This week, the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus launches its 15th edition, bringing not only screenings but also a rich array of events to Limassol from Saturday to October 17. As the festival progresses, it promises a wealth of experiences for attendees, ensuring that there is much more to engage with than just the films themselves.
- To discover more about the festival and its full programme, visit www.isffc.com.cy.
Short films: A Diverse Agenda for All Audiences
The festival is designed to appeal to a diverse audience, including children, students, researchers, and artists. This year, it reaffirms its role as a cultural institution that inspires and fosters connections among participants. With national and international competition sections, the festival’s sidebar agenda is packed with exciting events.
Workshops and Filmmaking Challenges
One of the highlights of the festival is the What’s the Story? Cyprus workshop, an intensive five-day film development experience tailored for eight directors and screenwriters from Cyprus and the surrounding Mediterranean region. This workshop is set to unfold between Monday and October 17, providing valuable insights and collaborative opportunities for emerging talents.
On Sunday, the Cinematherapy by Ε.Κ.Κ.Ο.ΜΕ.Δ programme will blend the cinematic experience with therapeutic processes, taking place on the Rialto Theatre’s stage at 5pm. Additionally, an innovative filmmaking challenge, Shoot’n’Run 2025, invites students living in Cyprus to create a short film of up to three minutes in just three days, commencing on Wednesday.
Engaging Discussions and Special Screenings
The festival will host a panel discussion on Thursday titled From Idea to Screen: Making Better Short Films. This session will delve into the unique challenges faced by local filmmakers and explore the possibilities that short films present. On the same day, Nenad Bogdanovic will present the Creative Europe – Media programme, which focuses on supporting European film production in the digital landscape.
Special screenings will also be a significant feature of this year’s festival. On Sunday at 12pm, Shorts for Kids will introduce young audiences to the enchanting world of cinema through a selection of exciting short films from around the globe. At 10.30am, the screening Echoes of the Earth: Memory, Land and Future will showcase films that reflect the delicate yet enduring bonds between humans and their environment.
A Tribute to Cypriot Cinema
Monday will see a tribute to the esteemed Cypriot filmmaker, writer, and translator Irena Joannides (1964-2025). The Remembering Irena Joannides event will feature a selection of her acclaimed short films, highlighting the unique vision and sensitivity she brought to contemporary Cypriot cinema.
The festival continues on Tuesday with Cyprus: Once Now, a documentary screening that explores contemporary Cypriots’ relationships with traditional values and their evolving social fabric in a rapidly changing world. On Wednesday, the screening Between Reality and Fiction will present films that blur the lines between documentary and fiction, revealing the inner worlds of characters.
The Queer Fragments screening will also take place on Wednesday, highlighting stories of intimacy, abuse, friendship, loss, and unfinished legacies, focusing on the fragility and resilience of gay men’s lives. Finally, the festival will present Tales of the Unfortunate, showcasing four distinct shorts that give voice to those often sidelined by society yet share a common need to change their life paths.
Accessibility and Engagement
All parallel events and special screenings offer free admission and are suitable for audiences aged 18 and above, except for the Shorts for Kids programme. This approach not only makes the festival accessible but also invites greater community engagement. Whether you’re a film aficionado or a casual viewer, the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus promises an enriching experience filled with creativity and dialogue.
To discover more about the festival and its full programme, visit www.isffc.com.cy.
