The 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival ended with a bang at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol, featuring the premiere of “Africa Star” by Cypriot director Adonis Florides and awards handed out by an international jury. The festivities continued with a lively celebration at Heroes’ Square, where DJ Bon Bon’s music kept spirits high, marking a grand finale to an event that celebrated cinematic excellence in Cyprus.
What was the highlight of the 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival?
- The 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival concluded with a grand ceremony at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol.
- The premiere of “Africa Star” by Cypriot director Adonis Florides headlined the event.
- An international jury awarded prizes across multiple categories.
- The ceremony ended with a festive celebration at Heroes’ Square with music by DJ Bon Bon.
Celebrating Cinematic Excellence
The 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival culminated in a spectacular closing ceremony, held with pomp at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol. This remarkable event, which unfolded on a Saturday evening, not only celebrated the art of film but also provided a platform for creative exchanges and the expression of strong emotions stirred by the week-long cinematic journey.
The festival’s finale was graced by the premiere of “Africa Star,” a poignant film by the renowned Cypriot director Adonis Florides. This narrative delves into the intertwined lives of three generations of Cypriot women—mother, daughter, and granddaughter—all of whom face life-altering consequences due to a man’s surrender to temptation. This gripping tale served as the prelude to the much-anticipated awards presentation.
A Jury of Diverse Talents
The ceremony’s glamour was matched by the prestige of the five-member international jury, tasked with evaluating the competing films. The jury, chaired by Slovak film producer Katarina Tomkova, also featured Berlin-based Cypriot Director of Photography Emre Erkmen, French film critic Sandra Onana, Greek director and writer Asimina Proedrou, and the accomplished Palestinian filmmaker from Berlin, Juna Suleiman.
These distinguished jury members brought a wealth of experience and a broad perspective to the table, ensuring a fair and diverse appraisal of the entries. Their verdict would decide which films would take home the festival’s top accolades, thereby recognizing and celebrating the exceptional talent on display.
Awards and Accolades
A total of seven international films vied for honors in the Glocal Images International Competition section, while four Cypriot films contended within their category. The stakes were high, with awards ranging from the Best Film Award, carrying a €6,000 prize, to the Best Cinematography Award, endowed with a €500 prize and sponsored by Caretta Films. Notably, the national competition section was also in the race for the Best Cypriot Film Award, which included a €4,000 prize and additional perks.
Moreover, all 11 films were automatically entered for the Audience Award, a €500 prize determined by viewer votes, highlighting the importance of audience engagement in the cinematic experience. The festival’s commitment to supporting emerging talent was evident in the presentation of awards for feature film projects participating in the Dot.on.the.Map Meeting Point, a co-production forum now in its fifth year.
An Evening to Remember
The awards ceremony concluded with a vibrant celebration at Heroes’ Square, pulsating with the beats selected by DJ Bon Bon, ensuring that the festival’s end was as memorable as its beginning. This festive gathering under the stars was a fitting close to an event that not only showcased films but also celebrated the cultural tapestry that is Cypriot cinema.
In all, the 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival stood as a testament to the power of film to convey stories across generations and cultures, a gathering that enriched the hearts and minds of everyone in attendance. The Rialto Theatre, once again, became a vessel for the shared human experience, echoing with the resonant stories told through the universal language of cinema.
What was the highlight of the 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival?
- The 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival concluded with a grand ceremony at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol.
- The premiere of “Africa Star” by Cypriot director Adonis Florides headlined the event.
- An international jury awarded prizes across multiple categories.
- The ceremony ended with a festive celebration at Heroes’ Square with music by DJ Bon Bon.
Who chaired the international jury at the 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival?
The international jury at the 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival was chaired by Slovak film producer Katarina Tomkova. Other members included Cypriot Director of Photography Emre Erkmen, French film critic Sandra Onana, Greek director and writer Asimina Proedrou, and Palestinian filmmaker Juna Suleiman.
What were the categories for awards at the 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival?
The festival featured two main competition sections: the Glocal Images International Competition with seven international films competing, and a national competition section with four Cypriot films contending. Awards included the Best Film Award, Best Cinematography Award, Best Cypriot Film Award, and the Audience Award, among others.
How did the 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival conclude?
The festival concluded with a lively celebration at Heroes’ Square after the awards ceremony at the Rialto Theatre, featuring music by DJ Bon Bon. This festive gathering marked the end of the event, which highlighted cinematic excellence and cultural diversity in Cyprus.
