The MA Students of the Department of Communications at the University of Nicosia report on the Opening Day of Cyprus Film Days IFF and share their ways of seeing the festival!!
7:30, Zena Palace Cinema, Nicosia. As I walked in the space outside the movie theatre, I felt like I stepped into another world. I had no idea that what I saw had always been there beyond those steps in central Nicosia. The light background music brought me back to the present and I started processing the space around me.
People in small groups talking and drinking beer, enjoying the unpretentious opening of Cyprus Film Days. The lighting was dim, and you could feel the atmosphere very friendly, engaging and full of positive energy. And then it hit me: I was there too! I was going to be a part of the event. Suddenly, the music got louder and everything came to life!
The band that performed at the opening had hand crafted music instruments from recycled materials. I thought “Very creative! They couldn’t have a better group performing on a festival that promotes the art of cinematography in Cyprus.” The female singer’s voice still echoes in my ears: angelic.
After what seemed (for me) to be a short performance by the group TAT TNABAR, we all started going in the movie theatre where the first movie of the Festival would be projected. Quietly we all took our seats, and the film started. It was a French film, On my Way, which gave a very positive message: life goes on and it’s never too late!
Coming out of the theatre, carrying this positive vibe, we faced Justeeze and the party was on! Upbeat music, the crowd was talking more about the festival, people were taking pictures and the atmosphere was definitely more vibrant! And I, well I felt eager to live the experience of Cyprus Film Days!
By Chistiana Iacovou (MA in Digital Media and Communications, University of Nicosia)
In this premiere there was no red carpet, neither any photography flashes around. In this premiere there was music, drinks and plenty of enthusiasm going around.
Personally, it was the first time I was given the opportunity to attend a film festival premiere, even if this is the 12th year the festival is taking place in Cyprus. I went early; the band was still rehearsing the songs they would be playing before the first screen opening. The crowd started gathering gradually and I could detect, just by looking at them, their familiarization with the event and a growing anticipation.
Moviegoers from different countries co-existed in a single space. The cinematographic experience was the common denominator. Suddenly I could hear familiar lyrics but a different kind of sound. The music had started playing. This marked the official opening of the festival. The band was playing known songs but with alternative instruments made from everyday objects and food, a flute made from carrot!
The queue to purchase tickets was starting to grow and we took our place inside the crowd. The sense of enthusiasm was evident among the attendees. The thought of a plethora of films from different parts of the world screened in one space for a week was truly exciting.
The movie On my way, which we were given the opportunity to watch at the start of the festival, had everything the viewer could want. Picturesque images, humorous moments, emotion, and an adventurous heroine who decided to make her own revolution at the age of 60!
The festival is worth watching, as there is a variety of films catering to all tastes. You can also find friendly people who are willing to help you with the festival’s programme and you can discuss the films while enjoying a drink!
By Stella Georgiou (MA in Digital Media and Communications, University of Nicosia)
I was really curious about the festival as I am a member of this year’s student jury. Nine films from different countries will compete in the Glocal Images section that we as members of the student jury of the University of Nicosia will also judge. The opening night in Nicosia took place at Zena Palace Cinema. The cosy and nice atmosphere before the first screening was nicely accompanied by the sounds of Tat-n-Bar music group, and dozens of thrilled cinema-goers were enjoying their beer and browsing through the festival’s programme under the open sky full of stars.
The opening film, On my Way by Emmanuelle Bercot, was a Viewfinder (not in competition) screening and therefore I enjoyed the film as viewer and not as a member of the student jury. It was a nicely presented story, which communicated a beautiful message: life can surprise us at any time and can bring love and happiness to our lives when we expect it the least. The original language of the film was in French and that added to the film’s authenticity. But no worries, for non-French speakers, there were also English and Greek subtitles.
The screening was followed by a musical performance by Justeeze, who created feel-good vibes to the closing of the first day of Cyprus Film Days. I went back home with a new exciting experience to share with my friends and a nice aftertaste of what makes a good cinematic experience, and I must say that popcorn and good beer are key components of this experience! Already looking forward to the rest of the festival!
By Kristýna Klégrová (Erasmus Exchange Student, MA in Digital Media and Communications, University of Nicosia)
No! A red carpet event was the least of my expectations. But some fair amount of hype and excitement is what I was looking forward to. The interesting band called Tat-n-Bar, somewhat kept the warm opening session of the night by playing a familiar piece. I say interesting because their instruments were very unconventional yet they produced quite an awesome sound. However, this is not about the band, I’ve wandered off.
It was a low-key event. I noticed one lady active with her camera. She clicked a few times, like me, was interested in the grand old film projection equipment displayed in the foyer. It was a very simple get-together night. Having spent all month seeing adverts on billboards, it would have been nice to give a round of applause to someone, but I was later informed that the official opening of the festival is taking place in Limassol at the Rialto Theatre.
The auditorium was two thirds full. We watched a French film called On My Way, directed by Emmanuelle Bercot. The audience laughed from time to time especially at the end. This was good because, for me, it gave hope for the rest of the films to be watched in the week. I believe it was a very good quality film and I liked how the story unfolded.
By Pamela Dube (MA in Digital Media and Communications, University of Nicosia)
