Celebrating Cypriot Cinema

The Cultural Section of the Cyprus High Commission in London welcomed Cypriot writer, director and producer Stelana Kliris to Cyprus House on Sunday, 20 September 2026, for a special screening of her internationally acclaimed film Find Me Falling, marking the closing celebration of the London edition of the UK Cyprus Film Festival 2026 and the opening of the Cultural Section’s autumn programme.

The event brought together audiences from across London to celebrate the remarkable international success of a film that has introduced Cyprus, its landscapes and its stories to viewers around the world through Netflix.

Following the screening, Stelana Kliris joined Cultural Counsellor Marios Theocharous for a lively and engaging conversation about the making of the film, her creative journey and the experiences that have shaped her work. The discussion explored her relationship with Cyprus, the journey from her debut feature Committed to Find Me Falling, and the opportunities and challenges of bringing Cypriot stories to international audiences.

A particularly memorable part of the afternoon was the first audience preview of the trailer for Stelana Kliris’s forthcoming film, Apart. Guests had the privilege of discovering a glimpse of her next creative project before its public release, providing an exciting conclusion to a conversation that looked both at her achievements and towards the stories still to come.

Beyond the success of her films, the afternoon offered an opportunity to discover the person behind the camera. Stelana’s warmth, generosity and positive outlook on life brought a wonderful energy to Cyprus House. Her reflections on the people who have supported her, the importance of perseverance and the determination required to bring an idea to the screen offered an inspiring reminder that filmmaking is not only about creative vision, but also about believing in a story and finding ways to make it happen.

For the Cultural Section, the occasion held particular significance as part of the UK Cyprus Film Festival 2026, which has dedicated this year’s programme to celebrating the work and achievements of Cypriot women filmmakers.

Through screenings, discussions and collaborations with universities, cultural organisations and Cypriot communities across the United Kingdom, the Festival has brought the work of women directors to new audiences, highlighting the diversity, creativity and international reach of contemporary Cypriot cinema.

The London event followed screenings of Stelana Kliris’s debut feature Committed in Coventry and Birmingham earlier in September, offering audiences an opportunity to experience two stages of her filmmaking journey.

The afternoon concluded with a wine reception at Cyprus House, where guests had the opportunity to meet Stelana and continue the conversation in a warm and informal atmosphere.

The Cultural Section extends its heartfelt thanks to Stelana Kliris for joining us in London, for sharing her work and experiences so generously, and for bringing such infectious enthusiasm to the occasion.

We wish her every success with Apart and look forward to enjoying the completed film and celebrating the next chapter of her creative journey.

The UK Cyprus Film Festival continues across the United Kingdom

Although the London edition has concluded, the UK Cyprus Film Festival 2026 continues its journey across the country throughout the autumn.

On Sunday, 11 October, the Festival travels to Sheffield, where audiences will have the opportunity to watch Pause by Cypriot filmmaker Tonia Mishiali, in collaboration with Diavazo Greek Books.

The programme continues with two presentations of SKAMMATA / Excavations, the documentary directed by Danae Stylianou and produced by the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus. The film will be screened in Bristol on Sunday, 15 November, followed by Swansea on Monday, 16 November.

Through archival material, archaeological discoveries and personal testimonies, SKAMMATA / Excavations explores the relationship between archaeology, memory and the events of 1974, offering audiences an opportunity to reflect on Cyprus’s cultural heritage and the lasting impact of conflict.

The Festival will then return to Cyprus House on the weekend of 21–22 November, as part of the Cultural Section’s programme dedicated to archaeology and cultural heritage.

On Saturday, 21 November, Cyprus House will welcome Dr Anja Ulbrich for her lecture Aphrodite’s Island – The Goddess of Cyprus and Her Journey Through Antiquity, presented in connection with the Ashmolean Museum’s exhibition Aphrodite: The Making of a Goddess.

On Sunday, 22 November, audiences will have another opportunity to experience SKAMMATA / Excavations at Cyprus House, followed by a discussion exploring the film and the significance of Cyprus’s archaeological heritage.

Together, these events will bring the autumn programme full circle, connecting contemporary Cypriot filmmaking with the island’s history, memory and cultural identity.

For further information about the Cultural Section’s forthcoming events and the UK Cyprus Film Festival 2026, visit www.culturalchc.co.uk.

Photo credit: Stavri Kleanthous @Stavri Kay