A week-long showcase of Chinese cinema will take place across Nicosia from 10 to 15 June, marking the United Nations International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cyprus. Jointly organised by the Embassy of China in Cyprus, the China Film Administration, and the Deputy Ministry of Culture of Cyprus, the event aims to foster cultural exchange through the medium of film.
The cultural initiative begins on 10 June at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre with a youth screening of the animated feature Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector in the afternoon. This will be followed by the official opening ceremony in the evening, which is expected to draw officials from the political, diplomatic, business, and cultural sectors, alongside members of the overseas Chinese community in Cyprus.
Opening premiere by Cypriot director
The opening night will feature the premiere of The Sound of Shanghai, directed by Cypriot artist Marios Joannou Elia. The production blends music with intangible cultural heritage, capturing the urban landscape of Shanghai while exploring the intersections between Chinese tradition and modernity. To complement the screening, a dedicated cultural experience area will be established at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, supported by the Confucius Institute at the University of Cyprus.
The festival programme shifts to the Pantheon Theatre on 11 June with A Table for Two, a contemporary drama focusing on culinary culture and the personal growth of young people in urban China.
Educational partnerships and varied genres
Screenings expand to higher education venues on 12 June, when the animated feature I Am What I Am will be shown at the Cyprus University of Technology in Limassol, organised in collaboration with the CUT Confucius Institute. The film uses the traditional art of Chinese lion dancing to frame a narrative about working-class youth pursuing their aspirations. Concurrently, the Pantheon Theatre in Nicosia will screen the Cantonese comedy Night King, a film highlighting the urban culture and humour of Hong Kong.
The latter half of the week introduces diverse cinematic genres to local audiences:
- On 13 June, the action thriller The Shadow’s Edge will screen at the Pantheon Theatre, focusing on high-tech cybercrime and law enforcement investigations.
- On 14 June, the drama It’s OK will explore intergenerational family dynamics and female personal development through a comedic lens.
The closing ceremony will take place on 15 June at K-Cineplex in Nicosia, concluding with the historical martial arts adventure Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert. Industry delegates, including representatives from the China Film Administration, production companies, directors, and cast members, will attend the closing event to participate in an audience discussion session.
Most screenings throughout the week are free of charge and open to the general public, with a small number of events restricted to invitation-only sessions. All featured films will be presented in their original language with both English and Greek subtitles.
