The 25th edition of Countryside Animafest Cyprus had its closing ceremony on the 9th of August in the village of Koilani, Limassol, following four vibrant days of screenings, concerts, workshops and art installations.

This year’s edition featured 30 international and 7 Cypriot films in competition, along with 15 international films in the Young Audience programme. The jury consisted of Keti Papadema (Cyprus), Roberto Panganelli (Italy), and Jakob Schuh (Germany). The jury is delighted to announce this year's winning films:

Grand Prix Dimitris Eipides for a narrative film: 'Hind' by Stanley Miller (UK/Germany)

Jury Statement: 

We give the Grand Prix Dimitris Eipides for a Narrative Film to a film that, with great precision and restraint in its form, connects a calculated war crime to the wider systems that make it possible. Through deceptively simple but powerful drawings and deliberate voice-over, the film Hind by Stanley Miller retells the story of Hind Rajab without ever turning suffering into spectacle. Its restraint makes the story all the more devastating, and by confronting us with our complicity, Hind reminds us of our own agency.

Grand Prix Dimitris Eipides for a non-narrative film: 'The Graffiti' by Ryo Orikasa (Japan)

Jury statement: 

For its ability to combine a poetic text with the stylized, almost abstract images of writing and urban volumes in a powerful metaphor. We give the Grand Prix Dimitris Eipides for a non-narrative film to The Graffity by Ryo Orikasa. For its construction of a visionary film about the importance of writing and the risk of losing the ability to communicate in a world of concrete and digital walls. Finally, for its ability to brilliantly use 2D and three-dimensional animation, combined with voice acting and moments of darkness and silence.

Special mention: 'Dieu est Timide' (God is Shy) by Jocelyn Charles (France)

Jury statement: 

It was important to the jury to extend a Special Mention to a film that deeply impressed and moved all three of us: “God is Shy” by Jocelyn Charles. There’s a lot to disseminate regarding the firm grasp this young director has on all aspects of his craft - and we would encourage the young filmmakers here to do just that. The specificity of decisions made to create this universe is nothing less than a masterclass in directing. But it’s the film’s objective that moved us. “God is Shy” grapples with our ancient unease but offers an answer befitting our time. The film insists on a tender grasp on questions usually fraught with dogma. Nietzsche said, “God is dead." “God is shy” offers a more tender, but no less unsettling, view.

The first prize in the national competition: 'Missing Frequencies' by Nafsika Hadjichristou (Cyprus)

Jury statement: 

The Jury Prize in the National Competition goes to Missing Frequencies by Nafsika Hadjichristou. Courageously, the director translates her experience of hearing disability into a personal visual and auditory language. Through an accomplished combination of live-action footage and different forms of animation, she draws us into her own sensory world with great sensitivity.

- The audience award for the international competition: 'Virgin Fandango' by Marcy Page (Canada, Portugal)

- The audience award for the national competition: 'Feed the Cat' by Michalis (Mike) Charalambous (Cyprus)

- The audience award for the Young Audience competition: 'Into the Forest' by Antonin Niclass (Switzerland)

This year, there were two children’s juries for the Young Audience Awards. The jury for ages 6-12 consisted of Maya Riri, Demetra Vrioni, Panayiota Vrioni and Angelina Hatziharalambous. The jury for ages 13-17 consisted of Thanasis Menelaou, Orestis Menelaou, Georgia Danielova, Ioannis Vrionis, Katerina Voutouri and Kalliroi Antoniou. 

The Children’s Jury, aged 6 to 12, Young Audience Award: 'A Very Special Meal' by Elena Walf (Germany)

Jury Statement:

We chose this film because it was incredibly entertaining and imaginative. On a deeper level, it beautifully showed us the true power of friendship, sharing, and love.

Special mention: 'Dancing Friend' by Elena Walf (Germany)

Jury Statement:

We loved this film’s charming animation style, the narrative and the music!

The Children’s Jury, aged 13-17, Young Audience Award: 'Strange Teen Spirit' by Frank Ternier (France)

Jury Statement:

We chose this film because we found it to be deeply meaningful and thought-provoking. The animation style struck us instantly as it conveyed the complex mood and darkness of today’s world.

Special mention: 'Good Luck to You All' by Cordel Barker (Canada)

Jury Statement:

The film is clever and compelling because it offers diverse perspectives on how modern society tries to make sense of artificial intelligence.

The festival is supported by the Deputy Ministry of Culture.

Our Comprehensive Coverage of Animafest Cyprus

Want to read more free articles like this?

Keep this professional animation journalism effort relevant and updated. Become our patron