The National Short Film Competition for Children and Youth, part of the Cyprus Film Days International Festival 2026, continues to receive a particularly warm response from students and young creators across Cyprus.
Dozens of submissions have already been received, confirming the growing momentum the competition has gained in recent years and the enthusiasm with which the younger generation is embracing filmmaking. Students and young people from across the island are using the power of image and storytelling to express their thoughts, share their concerns, and present their own “brave stories of everyday life”.
This year’s theme creates space for stories that highlight the power of expression, action and identity, shedding light on both small and significant acts of courage that shape everyday life.
The strong response recorded so far has led to an extension of the submission deadline until 6 April 2026, allowing more time for additional entries to be completed and submitted.
The competition is open to upper primary, lower secondary and upper secondary school students, as well as young people up to the age of 24, who may participate individually or in groups by creating their own short film.
Submissions will be evaluated by a seven-member jury of professionals, chaired by casting director Stavros Raptis, with members Minos Pappas, Anna Fotiadou, Athos Antoniou, Margarita Zachariou, Andreas Tselepos and Giannis Antonas. The awarded films will be screened as part of the festival.
Winners will receive prizes including scholarships at UCLan Cyprus and Frederick University, photographic equipment and hotel accommodation, while the awarded films will be screened at K Cineplex Prime and Rialto Theatre ahead of festival screenings within the Cyprus Film Days for Children and Youth 2026 programme.
Furthermore, as part of the collaboration with the international educational film festival FIFE, the top four films will be presented in Évreux, France.
The National Short Film Competition for Children and Youth continues to evolve into a vibrant platform for expression, creativity and exchange of ideas, strengthening young people’s relationship with cinema and fostering film literacy in Cyprus.
The submission deadline is 6 April 2026, while the awards ceremony will take place at K Cineplex Prime in Strovolos on Sunday, 19 April 2026, at 18:00, in the presence of officials and participants.
More information on terms of participation and submission process:
cyprusfilmdays.com
facebook.com/CFDchildren
instagram.com/cyprusfilmdaysyouth
Major Sponsor: K Cineplex
Sponsors: Columbia Beach Resort, ENA Juices, UCLan, Frederick University, 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
