The 14th International Short Film Festival of Cyprus (ISFFC), a co-organization of the Deputy Ministry of Culture and Rialto Theatre, wrapped up another hugely successful edition. It was a cinematic journey filled with short films from Cyprus and all around the world.
At tonight’s awards ceremony, held at the Rialto Theatre in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Vasiliki Kasianidou, the awards were presented to the films that stood out.
The Jury was composed of President Agron Domi and members Denise Nikolakou, John Canciani, Amos Geva, and Monica Nicolaidou.
Below are the films that stood out and the awards along with the jury statements:
International Competition Awards
First Prize for Best Short Film:
The First Prize for Best Short Film, accompanied by €4,000, was awarded to Dreams like Paper Boats, directed by Samuel Suffren from Haiti.
Jury statement: This post-colonial migration story is told through the perspective of a man left behind to care for his daughter. With unique storytelling and excellent black-and-white cinematography, the film gives a platform to voices that have remained unheard until now.
Second Prize for Best Short Film:
The Second Prize for Best Short Film, accompanied by €1,500, was awarded to Pena’s Special Hauling by Anssi Kasitonni from Finland.
Jury statement: With an upbeat rhythm, this distinct cinematic work, shot in 16mm, impresses the audience with its minimalist means, challenging perceptions and using only absolutely essential filmic elements. A showcase of narrative brilliance in short-form cinema.
Best Director Award:
The Best Director Award, accompanied by €2,500, was awarded to Moara Passoni for her film My Mother is a Cow from Brazil.
Jury statement: For the way in which she creates a distinct world and atmosphere using cinematic language. The direction brings us closer to the protagonist in this coming-of-age story, told in an effective way that highlights emotion and despair. A complete work that leaves the viewer with a hopeful aftertaste and the anticipation of something that will never come.
Best Documentary Award:
The Best Documentary Award, accompanied by €3,000, was awarded to White Cloud by Emmanuel Van Der Auwera from Belgium.
Jury statement: A film that critically examines the pressing issues of our time: labor exploitation, environmental protection, pollution, and the overuse of natural resources. The film captures the spirit of our age, aesthetically encouraging us to reflect on reality and unimaginable places. A world resembling science fiction invites us to challenge the boundaries of documentary filmmaking.
Nomination for the European Film Academy Awards 2025 - Short Film Category:
This year’s Jury selected looking she said I forget (Netherlands, Switzerland), directed by Naomi Pacifique, as the nominee for the European Film Academy Awards 2025 in the short film category.
Jury statement: A contemporary story about intimacy, shared love, and trauma, raising questions about romantic relationships that preoccupy the younger generation. With its skillful composition and unpretentious cinematography, this film is a modern example of European cinema.
Honorary Distinction:
An honorary distinction was awarded to the documentary My Father (Czech Republic) by Pegah Ahangarani, which transforms a personal story of fatherhood into a profound and universal commentary on society.
Honorary Distinction:
The film A Summer’s End Poem by Lam Can-zhao (China, Switzerland) received an honorary distinction for its poetic depiction of a boy's coming-of-age journey through imagination and experimentation.
Honorary Distinction:
The comedy A Beautiful Excuse for a Deadly Sin by Hashim Sharaf from Bahrain received an honorary distinction for its lighthearted yet multi-layered storytelling, touching on cultural and political taboos.
National Competition Awards
First Prize for Best Cypriot Short Film:
The First Prize for Best Cypriot Short Film, accompanied by €4,000, was awarded to Tsikitigklon the Fairy and the Man by Marios Mettis.
Jury statement: In a society that struggles to accept difference, a touch of magic becomes the excuse for an unexpected unveiling. Masks fall as the director delves into the deeper psyche of the characters. Engaging the audience through this carefully crafted story, the film gives us a taste of an outsider's life.
The First Prize for Best Cypriot Short Film was presented to the winning film by Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Vasiliki Kasianidou.
Second Prize for Best Cypriot Short Film:
The Second Prize, accompanied by €2,500, was awarded to Pink Moon by Meray Diner.
Jury statement: A story that explores trauma through the perspectives of two different generations, incorporating not just intergenerational issues but also the postcolonial legacy of an entire nation.
The Second Prize for Best Cypriot Short Film was presented to the winner by Daphne Pitta, President of the Rialto Theatre Executive Board.
Best Director Award “Dinos Katsouridis”:
The Best Director Award “Dinos Katsouridis,” sponsored by the family of the prominent Cypriot director and cinematographer, includes technical equipment for the director’s next short film as well as €2,500, offered by the Deputy Ministry of Culture.
Jury statement: For its daring cinematography and exemplary composition, used with intent to explore a culture of artmaking, the Best Director Award was presented to Sylvia Nicolaides and Nicolas Iordanou for their documentary Requiem in Salt.
The award was presented to the winner by Mrs Isavella Mavraki.
Best Cinematography Award:
The Best Cinematography Award, offered by Stefilm and including post-production and DCP services, was awarded to Christos Zeniou, the cinematographer and director of the film Pakistani.
Jury statement: This film presents motivated cinematographic language, with atmospheric scenes, dynamic shots where necessary, and stillness where appropriate. A story of marginalized individuals, told through the proper use of the expressive tools of cinema.
The Best Cinematography Award was presented to the winner by Mr Angelos Argyroullis, director of STEFILM.
Best Performance Award:
The Best Performance Award, accompanied by €1,500, was awarded to Marios Ioannou for his role in Tsikitigklon the Fairy and the Man.
Jury statement: A finely crafted character, guiding the story with bitter humor, despite the despair and hardship that marks the world around him. This performance manages to move the audience, creating an affectionate connection with the protagonist and guiding the viewer through the story of revelation.
The award was presented to the winner by Mr Yiannis Armeftis, Mayor of Limassol.
Honorary Distinction:
The animated film Underground by Yiannis Christoforou received an honorary distinction for its unique approach and masterful creation of a mysterious world immersed in darkness.
Amaze Me - Best Music Video
The award in the Amaze Me Music Video category was given to Jump Cut, directed by Winston Hacking. The film impressed the jury with its combination of fragmented images and stop-motion techniques, creating a surreal universe where sound and imagery harmoniously intertwine.
The ISFFC renews its rendezvous with its loyal cinephile audience for October next year, with the 15th edition of the festival.
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