Spring’s must-go event for the island’s cinephiles and creatives, the 23rd Cyprus Film Days International Festival 2025, will offer a rich agenda of side events and workshops to accompany screenings this April. Masterclasses, seminars and all sorts of events are being held, for free, and those interested can apply to participate until Saturday.

This year’s parallel actions include a masterclass in VR filming at CYENS featuring award-winning filmmaker Deniz Tortum, a practical filming workshop inspired by hidden Cypriot myths, and a special casting workshop by celebrated professionals.

Μasterclass in VR filming

The day-long masterclass will look into the history and contemporary practices of virtual reality (VR) filming from the beginning of three-dimensional imaging in the 1850s to the latest technological applications. The masterclass will be held on April 5 between 10.30am and 4pm at CYENS Centre of Excellence in Nicosia by director, screenwriter and multimedia artist Tortum, who will flesh out the process behind his practice. The masterclass is addressed to filmmakers, artists, technologists and people interested in virtual reality and immersive media. It includes a special screening of Tortum’s film Shadowtime.

Invisible Myths Filming Workshop

Cinema and Cypriot myths are brought together in a two-day creative journey led by Oliwia Tado and Mariangela Ciccarello at the Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri. Over the course of a weekend, on April 5 and 6, eight select young creatives (18-26) will work together to create two short films inspired by Cyprus’ hidden myths. This practical workshop offers an integrated experience of film production for aspiring and emerging filmmakers, from concept and screenplay to shooting and editing.

Participants will be working in two separate groups to make two cohesive short films drawing on the island’s rich mythological tradition. The films will be screened publicly on April 7 at Rialto Theatre and on April 8 at the Zena Palace. The workshop is offered for free and includes a night’s stay at Pissouri.

How to get the part: Showcasing Cypriot Talent

A casting workshop for professional actors looking to expand their practice into the area of international productions will be held by acclaimed casting directors Francesco Vedovati (The White Lotus, Io Capitano) and Makis Gazis (The Lost Daughter, Salade Grecque) in collaboration with Filmmakers Europe. The two-day workshop will take place at Artos Cultural and Research House on April 7 and 8, bringing adult participants of all ages and levels of experience the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the process and expectations of international production casting directors.

The workshop will focus on practical techniques and audition tips.

Events for professionals in the context of Dot.on.the.Map Industry Days

During the 6th edition of Dot.on.the.Map Industry Days, to take place on April 10 – 12at Rialto Theatre, led by producer and director Danae Stylianou, accredited guests will have the opportunity to attend masterclasses, discussions and presentations by professionals from the international cinematic arena. Among other things, training sessions will include a special masterclass by a professional on alternative methods of finding film sponsors, as well as info sessions about the deputy culture ministry’s co-productions Scheme, and for Creative Europe funding programmes.

Film workshops for children and youth

The 10th edition of Cyprus Film Days for Children and Youth 2025 aims to educate and expand the horizons of youthful audiences. This year it features two masterclasses and five workshops by professionals while bringing back the successful short film competition for students and young people up to the age of 24. Registration for all workshops can be done online at cyprusfilmdays.com

23rd Cyprus Film Days International Film Festival

Annual film festival. April 4-12. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. Pallas Theatre in Nicosia. www.cyprusfilmdays.com