The 24th Cyprus Film Days International Festival will officially open on Friday, 17 April at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol, marking the beginning of one of Cyprus’ most established international film events. The ceremony will introduce this year’s programme through a stage performance conceived by creator Evita Ioannou. Immediately afterwards, audiences will attend the premiere screening of the Cypriot film Hold Onto Me (Κράτα με) by Myrsini Aristidou.
The festival will run from 17 to 25 April, with screenings and events taking place at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol and Zena Palace Cinema in Nicosia.
Opening ceremony concept
The opening ceremony of Cyprus Film Days is designed as more than a formal launch of the festival programme. Each year, it introduces audiences to an artistic proposal that reflects contemporary cinematic thinking and the relationship between cinema and society.
For the 2026 edition, creator Evita Ioannou presents a performance centred on the idea of life as a vivid and contradictory experience. The ceremony begins with a “star moment” that is repeatedly postponed, offering a humorous commentary on the human tendency to project meaning and authenticity.
Drawing on references from international, Greek and Cypriot cinema, the performance highlights creative persistence in challenging conditions. The staging combines live presence on stage with a dynamic visual language and elements influenced by punk energy.
Rather than offering clear answers, the performance moves forward through a series of gestures and images that underline the ongoing dialogue between cinema, creativity and lived experience.
Premiere of Cypriot film
Following the ceremony, audiences will attend the premiere of the Cypriot film Hold Onto Me (Κράτα με), directed by Myrsini Aristidou.
The screening represents a significant moment for the festival, which has consistently supported and promoted contemporary Cypriot filmmaking and emerging voices in the national cinema landscape.
Opening night celebration
The evening will conclude with the traditional Opening Party in the back courtyard of the Rialto Theatre. Filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences will gather to mark the start of the 2026 edition.
Music will be provided by DJ Pueblo Franco, who has been active on the Cypriot music scene for more than two decades. Known for groovy and carefully curated sets, he has performed at venues across Cyprus and Greece, including Lost + Found Drinkery in Nicosia, Mason Bar in Limassol, Oniro By The Sea in Paphos, Gorillas in Thessaloniki and Beauty Killed The Beast in Athens.
Opening ceremony credits
Concept and direction: Evita Ioannou
Text: Evita Ioannou in collaboration with Elena Kallinikou
Performers: Elena Kallinikou, Elena Antoniou, Belinda Papavasileiou
Movement: Elena Antoniou
Video and editing: Nikolas Kasinos and Jeremy Carne
Lighting design: Vasilis Peteinaris
Original music and live musicians: Musha Band
Costumes: Katerina Takka
Evening programme
19:30 Opening Ceremony
20:00 Screening of Hold Onto Me (Κράτα με)
22:00 Opening Party at the back courtyard of the Rialto Theatre
Audiences are encouraged to arrive early in order to secure their seats and attend the full opening programme of the festival.
Festival information
€5 per screening | €30 festival pass for all screenings
Free entry for university students with a valid student ID
Free entry for pupils attending the children’s programme
Free entry for disability card holders
All screenings, except the children’s programme, are suitable for audiences aged 18 and over. Films will be screened in their original language with Greek and English subtitles, while films in the Cypriot competition will also include Turkish subtitles.
The festival is organised by the Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Rialto Theatre.
The 24th Cyprus Film Days International Festival will take place 17–25 April 2026 at the Rialto Theatre in Limassoland Zena Palace Cinema in Nicosia.