Cyprus Film Days (CFD) is the island’s top film festival, taking place from April 12-20. Offering a diverse lineup of international and Cypriot films, it features competitive sections like Glocal Images with a €10,000 prize, and provides subtitles in multiple languages for inclusivity.
What is Cyprus Film Days and what does it offer?
Cyprus Film Days (CFD) is the premier film festival on the island, offering a diverse lineup from April 12-20. With a €30 festival pass, attendees can watch multiple films each night, or select screenings for €5 each. The festival highlights international cinema, competitive sections like Glocal Images with a €10,000 prize, and a celebration of Cypriot talent, offering subtitles in multiple languages for inclusivity.
The Island’s Premier Film Festival
Cyprus Film Days (CFD) claims the title of the island’s premier world-class film festival, a cinematic feast for the eyes that beckons to film enthusiasts. As the 22nd edition unfolds, it beckons visitors to immerse themselves in a cinematic marathon. With a €30 festival pass, moviegoers can indulge in a movie binge from April 12-20, attending two or three films each night. For the more selective viewers, single tickets are available at €5 per screening. Artistic directors Argyro Nicolaou and Marios Lizides have outdone themselves, curating a lineup that caters to a range of cinematic tastes, while the convenience of Greek and English subtitles — and Turkish for Cypriot films — ensures an inclusive experience for all.
Despite its prestige, CFD faces the challenge of downsizing. The once broad palette of sections like Glocal Images and Viewfinder has seen a reduction in film numbers, and the nostalgic tributes to classics have nearly vanished. This contraction raises concerns among cinephiles who cherished the festival’s diverse offerings.
The Heart and Soul of CFD
The Glocal Images section stands out as CFD’s fiercely competitive arena, attracting international jurors and filmmakers vying for a €10,000 prize. This year, the competition’s intrigue is heightened by the inclusion of four Cypriot films, expanding the section beyond its typical boundaries. Although these films may be lesser-known, they promise to deliver raw and authentic narratives that resonate with audiences on a personal level.
The national cinema showcase offers a tantalizing glimpse into Cyprus itself, transforming locales into movie backdrops. Among the local features, ‘Detached House,’ directed by Ioakim Mylonas, presents a gripping tale of confrontation, while Adonis Florides’ ‘Africa Star’ weaves a multi-generational story shaped by historical transgressions.
A Mosaic of Global Narratives
CFD’s international lineup is not short of gems, such as ‘Five Shilling Nylon,’ an evocative period piece by late director Christos Siopahas, which captures the essence of village life in stunning black and white. ‘Embryo Larva Butterfly’ by Kyros Papavassiliou stands as a testament to imaginative Cypriot filmmaking, offering a sophisticated sci-fi drama that dabbles in the theatricality of life.
With offerings like ‘A Strange Path,’ ‘Animal,’ and ‘Slow,’ Glocal Images presents a tapestry of international stories that defy cultural boundaries. Each film is a unique window into diverse human experiences, be it the introspective journey of a dancer or a writer’s struggle with creativity.
Viewfinder: The Festival’s Crown Jewel
The Viewfinder section is where the crème de la crème of arthouse cinema for 2023 is showcased. Migrant narratives take center stage with films like ‘Green Border’ and Ken Loach’s ‘The Old Oak,’ exploring the poignant intersections of human lives displaced by conflict and politics. These films challenge the viewer to contemplate the complexities of migrant experiences beyond one-dimensional portrayals.
Viewfinder also features masterful character studies, such as Wim Wenders’ ‘Perfect Days’ and Christian Petzold’s ‘Afire.’ These films delve deep into the psyche of their protagonists, often revealing the uncomfortable truths of human nature. In particular, Radu Jude’s ‘Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World’ paints a raw picture of modern life through its unapologetically flawed characters.
The festival’s screenings take place at the Zena Palace in Nicosia and the Rialto in Limassol. Film lovers can explore the full program and immerse themselves in a world of storytelling that promises to captivate, challenge, and inspire.
A Celebration of Cypriot Talent
At the core of Cyprus Film Days is the celebration of Cypriot filmmaking talent. The festival not only showcases local creatives but also places them in dialogue with their international counterparts, fostering a cultural exchange that enriches the island’s cinematic landscape.
Through its continued dedication to both emerging and established filmmakers, CFD serves as a pivotal platform for the vibrant voices of Cyprus to be heard. It is a testament to the power of film to transcend borders and to tell the stories that shape our understanding of the world and of ourselves.
What is Cyprus Film Days and what does it offer?
Cyprus Film Days (CFD) is the premier film festival on the island, offering a diverse lineup from April 12-20. With a €30 festival pass, attendees can watch multiple films each night, or select screenings for €5 each. The festival highlights international cinema, competitive sections like Glocal Images with a €10,000 prize, and a celebration of Cypriot talent, offering subtitles in multiple languages for inclusivity.
What is the Glocal Images section at Cyprus Film Days?
The Glocal Images section at Cyprus Film Days is a fiercely competitive arena that attracts international jurors and filmmakers vying for a €10,000 prize. This section includes both international and Cypriot films, promising raw and authentic narratives that resonate with audiences on a personal level. It is a highlight of the festival that showcases a diverse range of cinematic voices.
What can attendees expect from the international lineup at Cyprus Film Days?
Attendees can expect a mosaic of global narratives at Cyprus Film Days, with films like ‘Five Shilling Nylon’ capturing the essence of village life, and ‘Embryo Larva Butterfly’ offering a sophisticated sci-fi drama. Films in the Glocal Images section present a tapestry of international stories that defy cultural boundaries, providing unique insights into diverse human experiences.
What is the Viewfinder section at Cyprus Film Days?
The Viewfinder section at Cyprus Film Days showcases the crème de la crème of arthouse cinema for 2023. It features migrant narratives, masterful character studies, and films that challenge viewers to contemplate the complexities of human experiences. The section includes screenings at the Zena Palace in Nicosia and the Rialto in Limassol, offering a diverse range of storytelling that captivates, challenges, and inspires audiences.
