23/04/2024 - Emilija Gašić’s debut feature triumphed in Glocal Images, while Kyros Papavassiliou’s movie was recognised as Best Cypriot Film at the island’s foremost film event

The 22nd edition of the Cyprus Film Days International Festival came to an end on Saturday 20 April, with its awards ceremony taking place at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol. As the premier event for fictional cinema in Cyprus, the festival unfolded from 12-20 April, taking in venues across Limassol and Nicosia.

Serbian filmmaker Emilija Gašić's 78 Days [+see also:
film review
interview: Emilija Gašić
film profile] scooped the Glocal Images Best Film Award, which includes a €6,000 prize. The international jury, led by Slovak film producer Katarína Tomková, and comprising Turkish-Cypriot DoP Emre Erkmen, French film critic Sandra Onana, Greek writer-director Asimina Proedrou and Berlin-based Palestinian filmmaker Juna Suleiman, selected 78 Days for its “unyielding truthfulness, and its ability to transcend time and to speak to the deepest recesses of our humanity”.

The Glocal Images Special Jury Award, which comes with a €3,000 prize, was presented to Dreaming & Dying, directed by Singaporean filmmaker Nelson Yeo, for “its enchanting and poetic approach that effortlessly evokes a sense of wonder towards the natural and spiritual world, and its playfulness in subverting audience expectations regarding the dynamic bond shared among three lifelong friends”.

The Glocal Images Best Director Award was bestowed upon Greek helmer Sofia Exarchou for her work on Animal [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Sofia Exarchou
film profile]. This recognition was specifically for “creating a riveting, vivid drama, which challenges audiences to enter the backstage of an often-overlooked world and face the grim truths hidden beneath the surface of amusement”. The award includes a trophy and €1,000. Additionally, the film secured the Glocal Images Best Cinematography Award, which went to Polish DoP Monika Lenczewska. This accolade was granted for “a visual narrative that carries the entire film consistently from beginning to end and illuminates the bleak reality of the resort industry”. The prize comes with an amount of €500, sponsored by Caretta Films.

In the Cypriot Films Competition, Embryo Larva Butterfly [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Kyros Papavassiliou
film profile] by Kyros Papavassiliou emerged as the victor, clinching the Best Cypriot Film Award. This accolade, accompanied by €4,000 and rental services of “The Studio”, provided by CYENS Centre of Excellence, was granted to the movie for “its originality, offering a fresh perspective on the science-fiction genre through a minimalist approach and deliberate pacing. This film distinguishes itself with its clever use of urban landscapes and its depiction of the female experience in themes such as relationships and motherhood, marking a significant achievement in Cypriot cinema.” Papavassiliou also secured the Best Cypriot Director Award, which includes post-production services worth €4,000, sponsored by Authorwave. This recognition was granted for his “innovative direction in crafting a world where characters grapple with the fluidity of time, establishing him as a unique voice in Cypriot cinema”.

The Best Performance Award, accompanied by €1,000, was conferred upon Marina Makris for her role in Africa Star, directed by Adonis Florides. The jury remarked that her performance “stands out for its minimalistic yet immersive acting, bringing authenticity and depth to the character”. Meanwhile, the Audience Award, accompanied by €500, sponsored by TFI Markets, was bestowed upon The Teacher [+see also:
film review
film profile] by Farah Nabulsi.

Here is the complete list of winners at the 22nd Cyprus Film Days:

Glocal Images International Competition

Best Film
78 Days [+see also:
film review
interview: Emilija Gašić
film profile] - Emilija Gašić (Serbia)

Special Jury Award
Dreaming & Dying - Nelson Yeo (Singapore/Indonesia)

Best Director
Sofia Exarchou - Animal [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Sofia Exarchou
film profile] (Greece/Austria/Romania/Cyprus/Bulgaria)

Best Cinematographer
Monika Lenczewska - Animal

Cypriot Films Competition

Best Cypriot Film
Embryo Larva Butterfly [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Kyros Papavassiliou
film profile] - Kyros Papavassiliou (Cyprus/Greece)

Best Director of a Cypriot Film
Kyros Papavassiliou - Embryo Larva Butterfly

Best Performance in a Cypriot Film
Marina Makris - Africa Star (Cyprus)

Audience Award
The Teacher [+see also:
film review
film profile] - Farah Nabulsi (UK/Palestine/Qatar)