Cyprus’s First Attempt and the Questions It Raises
For the first time, Cyprus is vying for an Oscar nomination with Myrsini Aristidou’s multi-award-winning film “Hold Me.” This is a historic moment for the country’s culture, but above all for the underappreciated Cypriot film industry, which not only exists but also manages to thrive on a very low budget.
The film’s screenwriter and director, Myrsini Aristidou, spoke to “Alpha on Sunday” about the path ahead and the process the film will undergo, as it premieres in Cypriot theaters next week.
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“I feel very happy and deeply honored to represent Cyprus at the Academy Awards. And I also feel a sense of responsibility, not only for the film itself but also for our country, as this is the first time it will embark on this journey, this path.”
The Significance
A Cypriot film, shot entirely in Cyprus, featuring Cypriot landscapes, on the screens of the American Film Academy. Perhaps that alone is enough to convey the significance of this achievement. More importantly, however, it signifies the trust and recognition it has earned from the government.
This is the first time that little Cyprus has dared to submit a nomination to the Academy. This means that, for the first time, Cyprus has chosen to do so by submitting a film that has already enjoyed success abroad. The reason it did not do so in previous years is not because it lacked options. This may, on the one hand, reflect the flourishing of Cypriot cinema, which has enjoyed festival successes ranging from Sundance to Cannes, and, on the other hand, the appreciation that has begun to tentatively take root within the Deputy Ministry of Culture for Cypriot cultural and cinematic productions.
“It’s a unique opportunity, not only for the film, but also for Cypriot cinema and Cyprus to gain greater international visibility.”
The 99th Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on March 14, 2027.
The Process
We are six months away from March 14, 2027, and within those six months there are two key milestones. The first milestone is December. The film “Hold Me” will have to make it into the top 15 films selected to advance to the next round.
From there on, the process begins to select the five films that will make the shortlist for the Oscars, and these five films will then be strong contenders for the Oscar in the Best International Feature FilmFeature Film.
“Basically, every day is crucial—from today through December—if we’re to make it into the top 15. Given that Cyprus is a small country, this is the first time it’s doing this, and it will be competing against larger countries that are accustomed to such campaigns.”
The Odds
Having already won the Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic category at the Sundance Film Festival in the U.S., one of the world’s most important independent film festivals, as well as having received other accolades at various festivals, the film is heading to the Oscars with a strong track record. But is that enough?
This effort needs promotion and support, with Myrsini Aristidou asking each and every one of you individually to contribute to the journey to the Oscars.
“In this effort, we also need the support of the people of Cyprus. Every person who embraces the film, who talks about it, and who supports it becomes part of this journey. It’s a collective effort, and every bit of support really counts.”
The film will be shown in theaters across Cyprus starting September 17.
“It would be a great joy for us if as many people as possible could see it, embrace it, support it, talk about it, and help us on this journey to the Oscars,” he says.
Of course, in addition to the support the film needs from the public, it obviously needs support from the government as well…
