21st CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – 21-25.9.2026
Melina Merkouri Cultural Hall · Athinas street · Nicosia
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 an
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