The Countryside Animafest Views of the World in Salamiou, Cyprus is a vibrant animation festival celebrating cultural exchange and artistic expression. Featuring 33 films from 14 countries, workshops, children’s programs, and live music, the festival blends art with environmental awareness and community engagement from August 9-12.
What is the Countryside Animafest Views of the World in Salamiou, Cyprus?
The Countryside Animafest Views of the World is an animation festival in Salamiou Village, Cyprus, featuring films and workshops that celebrate animation, cultural exchange, and artistic expression. Taking place from August 9-12, it showcases 33 films from 14 countries, children’s programs, a tribute exhibition, and live music, blending art with environmental awareness and community engagement.
The Heart of Creativity in Salamiou Village
The quaint village of Salamiou, nestled in the district of Paphos, is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the 23rd edition of the Countryside Animafest Views of the World. This festival, a blend of artistry and nature, will take place from August 9 to 12, offering a unique cinematic experience. The festival is set to feature an impressive array of films, including new Cypriot productions that have garnered attention at major international festivals.
For over two decades, Animafest Cyprus has been a cornerstone in the animation community, not just showcasing incredible films but also pushing the envelope of cultural exchange and artistic expression. This year’s International Competition Programmes, curated by Yiorgos Tsangaris and Gerben Schermer, display an eclectic mix of 33 films from 14 countries, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to diversity. These selections were carefully chosen from a record-breaking submission pool of over 800 entries, ensuring that only the most innovative and engaging films are presented to audiences.
A Platform for Emerging Talent and Tribute to the Arts
In addition to international works, the festival eagerly anticipates the children’s competition programme, which includes 14 films from seven countries tailored for younger viewers. A remarkable feature of this year’s event is the involvement of a five-member jury composed of school students who will have the honor of selecting the winner of this category.
Continuing with the celebration of local talent, Animafest Cyprus collaborates with the Cyprus Association of Graphic Designers and Illustrators to showcase animated flip books inspired by the region’s avian life. This initiative, in partnership with Birdlife Cyprus, underscores the festival’s dedication to marrying art with environmental awareness and local wildlife appreciation.
Art enthusiasts will also be treated to a tribute exhibition dedicated to the late Cypriot Photographer Charis Pellapaisiotis. The collaboration with Stefanos Stefanidis on the work “Let The Dead Speak” will be one of the many highlights, alongside special screenings of films from Cyprus, which are integral in depicting the island’s rich storytelling traditions and visual artistry.
Engaging the Community with Workshops and Experiential Learning
This celebration of animation extends beyond screenings, as the festival offers an array of workshops for both children and adults. These workshops provide hands-on experience with various animation techniques, fostering creativity and interest in the art form. Furthermore, the festival brings together ethnographic and literary arts through two unique workshops: one led by Nicoletta Demetriou, which focuses on collecting ethnographic material from Salamiou, and another, “Story Typer,” by Yiorgos Papakonstantinou, where stories will be crafted on a typewriter, inspired by public interactions.
Young artists and students will find a golden opportunity at the 2nd International Animation Film Camp. Here, ten artists, chosen through an open call, will connect with international centers and festivals under the mentorship of the renowned Canadian experimental animation director Steven Woloshen.
A Fusion of Music and Animation
The festival’s heartbeat is its musical component, which this year features six spectacular concerts by local Cypriot bands and solo musicians. Attendees can look forward to live performances from a diverse range of artists, including the likes of Yannis Koutis and Buzz Ayaz, amongst others. Captivating audiences with genres that span the spectrum from traditional folk to modern jazz, these concerts complement the visual spectacle of the animation festival, creating a holistic cultural experience.
As the 23rd Countryside Animafest Views of the World approaches, excitement builds with the promise of more events and screenings to enrich the festival’s programme. The blend of international and local artistry, educational workshops, and vibrant music sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration in the scenic Cyprus countryside.
What is the Countryside Animafest Views of the World in Salamiou, Cyprus?
The Countryside Animafest Views of the World is an animation festival in Salamiou Village, Cyprus, featuring films and workshops that celebrate animation, cultural exchange, and artistic expression. Taking place from August 9-12, it showcases 33 films from 14 countries, children’s programs, a tribute exhibition, and live music, blending art with environmental awareness and community engagement.
What can attendees expect at the 23rd edition of the festival?
Attendees can expect a vibrant celebration of animation, cultural exchange, and artistic expression set in the beautiful village of Salamiou, Cyprus. The festival will feature 33 films from 14 countries, children’s programs, workshops for all ages, live music concerts, a tribute exhibition, and special screenings of films from Cyprus. It offers a unique cinematic experience that blends art with environmental awareness and community engagement.
What workshops and educational opportunities are available at the festival?
The festival offers a variety of workshops for both children and adults, providing hands-on experience with animation techniques and fostering creativity. Additionally, there are workshops that connect ethnographic and literary arts, allowing participants to engage with the cultural heritage of Salamiou. Young artists and students can also participate in the International Animation Film Camp, where they can learn from experienced mentors and connect with international centers and festivals.
How does the festival incorporate music into the celebration?
The festival features six concerts by local Cypriot bands and solo musicians, offering a diverse range of musical genres from traditional folk to modern jazz. The live performances complement the visual spectacle of the animation festival, creating a holistic cultural experience for attendees. Music plays an integral role in enhancing the overall ambiance and celebration of artistry in the scenic Cyprus countryside during the event.
