With Pauline Lokes’ film “Nino” winning the Glocal Images Best Film Award and Myrsini Aristidou’s “Hold Me” winning a total of three awards, the 24th International Festival Cinema Days Cyprus 2026.
In particular, “Hold me” received the awards Best Cypriot Film, Best Direction in a Cypriot Film and the Audience Award.
After nine days full of screenings, workshops, creator meetings and professional actions, the curtain fell on the presentation of the awards of the competition sections, but also with words that underlined the importance of filmmaking, collaboration and the continuous development of the film community.
The awards of the festival were announced by the International Jury, chaired by Matthias Wouter Knoll and their members Anna Hoffman, Christina Lazaridis, Melanie Bloksdorf and Emilio Abraham.
The award ceremony started with the Audience Award, sponsored by Breaking Wave Productions. The prize, which was selected through electronic voting and accompanied by the amount of €2000, was awarded to the film “Hold me” by Myrsini Aristidou, confirming the warm response of the public to a film that combines sensitivity and direct emotional appeal.
International Competition Section – Glocal Images
Best Film Award: “Nino” – Pauline Lokes
The award was given to her directorial debut Pauline Lokesa film that begins with an exquisitely structured script and evolves into a tender yet deeply human narrative. Directed with precision and a fine balance between seriousness and subtle humor, “Nino” explores existential moments of life through authentic performances, with Theodore Pellerin to stand out in the leading role. The jury recognized in the work a rare coexistence of emotional power and cinematic subtlety of writing.
The prize is accompanied by the amount of €6000.
Special Jury Prize: “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” – Morad Mostafa
A dynamic directorial debut that transports the viewer into the life of a young woman with an immigrant background, who works in a city that is not her own. The film follows her daily life in an environment of social pressure and uncertainty, where persistence, dignity and the need for freedom collide with the limits of reality. With austere realism, intense performances and moments of poetic magic, the film composes a moving portrait of resilience through everyday reality.
The prize is accompanied by a monetary amount of €3000. The director sent a video message of thanks.
Best Director Award: “Hysteria” – Mehmet Akif Buyukatalai
Mehmet Akif Buyukatalai was honored for an intelligent and multi-layered cinematic narrative that combines political satire, social commentary and elements of mystery. The story begins when a seemingly trivial incident during filming sets off a chain of events that reveal deeper tensions around identity, memory and political representation. The direction stands out for the insight and sensitivity with which it approaches complex social issues.
The award is accompanied by a monetary amount of €1000.
Best Photography Award: “Forastera” – Luthia Aleniar Iglesias
Photo: Anies Pique Corbera. It is a visually poetic work that explores the emotional journey of mourning. The camera juxtaposes a bright natural landscape with the inner darkness of loss, creating a cinematic universe where the environment reflects the mental state of the characters. Photography turns the landscape into a narrative tool that reveals the delicate balance between memory and absence.
The award is accompanied by a cash sum of €1000, offered by Caretta Films, while the director sent a video message. The director also sent a video message to the audience after the award was announced.
Honorary Distinction: “Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day” – Ivona Yuka
A work that impressed with its strong visual identity and the performances of the diverse cast. The film tells the story of unrecognized queer artists in the societies of the former Yugoslavia, exploring how art, memory and social changes affect the perception of reality. With a multi-layered narrative and a strong historical consciousness, the film illuminates faces and stories that were left on the sidelines.
The Honorable Distinction was received on stage by Konstantinos Nikiforouon behalf of the creators of the film.
Cypriot Competition Department
Best Cypriot Film Award: “Hold me” – Myrsini Aristidou
Myrsini Aristidou’s first feature film stood out for its atmospheric cinematography, the use of light and the sensitivity with which it approaches human relationships. Through a story that moves between memory, loss and the need for connection, the film creates an emotional world where the characters seek balance through companionship and understanding. Her performances Maria Petrova and his Christos Passalis they were instrumental in creating a deeply human narrative.
The prize is accompanied by a monetary amount of €4000, as well as services to use The Studio, offered by CYENS.
Best Director Award (Cyprus Competition): “Hold me” – Myrsini Aristidou
Myrsini Aristidou was also honored for her direction, confirming the dynamics of a new creative voice. The jury emphasized that the creation of a first feature film is a particularly demanding undertaking, while the choice of a child in the leading role and its successful implementation highlight the maturity and boldness of the creator.
The award is accompanied by post-production services worth €7000, offered by AUTHORWAVE. It was awarded by Ioanna Sultani, on behalf of AUTHORWAVE.
Best Performance Award: Dinos Lyras and Lenia Sorokkou – “Maricel” by Ilias Dimitriou
The award was given to the two protagonists for an internal and elaborate performance, through which a strong emotional axis is formed. The film sensitively captures the intimacy, vulnerability and silent tensions of a relationship.
The award is accompanied by a monetary amount of €2000, offered by the Municipality of Limassol. It was awarded by Mayor Yiannis Armevtis.
Dot.on.the.Map Industry Days – Motion Picture Awards
Cyprus Film Commission – Invest Cyprus Award: “Your Turn 203” – Directed by: Cynthia Souma | Produced by: Georges Soukaire
The Jury was impressed by a presentation that combined clarity, dynamism and a distinct directorial voice. The project presents a well-articulated vision, approaching contemporary issues with a fresh sense of humor and a sharp eye.
The prize is accompanied by the amount of €2000.
EKKOMED Award: “Horses” – Directed by: Yearney Kastelets | Produced by Ida Weiss
The Jury highlighted the high level of preparation and the coherence of the artistic vision. Through strong symbolism, the project explores the cycles of violence and the possibility of overcoming them, combining artistic ambition and a realistic perspective of implementation.
The prize is accompanied by a monetary amount of €2000.
PS Movies & Stories Award: “Until We Find Your Name” – Directed by: Vagelio Soumeli | Production: Janine Tirling & Marios Piperidis
A directorial debut with a bold and deeply personal character, which poses clear moral questions. The director shows dedication to her heroine and avoids easy answers, choosing a complex and meaningful narrative path.
The prize is accompanied by €4000 worth of equipment rental.
Thessaloniki International Film Festival Award – Agora Networking: “Of Heart and Lung” – Directed by: Walid Matar | Production: Iqbel Tlili
The Jury appreciated the original directorial approach and the deeply human-centered narrative, based on two strong characters. Within a fragile social context, the film sensitively captures personal dignity and systemic pressure.
Closing ceremony worthy of the institution
The closing ceremony was held in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture and the Mayor of Limassol, while the artistic part of the ceremony was undertaken by Evita Ioannou and the presentation of Elena Antoniou.
The artistic directors of the festival, Argyro Nikolaou and Petros Charalambousthanked creators, collaborators, volunteers and the public, underlining that the festival remains a vibrant meeting place for cinematic voices and cultures.
The Cyprus Film Days have renewed their appointment for next year, confirming their role as one of the most important film institutions in the region.
