With a dynamic programme of inspiring masterclasses, creative filmmaking workshops, the National Short Film Competition, and a carefully curated selection of high-quality international film screenings, the Children and Youth Section of the International Festival Cyprus Film Days 2026 returns, inviting children, teenagers and young people to discover the magic of cinema not only as audiences, but also as creators.
From 17 to 25 April, on the big screens of Rialto Theatre in Limassol and K Cineplex Prime in Nicosia, young cinephiles will have the opportunity to explore the world of cinema through carefully selected international films that have been distinguished at major festivals, as well as through hands-on activities and workshops that bring participants into direct contact with the filmmaking process.
Under the artistic direction of filmmaker, screenwriter and producer Athina Xenidou, the programme focuses on creative expression, collaboration and the power of personal voice through audiovisual media.
At the heart of this year’s programme are four creative workshops and masterclasses, offering participants insight into different aspects of filmmaking, from screenwriting and casting to acting for the camera and the creation of cinematic scenes.
As part of the festival, the National Short Film Competition for Children and Youth returns for its 3rd edition, open to primary, secondary and high school students (with the approval of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth), as well as young creators up to the age of 24.
All workshops take place at K Cineplex Prime in Nicosia and are offered free of charge, led by acclaimed industry professionals such as screenwriter and creator Marc Bechar, casting director Stavros Raptis, as well as actor Marios Ioannou and cinematographer Maria Andronikou.
Through hands-on processes, participants will explore how a cinematic story is developed, how characters are built, and how image, sound and performance come together to create the magic of the big screen. They will gain insight into both story development and the work that takes place in front of and behind the camera. The workshops encourage imagination and creativity, giving space to personal experiences and the voices of young creators.
On Saturday 18 April (11:00–16:00), screenwriter and creator Marc Bechar will lead the screenwriting masterclass “The Art of Writing for Netflix: The Inevitable Surprise” (16+), an intensive session exploring character development and the creation of unexpected yet meaningful narrative paths.
On Sunday 19 April (11:00–16:00), acclaimed casting director Stavros Raptis will lead a specially designed Casting Masterclass for teenagers and young adults (14+), introducing participants to the casting process and on-camera presence. Participation requires the submission of a short self-tape monologue (up to 40 seconds), to be sent to cyprusfilmdaysyouth@gmail.com by 15 April.
On Wednesday 22 April (16:00–20:00), cinematographer Maria Andronikou and actor Marios Ioannou will present the workshop “The Magic of the Frame: From Performance to Lens”, where participants will experiment with creating cinematic scenes and explore how acting, framing, lenses and lighting shape the final on-screen result.
The programme concludes on Saturday 25 April (10:00–13:00) with an acting workshop for children aged 8–13, led by Marios Ioannou, a one-day interactive session introducing children to acting through movement, voice and creative expression.
To register for the workshops, please complete the following form:
forms.gle/HHXHSKTGwzcWyMJz8
The Competition
This year’s theme for the National Short Film Competition is “Brave Stories of Everyday Life”, stories that empower us to speak, to act and to express who we truly are. Through their short films, participants are invited to tell stories of courage, solidarity and personal discovery, stories that inspire and help us imagine a more just and open world.
The competition is open to primary (upper level), secondary and high school students, as well as young people up to 24 years old. Participants may submit individual or group projects, with films of 2–6 minutes in duration, in mp4 format, including a title and end credits.
Submissions will be evaluated by a seven-member jury of film professionals, chaired by casting director Stavros Raptis, with members Minos Pappas, Anna Fotiadou, Athos Antoniou, Margarita Zachariou, Andreas Tselepos and Υiannis Antonas.
Winners will receive awards including filmmaking equipment, cinema tickets, acting and filmmaking training programmes at The Film and Stage Studio, as well as scholarships.
● Prizes also include, among others, one 50% scholarship and two 40% scholarships for undergraduate studies at the School of Arts, Media and Communication of UCLan Cyprus (awarded to the top three winners in the High School category), Canon EOS R100 equipment (€640), Canon compact cameras (€488), as well as accommodation at Columbia Beach Resort. Award-winning films will be screened at K Cineplex Prime and Rialto Theatre prior to festival screenings.
In addition, through the festival’s collaboration with the FIFE – Festival International du Film d’Éducation in France, the top four films will be presented at the international festival, offering young Cypriot creators exposure to a wider European audience.
The submission deadline has been extended to 5 April 2026, while the awards ceremony will take place at K Cineplex Prime, Strovolos, on Sunday 19 April 2026 at 18:00, in the presence of officials and participants.
Detailed information on terms, specifications, awards and submission process is available at cyprusfilmdays.com and in the official guide
(drive.google.com/file/d/1V0YSU8DbFGA7V3gTX9KioMvZvICP_eD3/view).
Film Screenings
At the core of the Children and Youth Section lies its programme of international short and feature film screenings, distinguished at major film festivals and addressed primarily to young audiences, while at the same time offering an engaging and rewarding cinematic experience for the whole family.
This year’s selection focuses on the power of personal voice and collective expression, highlighting coming-of-age stories, friendship and identity in a world full of challenges.
Further details on the films and the full screening schedule will be announced in the coming days.
Screenings will take place at Rialto Theatre in Limassol and K Cineplex Prime in Nicosia, with free admission.
The Children and Youth Section is part of the International Festival Cyprus Film Days 2026, co-organised by the Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture and Rialto Theatre.
More information:
cyprusfilmdays.com
facebook.com/CFDchildren
instagram.com/cyprusfilmdaysyouth
Major Sponsor: K Cineplex
Sponsors: Columbia Beach Resort, ENA Juices, UCLan, The Film & Stage Studio, CIPA, APC Audit Tax Advisory, Copper Island, Digital Tree, Green Olive Films
Rialto Theatre
Information / Tickets:
rialto.interticket.com
www.rialto.com.cy
Βοx Office: 77777745
