With a ceremony that each year stands among the most anticipated cultural events of the spring, the 24th Cyprus Film Days International Festival officially opens its doors on Friday, 17 April at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol.
The opening ceremony of Cyprus Film Days is more than the start of a festival. It is a moment where creativity, community and the power of cinema come together. Each year, the festival launches its programme with a distinctive artistic proposal that reflects the spirit of the times and explores the relationship between cinema and the world around us.
This year’s ceremony is conceived by creator Evita Ioannou, who presents a stage experience that insists on life, not as consolation, but as a contradictory, vivid and deeply physical experience. In a world saturated with images of destruction, the ceremony begins with a “star moment” that is constantly postponed, humorously commenting on our need to project meaning and authenticity.
From a place that often feels like “a dot on the map,” the performance highlights the power of creation under difficult circumstances, not through glamour, but through persistence. Drawing references from international, Greek and Cypriot cinema, and infused with punk energy and a strong live presence on stage, the ceremony does not offer answers; it simply moves forward. Because life, like cinema, does not always require explanation to be worth experiencing.
Immediately following the ceremony, audiences will have the opportunity to attend the highly anticipated premiere of the Cypriot film “Hold Onto Me” (Κράτα με) by Myrsini Aristidou, a particularly meaningful moment for the festival, which has consistently supported and highlighted contemporary Cypriot filmmaking.
The evening will conclude with the traditional Opening Party in the back courtyard of the Rialto Theatre, where filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences will celebrate the beginning of this year’s edition together. Music will be provided by DJ Pueblo Franco, a well-known presence on the Cypriot music scene. With more than twenty years of experience, DJ Pueblo Franco is known for his groovy sets, carefully shaping each performance with selected tracks that respond to the moment and the energy of the crowd. He has performed at well-known 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 / Direction: Evita Ioannou
Text: Evita Ioannou in collaboration with Elena Kallinikou
Performers: Elena Kallinikou, Elena Antoniou, Belinda Papavasileiou
Movement: Elena Antoniou
Video / Editing: Nikolas Kasinos & Jeremy Carne
Lighting Design: Vasilis Peteinaris
Original Music / Live Musicians: Musha Band
Costumes: Katerina Takka
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
We kindly ask you to arrive early in order to secure your seat and fully enjoy the performance.
Please note that the street in front of the theatre is currently under construction, which may cause some inconvenience, and parking may be limited. For parking options, please consult the relevant guidelines.
If you have mobility difficulties, please contact 77777745 in advance so that we can provide the necessary assistance. Due to the current condition of the theatre’s front entrance, wheelchair access is available only from the back of the building via Louis Pasteur Street.
We look forward to celebrating the opening of the festival with you.
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 Rialto Theatre in Limassoland Zena Palace Cinema in Nicosia.
All screenings are suitable for audiences aged 18 and over.
€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 18+.
All films will be screened in their original language with Greek and English subtitles.
Films in the Cypriot competition will also include Turkish subtitles.
The festival is organised by the Deputy Ministry of Culture in co-organisation with the Rialto Theatre.
The 24th edition of Cyprus Film Days will take place 17–25 April 2026 at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol and Zena Palace in Nicosia.
Rialto Theatre — +357 77 77 77 45
www.cyprusfilmdays.com
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Cyprus Film Days International Festival
Rialto Theatre
Information / Tickets:
rialto.interticket.com
www.rialto.com.cy
Βοx Office: 77777745
