Sunday, March 22, 12:00 p.m. | For the last 16 years, the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus has showcased a diverse program of short films from around the globe and championed shorts made in their own region. We are delighted to present six award-winning shorts made by Cypriot filmmakers.
Chicago European Union Film Festival Spotlight: Cyprus | March 20–22, 2026
Thirteen films from Cyprus. Three days only. Join us for the Chicago European Union Film Festival (CEUFF) as we shine a Spotlight on Cyprus, the current holder of the EU presidency. Cyprus has a vibrant but rarely seen film culture, and these 13 films will only screen in Chicago for one weekend, so don’t miss your chance to see them on the big screen! Discover new voices alongside acclaimed favorites, gain insight into the cinema of Cyprus during a filmmaker panel, and celebrate Opening Night with a reception inspired by its culinary traditions.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu
2020, dirs. Sholeh Zahraei, Kamil Saldun, Cyprus, 21 mins
Two men trapped in the codes of conservative values and patriarch structures. Ibrahim is lost in an emotional conflict while his son Ismail is forced to keep his identity hidden.
2022, dir. Tonia Mishiali, Cyprus, Greece, 18 mins
Daphne switches from one sexual partner to the next, but does not seem to be satisfied, at least
not with what she thought she needed. How far would she go to feel some affection?
2023, dir. Maria Tomazou, Cyprus, UK, 8 mins
Anna lives in a perfect house at the edge of a tornado. When she needs to go outside, she is forced to face the chaos of life that she usually hides away from.
2023, dir. Meray Diner, Cyprus, UK, 14 mins
Amongst the political polarisation, unresolved confl ict of a father and daughter and their island Cyprus are tangled into one as the family relationship and the inter-generational trauma is confronted in the Pink Moon season.
2024, dir. Marios Mettis, Cyprus, 15 mins
A trans woman finds herself trapped inside the van of a mysterious man whose intentions are not what they seem to be.
2021, dir. Alexandra Matheou, Cyprus, France, Greece, 15 mins
Tina, a depressed food stylist, is ready to give up on everything on the day of her birthday, until an extraordinary encounter changes her life.