Two Cypriot film productions are continuing their international run, with selections at major European events and prospects of recognition at the Academy Awards. Both are also on the official shortlist of the European Film Awards 2027.

‘Hold Onto Me’ and the European Young Audience Award

“Hold Onto Me”, by Cypriot director Myrsini Aristidou, is a nominee for the European Film Academy’s European Young Audience Award 2027. The award recognises films aimed at young audiences that address the experiences and concerns of young people.

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The winning film will be announced at the ceremony of the 39th European Film Awards, to be held in Athens on 16 January 2027.

European Film Awards shortlist

“Hold Onto Me” has also been included in the official shortlist of the European Film Awards 2027 and is competing for a place among the final nominations. These are expected to be announced on 14 November at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival.

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Cyprus’s official Oscar submission

The film has also been selected as Cyprus’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.

The selection marks its entry into the first phase of the process and does not yet mean a nomination for the award.

‘Free Eliza’ wins at AFI FEST 2026

The short film “Free Eliza (Notes on an Anatomical Imperfection)” by Alexandra Matthaiou is also entering the race for an Oscar nomination, following its success at AFI FEST 2026.

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The film won the Grand Jury Prize for Live Action Short at the festival, which is organised by the American Film Institute (AFI).

The award makes “Free Eliza” eligible for the 100th Academy Awards process. The film is also on the official shortlist of the European Film Awards 2027 in the short film category.

Deputy Ministry of Culture welcomes the selections

In an announcement, the Deputy Ministry of Culture welcomed the international presence of the two productions and congratulated their creators. It noted that these distinctions reflect the growth and international outlook of Cypriot filmmaking.

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