With just over a week until the 24th edition of the Cyprus Film Days International Festival lifts the curtain on April 17, the organisers have announced a series of specialised workshops and masterclasses with the participation of internationally recognised creators and industry professionals.

From April 17 to 25, the festival will not simply host international and local films but also a rich agenda of participatory sessions to enhance the professional development of filmmakers. Designed for directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, audiovisual creators and anyone who loves cinema and wants to explore a new aspect of it, the workshops offer participants a valuable opportunity to collaborate directly with established professionals and explore key aspects of contemporary filmmaking — from emerging technologies to screenwriting development and post-production.

A two-day intensive workshop on April 18 and 19 titled AI Cinema by Elettra Fiumi at CYENS Centre of Excellence in Nicosia invites directors, artists and visual storytellers to explore the creative potential of artificial intelligence in cinema.

On April 19, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter Christina Lazaridi will host The Rewriting Mind workshop at the Directors Guild of Cyprus in Nicosia. Through interactive exercises and case studies drawn from her professional career, participants will explore practical strategies for approaching script revisions through character development.

Next is the One Minute Monologue: Acting and Casting workshop with Lucinda Syson, Juliette Ménager and Alexandra Montag. Split into two Nicosia sessions, a workshop will first take place at ARTos House, followed by a live presentation at Zena Palace on the same day, April 20. The workshop focuses on screen acting, professional self-presentation and the casting process.

Wrapping the 24th festival’s educational events is a masterclass and colour grading workshop with Manthos Sardis titled Let’s Grade on April 22. The workshop will begin with a practical demonstration at the Copper Island studios, followed by a public masterclass at the Rialto Theatre. The masterclass offers a comprehensive look at the journey of the cinematic image, from cinematography to final colour grading, with the Athens-based colourist.

Beyond these workshops, the 2026 programme also includes creative film workshops for children, the 7th edition of the co-production, training and networking platform Dot.on.the.Map Industry Days, and of course, lots and lots of screenings.

24th Cyprus Film Days 2026

Annual film festival with features from Cyprus and the world. April 17-25. Nicosia and Limassol. www.cyprusfilmdays.com