21st CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – 21-25.9.2026
The 21st Cyprus International Film Festival – CYIFF returns from 21 to 25 September 2026 at the Melina Merkouri Cultural Hall in Nicosia, inviting filmmakers, artists, actors, photographers, creators, cultural professionals and, of course, audiences to five days filled with images, stories, encounters and creative surprises.
For 21 years, CYIFF has created a space where international cinema meets Cyprus — where a screening can lead to a new acquaintance, a conversation can turn into a collaboration, and a chance encounter can become a new story.
And this year’s programme has plenty to discover.
International Competition
A vibrant international competition featuring films and world premieres from different countries and filmmakers who come to Cyprus bringing stories that deserve to be discovered.
Chinese Cinema
A special showcase of Chinese cinema, featuring selected screenings and the World Premiere of La Croix (The Crossing) by Hu Xueyang.
🇨🇾 1974 – Memory, Stories & People
A special tribute to Cyprus and the memory of 1974, explored through cinema and the personal stories of people who lived through that period and continue to carry its memory.
A special focus is given to the children who were hosted in Greece immediately following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
QUEEN OF CYPRUS
The powerful documentary by Panikos Panayiotou, exploring Cypriot women, loss, resilience, the meaning of homeland and the strength to rebuild one’s life — in Cyprus and around the world.
WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION
Women filmmakers, women’s stories and initiatives highlighting women’s creativity, equality and the role of women in cinema.
CWEP – Cyprus Women Environmental Peacemakers
The continuation of a unique bicommunal women’s initiative that uses culture, the environment, dialogue and cooperation as tools for peace.
NOSTIMON IMAR
A special section dedicated to creators of the global Greek community and the Greek Diaspora — stories of people who left, travelled, created and carried a place within them.
THINGS WE PASS BY – Photography Exhibition
A photography exhibition inviting us to do something we rarely do: stop.
To look again at people, places, moments and details that we usually pass by.
A meeting point between photography and the cinematic gaze, dedicated to the power of the image to reveal stories that are right in front of us — but that we do not always see.
In collaboration with the Cyprus Photographic Society, Nicosia Branch (CPS).
MONOLOGUE CHALLENGE
A new CYIFF initiative for actors and performers.
Monologues of up to 10 minutes, in Greek or English, bringing new voices and new performers to the stage and offering them an opportunity to perform before an audience and industry professionals.
🏆 GOLDEN APHRODITE AWARDS
The grand evening of CYIFF.
The filmmakers and films that stand out during the Festival will take centre stage at the Golden Aphrodite Awards Ceremony on 25 September.
If you would like to participate in CYIFF 2026, you can register your interest and join the Festival’s community of friends and supporters:
CYIFF – Official Website
Cine-Art Accreditation
Participants may receive personal invitations to selected private and special events, subject to availability.
These may include:
🥂 Opening Night Reception
🎬 Private / Special Screenings & Premieres
🌍 International Filmmakers Meet & Greet
👑 Queen of Cyprus Special Event
👩🎬 Women in Film / WIFT Cyprus Reception
🤝 CWEP Women & Peace Event
🎭 Monologue Challenge
🇨🇳 Chinese Cinema Special Event
📷 Things We Pass By – Exhibition Event
🏆 Golden Aphrodite Awards & Closing Reception
…and a few more small, personal gatherings that will not be publicly announced.
If you love cinema, art and great stories —
if you are a creator, or simply someone who enjoys meeting people with a creative perspective —
we would be delighted to have you with us.
Send us your name and contact details to register your interest in CYIFF 2026.
Invitations to special events will be sent personally, subject to available places.
FOR THE PROGRAMME CLICK HERE
MONDAY-TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY-FRIDAY 10am-2:30pm | MONDAY & FRIDAY 5pm-10:30pm