The International Short Film Festival of Cyprus (ISFFC) returns to Rialto Theatre in Limassol from 10 to 16 Octoberwith two prizes awarded for the first time, one decided by filmmakers and one by the public. Organised by the Deputy Ministry of Culture (Department of Contemporary Culture) and Rialto Theatre, the 16th edition also introduces new formats designed to bring filmmakers and audiences closer together.
A peer award chosen by fellow professionals
For the first time this year, the festival will present the Peer Award, an honorary distinction for one Cypriot film in the competition section, chosen by filmmakers themselves. The committee is made up of representatives of the Cyprus Directors' Union, the Cyprus Actors' Union (EIK) and the Theatre Artists' Branch of SIDIKEK-PEO, meaning professional directors and actors recognising the work of their colleagues.
An audience award with a €500 prize
The festival is also establishing an Audience Award for the first time, giving viewers the opportunity to choose their favourite film from the competition section. According to the organisers, the public has always been the cornerstone of the festival, with its interest and enthusiasm serving as a compass for the event. The winning film will receive a cash prize of €500.
Speed dating for actors and directors
A new addition to the programme is Actors × Directors Speed Dating, a series of short, informal one-to-one meetings away from the pressure of casting calls. Organised in cooperation with the Cyprus Directors' Union, EIK and the Theatre Artists' Branch of SIDIKEK-PEO, it takes place on 10 October 2026, from 17:30 to 19:00, at the Art Studio next to Rialto Theatre.
New partnerships with TalentBridge and Festival Scope Pro
The ISFFC is partnering with TalentBridge by T-Port, a European professional development initiative that supports the international networking and progression of emerging filmmakers through training programmes and partnerships with film industry bodies across Europe. As part of the partnership, the festival is co-organising TalentBridge Cyprus 2026, a two-day programme for directors and producers, on 11 and 12 October in Limassol.
This year the festival is also working for the first time with Festival Scope Pro, the international professional platform connecting around 130 festivals with programmers, distributors, sales agents and buyers worldwide. After the festival ends, award-winning films from this year's edition will be presented on the online platform, increasing their visibility within the industry.
Eastern Mediterranean award in its second year
Selected by the festival's international jury, the Best Eastern Mediterranean Film Award is presented for the second year to a film from Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Israel, Jordan or Egypt, giving voices from across the region space on the European screen. The winning film will receive a cash prize of €1,500.
Returning events across the week
Artistic directors Diomides Koufteros and Kaiti Papadima have put together a programme that extends across the whole week beyond the competition screenings. It includes special screenings on the Rialto stage, Shoot n Run in cooperation with the School of Fine and Applied Arts of the Cyprus University of Technology, the screenwriting workshop What's the Story? Cyprus, the festival hub as a meeting place, and Cinematherapy by EKKOMED. Each afternoon, Brandy Sour Hour serves as the daily meeting point before the evening screenings. Further events will be announced in detail in the coming days.
The week opens with the opening ceremony and a DJ party and closes with the awards ceremony and another party.
Shorty Shorts for young audiences
Last year, children were able to watch short films at the festival for the first time. According to the organisers, the warm response established the strand, which is now building its own audience. This year, five short films have been selected with young viewers in mind, for audiences aged five and over.
Euro Connection XIX applications open
Euro Connection XIX, the European co-production platform for short films, is accepting applications for its 19th edition, to be held on 2 and 3 February 2027 in Clermont-Ferrand. Cypriot producers can apply through the ISFFC, as national correspondent, until 20 October 2026. Further details are available on the ISFFC website.
Tickets and information
Daily tickets cost €5 and a festival pass costs €25. Entry is free for students on presentation of a student card, disability card holders, members of the Cyprus Directors' Union, and actors who are members of the Cyprus Actors' Union or the Theatre Artists' Branch of SIDIKEK-PEO. Information is available from Rialto Theatre on 77 77 77 45 and at isffc.com.cy and rialto.com.cy.
