Salamiou: The 24th edition of Countryside Animafest Cyprus is set to take place in the village of Salamiou, located in the Paphos district, from August 8 to 10, 2025. As a significant event in the Southern European animation scene, Animafest Cyprus annually showcases a diverse program of independent international films, Cypriot productions, exhibitions, workshops, live music, and family-oriented activities.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Animafest Cyprus is a part of the European Animation Network FAN, co-funded by the Creative Europe MEDIA Programme of the European Union. This network aims to foster collaboration among its partner festivals and promote Southern European animation cinema globally by diversifying and cultivating new audiences.
The festival network focuses on auteur animation and highlights emerging talents. Its initiatives include expanding audiences, offering workshops in educational and community settings, and encouraging analysis and reflection through debates and training exchanges in animation cinema. Under the theme ‘To Watch to Expand,’ the network connects five partner festivals across Southern Europe.
This year’s festival poster was designed by Canadian director and illustrator Janice Nadeau, who has previously participated in the festival. Artistic Director Yiorgos Tsangaris selected 33 films from over 700 submissions, representing 18 countries. The Young Audience competition will feature 8 films from 5 countries, while the National Competition will showcase 5 films, along with 10 non-competitive screenings in the Cyprus Panorama.
The festival’s jury includes Serbian filmmaker Milos Tomic, Greek artist Dimitris Alithinos, and Cypriot poet Avgi Lilli. A highlight of the festival will be the screening of ‘The Tower’ by Norwegian director Mats Grorud, as part of the ‘Palestine Animated’ solidarity programme.
Animafest Cyprus also launched the first Animation Film Camp in 2023, offering professional development opportunities for emerging artists and students. Held in collaboration with the World Festival of First Animations PRIMANIMA in Budapest, the Film Camp provides networking with global centers and festivals. This year, it will host workshops led by mentors Milos Tomic and Cypriot musician Vasilis Philippou, focusing on mixed techniques in animation and music composition.
Additionally, the festival includes a Milos Tomic retrospective and a screening of Ana Mouyi’s Cypriot animated documentary ‘To Your Hands.’ The festival is funded by the Department of Contemporary Culture – Deputy Ministry of Culture and organized by the non-profit organization Views of the World Festival, in partnership with the Hambis Printmaking Museum and the Salamiou Youth Centre, with support from 18 communities in the Diarizos and Xeropotamos valleys.