound the Same (Plots of Land, Marks of Stitching), directed by Phemia Demosthenous
- Kaimakli, directed by Nikandros Savvides
- Float, directed by Meli Vasiloudes Bayada
- SYMPRAXIS: Livathkia and canes, directed by Christina Skarpari
- Remy in Cyprus, directed by Christina Hadjizachariou
- Chat GPT Told Me, directed by Nafsika Hadjichristou
The 2025 Pre-selection Committee
The task of selecting the films was undertaken by this year’s Pre-selection Committee, composed of distinguished film professionals:
- Adonis Florides – Film and theatre director, playwright, and screenwriter
- Doros Demetriou – Film historian, curator and organiser of cultural events,
- Yianna Amerikanou – Film director and screenwriter
- Peter Cerovšek – Film director and curator, Director of FeKK – Ljubljana Short Film Festival
Just like every year, the Cypriot entries compete for both the International and National Awards, while also contending for the nomination in the European Film Academy’s short film category. The awards to be presented by the jury across the two sections include:
- 1st & 2nd Prize for Best Short Film (International)
- Best Documentary Award (International)
- Best Director Award (International)
- up to three honorary distinctions (International)
- 1st & 2nd Prize for Best Cypriot Short Film (National)
- “Dinos Katsouridis” Best Director Award (National)
- Best Cinematography Award (National)
- Best Performance Award (National)
- up to three honorary distinctions (National)
All films are suitable only for viewers aged 18+.
Films will be screened in their original language with Greek and English subtitles.
Information: Rialto Theatre 77 77 77 45Facebook: @Int’l Short Film Festival of CyprusInstagram: isffc_filmfestivalwww.isffc.com.cy / www.rialto.com.cy
Tickets:€5 day pass€25 festival pass
Free admission for students upon presentation of their student ID, as well as for holders of a disability card.
ORGANISERS:
Deputy Ministry of Culture – Department of Contemporary Culture and Rialto Theatre
In collaboration with Limassol Municipality
Major Sponsors: APC Audit TAX Auditors, Green Olive, Digital Tree
Technical Support: EventPRO
Awards Sponsors: SteFilm, Full Moon, Dinos Katsouridis Award
Hospitality Sponsor: Αlinea
Media Sponsors: Check In, City.com.cy, CyBC
Supported by: Organisation of European Programmes and Cultural Relations, Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), University of Cyprus Alumni Office, Lemesos Newspaper,Limassol Cinema Club, Larnaca–Famagusta Cinema Club, Limassol Today, Lemesos Blog, Limassol Public Transport Company, Vestnik Kipra, Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company.
