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21st Cyprus International Film Festival – Golden Aphrodite
The 21st Cyprus International Film Festival – Golden Aphrodite returns to Nicosia, Cyprus, from September 21–26, 2026, continuing a long-standing tradition of bringing independent cinema, emerging filmmakers and international artistic voices together in Cyprus.
Established in 2006, the Cyprus International Film Festival (CYIFF) has developed into an internationally oriented independent film festival dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers and promoting cinematic creativity, cultural exchange and international collaboration. The festival was inaugurated in March 2006 and has since welcomed filmmakers and artists from Cyprus and around the world.
A Festival Dedicated to Emerging Cinema
At the heart of CYIFF is its commitment to new and emerging filmmakers. The festival provides an international platform for directors to present their work before audiences and professional juries, while creating opportunities for networking, artistic dialogue and cultural exchange.
The competition includes a wide range of cinematic forms, including feature films, short films, documentaries, animation, experimental cinema, music videos and innovative audiovisual works. The festival also features special categories focusing on women filmmakers, gender representation, environmental themes, peace, diaspora filmmakers and films produced using mobile technology.
One of the distinctive characteristics of the festival is its emphasis on first works. The Golden Aphrodite Award is associated with the competition for first feature films, while the festival also provides dedicated recognition for first short films through its CYIFF Got Talent category.
Cinema as a Bridge Between Cultures
The Cyprus International Film Festival places particular importance on the ability of cinema to bring people and cultures together.
Through its international program, CYIFF creates a meeting point for filmmakers, actors, producers, screenwriters, artists, industry professionals and audiences. Its activities extend beyond film screenings, with workshops, industry meetings, networking opportunities, script-related events and other artistic activities forming part of the wider festival experience.
The festival has also developed international partnerships and collaborations extending beyond Cyprus, including connections with film and cultural initiatives in Greece, Europe and the United States.
The Golden Aphrodite
The name Golden Aphrodite reflects the festival's connection with Cyprus and its cultural identity. The awards celebrate filmmakers and artistic achievements across the festival's competitive sections.
The festival's history and international orientation have helped establish CYIFF as an important platform for independent cinema in the Eastern Mediterranean, while its program continues to encourage new voices and distinctive cinematic visions.
Nicosia at the Centre of the Festival
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, serves as the principal setting for the festival. The city's cultural environment provides an appropriate meeting point for filmmakers from different countries and backgrounds.
Previous editions have included screenings and events at venues such as Melina Mercouri Hall, while the festival's wider activities have contributed to positioning Nicosia as a destination for international cinema and cultural exchange.
The 21st edition continues this tradition, bringing together independent filmmakers and cinema audiences for several days dedicated to film, creativity and international collaboration.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 21st Cyprus International Film Festival – Golden Aphrodite promises another international celebration of independent cinema, offering filmmakers an opportunity to present their work, connect with fellow professionals and reach new audiences.
With its focus on emerging talent, international participation, artistic diversity and cultural dialogue, CYIFF continues to use cinema as a powerful means of connecting people, cultures and creative ideas.
21–26 September 2026
Nicosia, Cyprus
Cyprus International Film Festival – Golden Aphrodite
