Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Announces the Full Program for the Chicago European Union Film Festival Spotlight: Cyprus

The Gene Siskel Film Center at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is excited to present the 2026 Chicago European Union Film Festival Spotlight: Cyprus, Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22. This immersive weekend spotlights Cyprus, Europe’s sunniest country, with a vibrant lineup of 13 Cypriot productions and co-productions—seven features and six award-winning shorts—that highlight the island’s sun-drenched landscapes, compelling stories, and rich culture.

The festival opens Friday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. with SMUGGLING HENDRIX, a wry and unexpectedly moving story of borders, belonging, and one man’s quest to retrieve his dog across the UN buffer zone. A reception featuring spanakopita and other Cypriot favorites, sponsored by Athena Restaurant, follows the screening. Other festival highlights include: a lively Cyprus–U.S. co-production filmmaker panel, free to the public; a free screening of FIND ME FALLING, featuring Harry Connick Jr.; THE MAN WITH THE ANSWERS, a tender queer road-trip romance; six award-winning shorts from the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus; and EMBRYO LARVA BUTTERFLY, a fractured sci-fi romance.

“We are thrilled to showcase this incredible array of Cypriot films and co-productions with Greece, Italy, Germany, and the U.S.,” said Christy LeMaster, associate director of programming for the Siskel Film Center. “This spotlight offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the films, filmmakers, and flavors of Cyprus all in one immersive weekend.”

Chicago European Union Film Festival Spotlight Full Program:

Find the full Chicago European Union Film Festival Cyprus Spotlight program below and here.
Note that showtimes and guest appearances are subject to change. 

SMUGGLING HENDRIX (Opening Night)
Friday, March 20 | 7:00 p.m.
2018, Marios Piperides, Cyprus/Germany/Greece, 92 mins
In Greek, English, and Turkish with English subtitles | Format: Digital
A wry and unexpectedly moving story of borders, belonging, and one man’s quest to retrieve his dog from across the UN buffer zone. Followed by a mouthwatering reception sponsored by Athena Restaurant. More

.DOG
Saturday, March 21 | 12:00 p.m.
2022, Yianna Americanou, Cyprus/Greece, 100 mins
In Greek and English with English subtitles | Format: Digital
Yianna Americanou’s raw coming-of-age drama about Dimitris, a boy on the cusp of adulthood who has mythologized his imprisoned father. More

CYPRUS–U.S. CO-PRODUCTION PANEL (Free Event)
Saturday, March 21 | 2:30 p.m.
2026, Various directors, Cyprus/USA, 90 mins
In English | Format: Digital
Directors Stelana Kliris (FIND ME FALLING) and Minos Papas (MOTHERWITCH) join Cultural Officer Marios Psaras to discuss Cyprus’s growing role in international media production. More

FIND ME FALLING (Free Screening)
Saturday, March 21 | 4:30 p.m.
2024, Stelana Kliris, Cyprus/USA, 93 mins
In Greek and English with English subtitles | Format: Digital
A charming romantic comedy set along Cyprus’s sunlit cliffs, starring Harry Connick Jr. as a washed-up American rock star. More

EMBRYO LARVA BUTTERFLY
Saturday, March 21 | 6:30 p.m.
2023, Kyros Papavassiliou, Greece/Cyprus, 91 mins
In Greek with English subtitles | Format: Digital
A sci-fi love story fractured by time, where returning to linear reality comes at a cost. More

PAUSE
Saturday, March 21 | 8:30 p.m.
2018, Tonia Mishiali, Cyprus/Greece, 96 mins
In Green and English with English subtitles | Format: Digital
Trapped in an oppressive marriage, Elpida escapes into fantasies of sensual pleasure and revenge, blurring the line between imagination and reality. More

INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL OF CYPRUS AWARD WINNERS
Sunday, March 22 | 12:00 p.m.
2020, 2024, Various directors, Cyprus, 100 mins
In Various languages with English subtitles | Format: Digital
Six award-winning shorts from the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus offer a vivid glimpse into the island’s filmmaking talent. More

THE MAN WITH THE ANSWERS
Sunday, March 22 | 2:30 p.m.
2021, Stelios Kammitsis, Cyprus/Greece/Italy, 80 mins
In English, Greek, German, and Italian with English subtitles | Format: Digital
A tender, offbeat queer road-trip romance across the breathtaking European countryside. More

AFRICA STAR
Sunday, March 22 | 4:30 p.m.
2024, Adonis Florides, Cyprus, 107 mins
In Greek with English subtitles | Format: Digital
A sweeping multigenerational drama tracing three women’s lives from the 1940s to the present. More

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