Cypriot filmmaker Myrsini Aristidou has earned a major international distinction after her film Hold Onto Me was shortlisted for the European Young Audience Award 2027, one of the prizes presented by the European Film Academy.
The Cyprus-Greece-Denmark co-production is one of three films nominated for the award and will compete against I Matter by Alina Șerban and Iron Boy by Louis Clichy.
The nominations were announced on 1 November in Glasgow, with the winner set to be chosen by young juries from across Europe and revealed during the 39th European Film Awards ceremony in Athens on 16 January 2027.
Cyprus in the spotlight
The nomination places Cypriot cinema at the centre of a major European institution that promotes both youth engagement and contemporary filmmaking.
Hold Onto Me was also featured during the nominations event at the Grosvenor Picture Theatre in Glasgow, where the announcement concluded with a screening of the film.
This year marks the first collaboration between the European Young Audience Award and the Glasgow Film Festival, which hosted the nominations announcement.
Young audiences decide
Since 2012, the award has recognised European films aimed at viewers aged 12 and above, while encouraging young people to engage directly with cinema.
Participants do more than cast the final vote. Young jurors help evaluate submissions, select the finalists and ultimately choose the winning film.
This year's programme involves 45 partner organisations across 30 countries, including cinemas, festivals, film academies and cultural institutes.
Throughout the European Awards Season, from November to January, screenings and discussions will give young viewers the opportunity to watch the nominated films and exchange views.
Winner to be announced in Athens
The process will culminate on 16 January 2027, when cities across Europe host simultaneous events featuring screenings, workshops and discussions.
Young jurors will connect live via video link before casting their votes in a pan-European ballot.
The winning film will be announced later that day in Athens during the 39th European Film Awards ceremony.
European recognition
Matthijs Wouter Knol, chief executive and director of the European Film Academy, said the award places the final decision in the hands of the audience that will shape the future of European cinema.
Meanwhile, Martin Petrov, director of the Glasgow Film Festival, said the collaboration strengthens opportunities to showcase emerging filmmakers while providing meaningful educational experiences for young audiences.
The ceremony in Athens is being organised in cooperation with EKKOMED, with support from public and cultural institutions including the Greek ministries of Culture, Economy and Tourism, the Municipality of Athens, Attica Region, ERT, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival.
For Cyprus' film community, Aristidou's nomination represents a significant opportunity for international exposure, with the final outcome now resting in the hands of young European viewers.
