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Motherwitch: Minos Papas' Film Premieres at Rotterdam Film Festival

Published December 30, 2025, 05:08
Motherwitch: Minos Papas' Film Premieres at Rotterdam Film Festival

The new film by Cypriot director Minos Papas, titled "Motherwitch" (Δωδεκάμερον), will have its world premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival (IFFR) in 2026. The film, a dark gothic story deeply rooted in Cypriot mythology, is set in Cyprus in 1882 and explores the coexistence of old beliefs with British colonialism. The film tells the story of Eleni, a painter who loses her children and turns to forbidden rituals to bring them back, inadvertently unleashing ancient creatures, the Kallikanzari. Papas describes the film as "a cinematic love letter to Cyprus." "Motherwitch" is the third feature film by the Emmy-winning director, who has previously showcased his work at festivals such as Tribeca, South by Southwest, and Sundance. The film was selected for the Frontières Buyers Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, and the script development was supported by TorinoFilmLab. The film is a co-production between Cyprus, the USA, and North Macedonia, filmed entirely in Cyprus at authentic locations. Its implementation was supported by various Cypriot and Macedonian bodies, including the Department of Contemporary Culture and the financial incentives of the Republic of Cyprus.