Two Cypriot films, ‘Hold Onto Me’ by Myrsini Aristidou and ‘Free Eliza (Notes on an Anatomical Imperfection)’ by Alexandra Matthaiou, have earned international recognition, securing places on the shortlists for the 2027 European Film Awards, while also advancing in the process towards Oscar consideration, according to an announcement by the Deputy Ministry of Culture.
‘Hold Onto Me’ has been nominated for the European Young Audience Award 2027 and included in the shortlist for the European Film Awards, with the final nominations due to be announced on November 14 during the Thessaloniki Film Festival.
The film has also been selected as Cyprus’ official submission in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The winner of the Young Audience Award will be announced on January 16, 2027, at the 39th European Film Awards ceremony in Athens.
Meanwhile, ‘Free Eliza’, which is shortlisted for the European Film Awards in the short film category, won the Grand Jury Prize for Live Action Short at AFI FEST 2026. The award makes it eligible for consideration in the 100th Academy Awards.
The Deputy Ministry of Culture congratulated the filmmakers, noting that the films’ international achievements reflect the growth, outward-looking character and artistic maturity of Cyprus’ film industry.