Countryside Animafest Cyprus Concludes with Awards for 37 Films

Nicosia: The 25th edition of the Countryside Animafest Cyprus successfully concluded in the village of Koilani, Limassol, after showcasing 30 international films and 7 Cypriot films in its competition section, along with 15 international films aimed at young audiences. According to Cyprus News Agency, the festival's jury, comprising Keti Papadema (Cyprus), Roberto Panganelli (Italy), and Jakob Schuh (Germany), awarded the 'Dimitris Eipides' Grand Prix for a narrative film to "Hind" by Stanley Miller (United Kingdom/Germany). The film was praised for its narrative restraint and its ability to engage the audience in a reflective exploration of personal agency. The jury also awarded the 'Dimitris Eipides' Grand Prix for a non-narrative film to "The Graffiti" by Ryo Orikasa (Japan). This film was recognized for its poetic integration of text and abstract imagery, creating a powerful metaphor about communication in a digital age. A special mention was given to "Dieu est Timide" (God is Shy) by Jocelyn Charles ( France) for its tender yet unsettling exploration of themes often bound by dogma. The film offers a nuanced perspective that challenges traditional viewpoints. In the national competition, "Missing Frequencies" by Nafsika Hadjichristou (Cyprus) received first prize for its courageous depiction of hearing disability through a unique blend of live-action and animation, inviting viewers into an intimate sensory experience. The Audience Award for the international competition went to "Virgin Fandango" by Marcy Page (Canada, Portugal). In the national competition, the award was given to "Feed the Cat" by Michalis (Mike) Charalambous (Cyprus), and in the Young Audience competition, it was awarded to "Into the Forest" by Antonin Niclass (Switzerland). Two children's juries evaluated films for the Young Audience Awards. The jury for ages 6-12 awarded "A Very Special Meal" by Elena Walf (Germany) for its depiction of friendship and love, with a special mention given to "Dancing Friend" by the same director for its charming animation and narrative. The jury for ages 13-17 awarded "Strange Teen Spirit" by Frank Ternier (France), noting its animation style effectively conveys the complexities of today's world. A special mention was given to "Good Luck to You All" by Cordel Barker (Canada) for its exploration of contemporary society's interaction with artificial intelligence.