The Drama International Short Film Festival, Greece’s premier festival dedicated to short films, is once again traveling to Cyprus, bringing award-winning films to local audiences. Admission to all screenings is free. In recent years, the inclusion of English subtitles has made it possible for an even broader audience to enjoy outstanding short films that have been recognized and awarded. As every year, audiences will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the Drama Festival and the filmmakers themselves during the screenings for discussions and exchanges. This year’s guests include Evanna Venardou from the Festival’s Press Office and directors Fivos Imellos (Wings) and Alki Papastathopoulos (Honeymoon).
Day 1: Nicosia (February 17), Limassol (February 18), Paphos (February 18)
Phoebe (15’), 2023, Greece, Cyprus, Fiction
Synopsis: Just before completing her rehabilitation program, 26-year-old Phoebe takes her young son on a journey that will determine their future. Director/Screenwriter: Vaggelio Soumeli , Cast: Athina Pavlou-Benazi, Nikolas Drosopoulos, Orestis Raisis, Symeon Tsakiris, Themis Bazaka
Honeymoon (24’), 2023, Greece, France, Cyprus, Fiction
Synopsis: After a traumatic encounter with the police, Faye decides to leave Greece forever. Sandra accompanies her to the bus station for their final farewell. During their journey, a transphobic attack by fellow passengers leaves them stranded on a deserted highway. Director/Screenwriter: Alki Papastathopoulos, Cast: Mary Petrouliou, Nasia Synteta, Theofilos Manologlou, Awards: Special Jury Prize, Best Actress Award (Nasia Synteta), Drama Queer Award, Onassis Culture Award
They Pave Paradise (15’), 2024, Greece, Experimental
Synopsis: Athens. The municipal council announces the redevelopment of Omonia Square, a neglected area in the heart of the capital. Over the following months, violent incidents erupt. With a handheld camera, the director follows three local residents as they witness the transformation. Director/Screenwriter: Alkeos Spyrou, Cast: Mailinda Spyrou, Aristotelis Spyrou, Thalis Banos, Awards: Best Documentary Award
The Gardener’s Death (7’), 2024, Greece, Fiction
Synopsis: Aris, a low-ranking mafia associate, is hiding in a seedy hostel after betraying his boss, the notorious “Gardener,” who leaves a signature golden watering can at his crime scenes. One morning, Aris finds the watering can at his door… Director/Screenwriter: Christina Spiliopoulou, Cast: Stelios Vasilas, Daphne Ntouvika, Dimitris Asproudis, Dionysis Papadatos, Frida Sarakatsianou, Katia Nikolakaki, Awards: Best Cinematography Award (“Dinos Katsouridis” Prize) – Thanos Athanasiou
The Chaos She Left Behind (33’), 2023, Greece, Fiction
Synopsis: Anna, approaching thirty, sees this as her last chance to pursue a musical career in Paris. Success seems within reach—if only she can break free from her self-destructive, alcoholic father. Director/Screenwriter: Nikos Kolioukos, Cast: Marina Siotou, Giannis Tsortekis, Eleni Karagiorgi, Danae Skiadi, Awards: Best Directing Award (National Student Film)
Day 2: Nicosia (February 18), Limassol (February 19), Paphos (February 19)
Wings (17’), 2023, Greece, Fiction
Synopsis: A woman receives a call from her son while waiting for him and his girlfriend for lunch. Director: Fivos Imellos, Screenwriters: Fivos Imellos, Nancy Spetsioti, Cast: Despina Kourti, Stathis Koikas
Pop (28’), 2024, Greece, Fiction
Synopsis: Three friends reunite and share their latest adventures. Each story ends with a problem, and each problem can only be solved with money—money they don’t have. Oscillating between reality and fantasy, they decide to rob a café they suspect of laundering money. Director/Screenwriter: Lina Kountoura, Cast: Amalia Diakaki, Vasia Tsiavousi, Dioni Kalaretou, Emmanouil Dramilakis, Awards: Best Greek Student Film Award (“Frida Liappa” Prize), Best Production Design Award
Zanke (17’), 2024, Greece, Sweden, Fiction
Synopsis: A family of four lives in isolation in a wetland, surrounded by water and fish traps. As the children play in nature and their mother tries to protect their innocence, they stand on a fragile balance between the arrival of a new baby and their father’s impending death. Director/Screenwriter: Iris Baglanea, Cast: Rosa Prodromou, Theodoros Korozis, Eleni Triga, Hector Mamasis, Awards: Best Visual and Special Effects Award, Best Sound Award, Best Sound Design Award
Bearhole (38’), 2023, Greece, Fiction
Synopsis: A mountain hike, a mythical bear, an unexpected betrayal, and a surreal kangaroo party in the forest will change Argyro’s relationship with her best friend forever. Directors/Screenwriters: Chrysianna Papadaki, Stergios Ntinopoulos, Cast: Chara Kyriazi, Pamela Oikonomaki, Awards: Golden Dionysus Award, Best Film Award, Best Actress Award (Chara Kyriazi)
Free Admission | English Subtitles Available
Screening Venues & Information:
Limassol – Rialto Theatre, 20:30 | Tel: 77777745 | www.rialto.com.cy
Nicosia – Pantheon Cinema, 20:00 | Tel: 96420491 | ofk.org.cy
Paphos – House of Arts & Letters, 19:30 | Tel: 99426673 / 26818560
Media Sponsors: RIK, Politis Newspaper & Politis 107.6 FM
Organizers:Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture, Rialto Theatre, and the Drama International Short Film Festival.
In Collaboration With:Nicosia Friends of Cinema Society, Paphos House of Arts & Letters, and Limassol Film Club.
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