Local Dark Fantasy Film to Premiere in Cypriot Cinemas
Cyprus‑based production Motherwitch – a gothic‑styled dark fantasy filmed entirely on the island – is slated for theatrical release at the end of October. The film blends 19th‑century Cypriot folklore with a haunting narrative of grief, motherhood and black‑magic, offering audiences a cinematic window onto the island’s cultural heritage.
Premiere Details
The official Cyprus premiere will take place on 28 October at the Premier Cinema in Nicosia, with the film’s cast, crew and invited guests in attendance. Following the opening night, a week‑long run will continue at the Premier (Nicosia) and Rio (Limassol) theatres, with daily showings at 19:30 and 22:00.
Festival Circuit and International Reach
Directed by Emmy‑award‑winning filmmaker Minos Papas, Motherwitch debuted at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in February and has since screened at more than 20 major festivals worldwide, including a special presentation during Cyprus Film Days in April. Critics have highlighted the director’s skill in transposing a traditional “kalikantzaroi” legend – mischievous demon‑like creatures – into a contemporary horror narrative set against authentic Cypriot landscapes.
ComicCon Promotion and Audience Interaction
Fans of gothic and horror genres can visit the dedicated Motherwitch booth at Cyprus ComicCon (2‑4 October). The exhibit will feature original sets, costumes, and production artefacts, along with opportunities to purchase exclusive merchandise, acquire screening tickets, and meet the film’s director and principal actors, including Margarita Zachariou (lead), Athos Antoniou and producer Constantinos Nikiforou.
Production Background and Future Projects
The film is a Cyprus‑US‑North Macedonia co‑production, financed with a €1.7 million budget and supported by the Deputy Ministry of Culture of Cyprus and the Film Agency of North Macedonia. Caretta Films, the production house behind Motherwitch, adds the title to a portfolio of over 20 feature‑length and short films.
Caretta Films also announced three additional 2026 releases: A Bit of Meaning (Cyprus‑Poland), Under the Judas Tree (Cyprus‑Greece) and Revival (Armenia‑Cyprus‑Lithuania), the latter premiering in Hollywood on 3 October. In pre‑production, the company is developing Excavators, the directorial debut of Argyro Nicolaou.
With its strong cultural grounding and international festival momentum, Motherwitch demonstrates Cyprus’s growing capacity to produce high‑quality genre cinema that resonates beyond the island.