Fast approaching, the Cyprus Film Days International Festival this April will be a meeting hub for filmmakers, directors, film lovers and aspiring youth as organisers have prepared a packed agenda for all. Young visitors will be treated to a dynamic programme of masterclasses creative filmmaking workshops, the National Short Film Competition, and film screenings to help them discover the magic of cinema not only as audiences, but also as creators.

From April 17 to 25, on the big screens of Rialto Theatre in Limassol and K Cineplex Prime in Nicosia, young cinephiles will have the opportunity to explore the world of cinema through carefully selected international films that have been distinguished at major festivals, as well as through hands-on activities and workshops that bring participants into direct contact with the filmmaking process.

Under the artistic direction of filmmaker, screenwriter and producer Athina Xenidou, the programme focuses on creative expression, collaboration and the power of personal voice through audiovisual media.

At the heart of this year’s programme are four creative workshops and masterclasses, offering participants insight into different aspects of filmmaking, from screenwriting and casting to acting for the camera and the creation of cinematic scenes.

As part of the festival, the National Short Film Competition for Children and Youth returns for its 3rd edition, open to primary and secondary school students as well as young creators up to the age of 24.

All workshops take place at K Cineplex Prime in Nicosia and are offered free of charge, led by acclaimed industry professionals such as screenwriter and creator Marc Bechar, casting director Stavros Raptis, as well as actor Marios Ioannou and cinematographer Maria Andronikou.

Through hands-on processes, participants will explore how a cinematic story is developed, how characters are built, and how image, sound and performance come together to create the magic of the big screen. They will gain insight into both story development and the work that takes place in front of and behind the camera. The workshops encourage imagination and creativity, giving space to personal experiences and the voices of young creators.

On April 18 (11am-4pm), screenwriter and creator Bechar will lead a screenwriting masterclass The Art of Writing for Netflix: The Inevitable Surprise (16+), an intensive session exploring character development and the creation of unexpected yet meaningful narrative paths.

On April 19 (11am-4pm), acclaimed casting director Raptis will lead a specially designed Casting Masterclass for teenagers and young adults (14+), introducing participants to the casting process and on-camera presence. Participation requires the submission of a short self-tape monologue (up to 40 seconds), to be sent to [email protected] by April 15.

On April 22 (4pm-8pm), cinematographer Andronikou and actor Ioannou will present the workshop The Magic of the Frame: From Performance to Lens, where participants will experiment with creating cinematic scenes and explore how acting, framing, lenses and lighting shape the final on-screen result.

The programme concludes on April 25 (10am–1pm) with an acting workshop for children aged 8–13, led by Ioannou, a one-day interactive session introducing children to acting through movement, voice and creative expression. To register for the workshops, complete the following form: forms.gle/HHXHSKTGwzcWyMJz8

At the core of the Children and Youth Section lies its programme of international short and feature film screenings, distinguished at major film festivals and addressed primarily to young audiences, while at the same time offering an engaging and rewarding cinematic experience for the whole family.

This year’s selection focuses on the power of personal voice and collective expression, highlighting coming-of-age stories, friendship and identity in a world full of challenges. Screenings will take place at Rialto Theatre in Limassol and K Cineplex Prime in Nicosia, with free admission and the full screening schedule will be announced soon.

24th Cyprus Film Days 2026

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