Cyprus Film Days, now in its 22nd edition, is set to kick off on April 12, featuring a vibrant mix of global and local cinema. With sections like Viewfinder for world cinema, Glocal Images for diverse narratives, and a spotlight on Cypriot filmmakers, the festival promises a captivating experience for movie enthusiasts of all ages.
What is the Cyprus Film Days festival?
Cyprus Film Days is an annual film festival celebrating its 22nd edition, starting April 12. It showcases a diverse mix of global and local cinema, fostering conversation between filmmakers and audiences. The event features sections like Viewfinder, highlighting world cinema; Glocal Images, with diverse narratives; Cypriot filmmakers; indie cinema; and films for younger audiences.
A Celebration of Global and Local Cinema
As April draws near, film enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the 22nd edition of Cyprus Film Days. This year’s festival promises an eclectic mix of films that address significant social and artistic issues of our era. Starting April 12, the event is poised to captivate audiences with thought-provoking narratives and visually stunning cinematography.
The festival has a reputation for fostering conversation between filmmakers and viewers. By curating a selection of impactful movies, Cyprus Film Days transforms the act of movie-watching into an engaging and socially aware experience, all within an environment that promotes openness and cultural exchange.
Viewfinder: A Lens on World Cinema
In the Viewfinder section, a spotlight shines on five acclaimed films from around the globe. This non-competitive showcase, titled “A Close Up of Contemporary World Cinema,” features:
- “The Old Oak” by Ken Loach, a heartfelt story about the last pub in a northeastern English village fighting to stay afloat.
- “Perfect Days,” a film born in Tokyo, which not only won at Cannes but also earned an Oscar nomination.
- Wim Wenders’ latest work, which reflects on the profound beauty found in the simplicity of daily life.
- “Green Border” by Agnieszka Holland, a film that delves into the complex geopolitics of the refugee crisis and garnered the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
- “Afire” by Christian Petzold, a subtle and gradually intensifying tragicomedy that captured the Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
- Radu Jude’s “Do not Expect too Much from the End of the World,” a clever black comedy that defies conventional storytelling.
Glocal Images: A Convergence of Diverse Narratives
The Glocal Images International Competition Section presents a variety of films that resonate with contemporary cinematic trends. Highlights include:
- “A Strange Path” from Brazil, an intimate drama by Guto Parente that explores the depths of family relationships.
- Sofia Exarchou’s “Animal,” a film that navigates through grim realism across multiple countries, including Greece, Austria, Romania, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.
- “Dreaming & Dying,” an experimental fantasy drama by Singaporean director Nelson Yeo.
- “Inshallah a Boy” by Amjad Al Rasheed, a poignant Jordanian-French narrative that delves into the journey of female empowerment.
- Emilija Gasic’s “78 Days,” a vibrant debut feature that revisits the 1999 NATO bombings of Serbia, which debuted at the Rotterdam International Film Festival and will be screened in the director’s presence.
- “The Teacher,” a stirring drama by Palestinian-British filmmaker Farah Nabulsi, which tackles urgent political themes.
- “Slow,” a romantic film by Marija Kavtaradze that won at Sundance and invites audiences to reconsider stereotypes about intimacy.
Spotlight on Cypriot Filmmakers
The Cypriot Films Competition Section features four films from celebrated Cypriot directors, which are also in the running for the Glocal Images International Competition:
- “Five Shilling Nylon,” the last film by Christos Shopahas, transports viewers to 1940s Cyprus.
- Adonis Florides’ “Africa Star” provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of three Cypriot women from different generations.
- “Detached House,” Ioakim Mylonas’ debut feature, is a satirical dark comedy adapted from the book by Dimitris Mitsotakis.
- “Embryo Larva Butterfly” by Kyros Papavassiliou, a film that offers a poetic exploration of existence and our perception of time.
Indie Film Flavor
This year introduces “Taste of Indie,” a tribute to independent, low-budget cinema. The selection features:
- “Smithereens” (1982) by Susan Seidelman, an early independent American film that competed at Cannes, tackling themes of female identity.
- “Baghead” (2008) by Jay and Mark Duplass, a comedy horror that became a defining work of the American mumblecore genre.
- “Bye Bye Tiberias” (2023) by Lina Soualem, a documentary portraying four generations of Palestinian women, set for a special screening in Nicosia.
The festival doesn’t end with these sections. It also showcases films selected by the festival’s International Jury and presents a collection tailored for younger audiences. “The Jury Presents” and the “Children and Youth” sections promise to offer something for every taste, ensuring that Cyprus Film Days remains a cornerstone event for cinemagoers and a beacon of cultural richness.
What is the Cyprus Film Days festival?
Cyprus Film Days is an annual film festival celebrating its 22nd edition, starting April 12. It showcases a diverse mix of global and local cinema, fostering conversation between filmmakers and audiences. The event features sections like Viewfinder, highlighting world cinema; Glocal Images, with diverse narratives; Cypriot filmmakers; indie cinema; and films for younger audiences.
What sections are featured in the Cyprus Film Days festival?
The festival includes sections such as Viewfinder, focusing on world cinema with acclaimed films from around the globe; Glocal Images, presenting diverse narratives resonating with contemporary cinematic trends; a spotlight on Cypriot filmmakers with four films in competition; and a tribute to independent cinema with “Taste of Indie” showcasing unique films.
What are some highlights in the Viewfinder section?
The Viewfinder section includes renowned films like “The Old Oak” by Ken Loach, “Perfect Days” from Tokyo, Wim Wenders’ latest work, “Green Border” by Agnieszka Holland, “Afire” by Christian Petzold, and Radu Jude’s “Do not Expect too Much from the End of the World.” These films offer a variety of genres and storytelling styles.
How does Cyprus Film Days cater to different audiences?
In addition to the main sections, the festival also presents films selected by the International Jury and offers specific sections like “The Jury Presents” and “Children and Youth.” This ensures that there is a diverse range of films catering to various tastes and age groups, making Cyprus Film Days an inclusive and engaging event for all movie enthusiasts.
