Αnimated films inspired by classic and contemporary literary works by European authors

Organizer: Animafest Cyprus
Admission Status: Ticketed Event 

Cinema

Film

Animation and European Literature

Animafest Cyprus, in the framework of the artistic events organized for the Presidency of Cyprus of the Council of the European Union, presents a special programme of animated films inspired by classic and contemporary literary works by European authors, at the Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum in Nicosia.

From Goethe to Kafka, and from folk legends transformed into poetry to political allegories, the turbulent history and rich literary tradition of the European continent unfold before us as an endless source of inspiration for animation filmmakers.

The film selection, which includes internationally acclaimed works, masters of the genre, as well as iconoclastic voices, also showcases a remarkable diversity of animation techniques. Audiences will experience the magic of handmade traditional methods such as sand-on-glass animation, drawn animation on cells, and stop-motion puppet animation, alongside aesthetically innovative approaches such as 3D animation imitating traditional woodcut techniques and 2D animation inspired by the printed page.

Within this rich visual universe, creators bring to life—frame by frame—the power of the written word and the lyricism of poetry, highlighting the richness of the European literary tradition. These films do not function merely as illustrations of the texts, but as independent artistic interpretations that engage in dialogue with the original works, offering new readings and evoking unexpected emotions.

The programme is addressed to audiences of all ages and invites viewers on a creative journey where literature meets independent animated cinema, imagination meets cultural memory, and European cultural heritage takes on a contemporary form.

Programme curated by: Yiorgos Tsangaris and Magdalena Zira. Screenings will be introduced by Magdalena Zira

When & Where: Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum, Nicosia, Saturday, 28 March 2026,

• There will be two screenings of the Program at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Duration including introductions: 90 minutes. Admission: €5
• Limited number of seats available. For reservations: 22 496930, Wednesday–Saturday 10:00–13:00 / 15:00–17:00.

Programme

• Film: Erlkönig, Georges Schwizgebel, Switzerland (2015), duration 5:41 Text: Erlkönig, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany (1782)
• Film: The Metamorphosis of Mr. Samsa, Caroline Leaf, Canada (1977), duration 9:42 Text: Metamorphosis, Franz Kafka, Czech Republic (1916)
• Film: Hedgehog’s Home, Eva Cvijanović, Croatia–Canada (2017), duration 10:04 Text: Hedgehog’s Home, Branko Ćopić, former Yugoslavia (Bosnia–Serbia) (1957)
• Film: Blind Vaysha, Theodor Ushev, Canada–Bulgaria (2016), duration 8:14 Text: Blind Vaysha, Georgi Gospodinov, Bulgaria (2001)
• Film: The Debutante, Elizabeth Hobbs, England (2022), duration 8:43 Text: The Debutante, Leonora Carrington, England (1939)
• Film: Rites of Spring, Yiorgos Tsangaris, Cyprus (2021), duration 4:30 Text: An Unfinished Novel, Kostis Kolotas, (2011)
• Film: The Master, Riho Unt, Estonia (2015), duration 18:00 Text: Popi and Huhuu, Friedebert Tuglas, Estonia (1914)