The Cypriot Horror Film That Toured the World Before Coming Home

Motherwitch (Dodekameron), described by its producers as the first Cypriot horror film, will open in cinemas across the island this autumn. The gothic film is directed by New York Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Minos Papas and has screened at more than 20 international film festivals. Its official avant premiere will take place at PREMIER Cinemas in Nicosia on 28 October, with regular screenings following from 29 October in Nicosia and Limassol.

A story rooted in Cypriot folklore

The film was shot entirely in Cyprus and draws on the island's tradition, folklore and history. Set at the end of the 19th century, it tells a story of grief, motherhood, art and black magic.

 

 

In 1882, a painter named Eleni tries to bring her dead children back to life. Instead, she awakens the Kalikantzari of Cypriot tradition and plunges her village into terror. As the demonic Lamia feeds on Eleni's grief and rage, she must accept her loss and redeem her homeland. Through art and creation, she discovers that redemption lies not in resurrecting the dead, but in acceptance and hope.

The festival circuit

Motherwitch had its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). It then screened at festivals in:

• North America: the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal and the Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico.
• Asia: the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) in Korea.
• Europe: the Transilvania International Film Festival (Romania), the Mediterrane Film Festival (Malta), the Galway Film Fleadh (Ireland), the Croatia International Film Festival, the Octopus Film Festival (Poland), the Manaki Brothers festival (Bitola), and Fantasy Filmfest, which took it to seven major German cities.
• South America: Festival Filmes Incríveis (Brazil).
• Cyprus: Cyprus Film Days.

At Guadalajara, the film received an Honourable Mention in the Genre category.

More premieres are scheduled for the autumn:

• SITGES in Spain, which the producers describe as the largest fantasy and horror film festival in the world.
• Grimmfest in Manchester.
• Fantasmagoría in Colombia.
• Kork in Turkey.

Festivals in Chile, Norway, the Netherlands and Egypt will be announced soon.

Release dates in Cyprus

Ahead of the release, the production will have a themed booth at Cyprus Comic Con from 2 to 4 October. Visitors will be able to see sets, objects and costumes from the production, buy exclusive merchandise and tickets for the screenings, and meet the director and cast.

The avant premiere on 28 October at PREMIER Cinemas in Nicosia will be attended by the cast and crew, along with invited guests from film, culture and the media.

Regular screenings run for one week only from 29 October at PREMIER Cinemas in Nicosia and RIO Cinemas in Limassol, daily at 7.30pm and 10pm.

Cast and production

The film stars Margarita Zachariou, Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Foundation) and Jason Hughes(Marcella, Midsomer Murders). They are joined by Marina Makris, Athos Antoniou, Danai Katsameni, Demetri Andrea, Christina Marouchou and Sifis Katsoulakis.

Motherwitch is a Caretta Films production, co-produced with Cyprian Films (New York), Focus Pocus and the Deputy Ministry of Culture of Cyprus. It received financial support from the Film Agency of North Macedonia. The production also benefited from the Cypriot government's "Film in Cyprus" financial incentives.

It was made in collaboration with Savvas Liasis, The Bayha Group, Michael Borrelli, Samson Mesele and Pickpocket Productions.