UK Cyprus Film Festival 2026 – Leeds & Brighton Editions
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 6
As part of the official celebrations of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the UK Cyprus Film Festival 2026 continues its journey beyond London, bringing Cypriot cinema and cultural engagement to communities and universities across the United Kingdom.
This year’s festival is dedicated to women Cypriot filmmakers, celebrating powerful contemporary voices while connecting diaspora communities with Cyprus’ artistic and cultural landscape.
📍 Leeds Edition
6–7 March 2026
The Leeds edition opens in collaboration with the University of Leeds, whom we warmly thank for their generous cooperation and support — in particular Professor Rodosthenous for her invaluable contribution in making this event possible.
🎬 Friday, 6 March, 6:00pm
Film Screening: Committed
Written & Directed by Stelana Kliris
Clothworkers Building South – Visit Leeds Room G.14
The screening will be followed by an online Q&A at 7:30pm with writer-director Stelana Kliris, offering audiences the opportunity to engage directly with one of Cyprus’ most internationally recognised filmmakers.
🎟 Tickets available here:
🎭 Saturday, 7 March, 12:00–14:30
Theatre Educational Workshop – TIMELESS CYPRUS
Hosted at the Greek School of Leeds
Our sincere thanks to the Greek School of Leeds, its Headmistress and dedicated personnel for welcoming the festival and supporting this interactive educational programme inspired by the life and work of modernist painter George Pol. Georghiou.
📍 Brighton Edition
Saturday, 25 April 2026
The Brighton edition continues our outreach to Greek diaspora schools and communities, strengthening cultural ties across generations.
🎭 11:00–13:30
Theatre Educational Workshop – TIMELESS CYPRUS
Hosted at the Greek School of Brighton
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Greek School of Brighton, its Headmistress and staff for their collaboration and commitment to cultural education.
🎬 13:30–15:00
Film Screening: SKAMMATA
Directed by Danae Stylianou
Produced by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus
A documentary that explores archaeology, memory, and identity — themes that resonate deeply within the Cypriot diaspora.
Through university partnerships, diaspora schools, and community collaboration, the Leeds and Brighton editions reflect the spirit of Cyprus as a cultural bridge within Europe — connecting past and present, homeland and diaspora, art and education.
Director Biography
Danae Stylianou is a documentary director and producer based in Cyprus. A graduate of the University of Westminster (BA Hons Film Production, 2004), she has directed four documentary features:
• Sharing an Island (2011)
• A Haircut Story (2014)
• Birth Days (2018)
• Skammata (2024)
Her work has screened at international film festivals, on streaming platforms and on television. She has also worked for more than 15 years as a casting director for cinema and television in Greece and Cyprus.
Since 2012, she has been part of the organising team of Cyprus’ three major state-funded film festivals:
• Cyprus Film Days International Festival (2012-)
• Lemesos International Documentary Festival (2012 - 2025)
• International Short Film Festival of Cyprus (2012 - 2021)
More regional editions to follow across the UK.
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