To mark the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia on May 17, Meltemi space in Nicosia and Queer Cyprus Association and May 17 in Cyprus have come together to host the Queer Cyprus Film Festival, running until Tuesday with a selection of movies on the themes of queerness, migration, masculinity and beyond.

“Being aware of the variety of disadvantages,” say the organisers, “films on the festival are selected based on an intersectional approach. As such, we aim that they will provide companion and support for you at times of pandemic and lockdown. We believe that it is possible and, in fact, necessary to ‘queerantalise’ in every area of life. By showing the enlisted films, we aim to make queer art more visible, support it and spread it.”

The venue will be able to host just ten people in its space to watch the films, as the measures allow, while the screenings and discussions will also be available to watch live online. Those attending Meltemi for the screenings will have to have a SafePass.

Those watching online will need to register to get access to the films. After registration, participants will receive an e-mail explaining how to watch the films before attending the talks.

On Sunday a selection of seven short films from the International Queer Migrant and Migrant Film Festival will be screened at 6pm. Then at 8pm there will be a talk in English with the producers and actors. “These selections are quite interesting as they show particular vulnerabilities coming from the intersection of queer and migration,” say organisers.

One more short film will be shown on Monday titled The Call. The film is about a trans woman who learns about her mother’s death through a phone call. The striking dialogues within the film attract attention. The movie is in Greek with English subtitles and the event that will follow the screening will also be in English.

The festival will conclude with a talk on the Turkish film İris on Tuesday at 8pm. The short film provides a window to the life of a trans and bisexual woman İris Mozalar and her struggle to exist as who she is. The film will include English subtitles.

“We wish to see you joining us at this event which brings together many valuable artists and films,” comment organisers. “You can get access to the registration links by following our event page. Do not forget; we will be incomplete without you.”

Queer Cyprus Film Festival

Short film screenings and discussions. Co-organised by Meltemi, Queer Cyprus Association and Kıbrıs’ta 17 Mayıs/May 17. May 21-25. Meltemi, Nicosia and online. Facebook event: Queer Cyprus Film Festival @ Metlemi