UK Cyprus Film Festival 2025

Opening Screening: The Asylum Seekers

Join us for the first announcement of the UK Cyprus Film Festival 2025 – London Edition with a special screening of The Asylum Seekers, the award-winning feature film by Michalis Hapsis.

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Venue: Cyprus House, 13 St. James's Square, London SW1Y 4LB Doors Open: 5:45 PM

The evening begins with a special pre-screening showcase of The Myths of Cyprus by Mark Kassinos at 6:00 PM. This 50-minute visual journey explores the myths and legends that have shaped Cyprus, offering a compelling introduction to the themes of displacement and identity.

At 7:00 PM, The Asylum Seekers takes center stage. A gripping and thought-provoking feature, the film follows a group of asylum seekers who arrive in Euroville, a city symbolizing the European project, only to become entangled in an unsettling bureaucratic nightmare.

Following the screening, director Michalis Hapsis will join us for a Q&A session, offering insights into his creative process, the film’s message, and its journey through the international festival circuit.

About the Film

Title: The Asylum Seekers Country: Cyprus (2024) Duration: 94 minutes Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor: Michalis Hapsis Music: Scott Benzie

Cast: Andreas Pantzis, Giannis Kokkinos, Haris Kkolos, Thekla Flouri, Maria Michail, Prokopis Agathokleous, Popi Avraam, Pambos Charalambous, Konstantinos Alkiviadis, Yolanda Christodoulou, Andrea Melekki, Stella Symeou

Awards & Recognition

The film has received multiple international accolades, including:

Best Narrative Feature Film – Inca Imperial International Film Festival, Peru (2024)
Best Director – Marina del Rey Film Festival, USA (2024)
Best International Feature – Atlanta Movie Awards, USA (2024)
Best Feature Film – Hawaii International Film Awards, USA (2024)
Best Europe Film – European Cinematography Awards (2024)