Motherwitch, a horror film by Emmy-winning director Minos Papas that draws on Cypriot folklore and the kalikantzari, the goblins of local tradition, will have its Cyprus premiere on Wednesday, 28 October, followed by a week of screenings in Nicosia and Limassol.
The film, whose Greek title is ‘Dodekameron’, is presented as the first Cypriot film in the genre, which has rarely featured in the island’s cinema.
Shot entirely in Cyprus, the gothic film draws on the island’s tradition and history, combining grief, motherhood, art and black magic.
It is set in 1882. Eleni, a painter in Cyprus, tries to bring her dead children back to life but instead awakens the kalikantzari, plunging her village into terror. As the demonic Lamia feeds on her grief and rage, Eleni must face her loss and save her homeland. The story moves from a desperate attempt to overturn death towards acceptance and hope.
The film has been shown at more than 20 film festivals, including the International Film Festival Rotterdam, where it had its world premiere, and the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal. It received an Honourable Mention in the Genre category at the Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico.
The cast includes Margarita Zachariou, Miltos Yerolemou, known for the series ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Foundation’ and the ‘Star Wars’ films, Jason Hughes, Marina Makri, Athos Antoniou, Danae Katsameni, Dimitris Andrea, Christina Marouchou and Sifis Katsoulakis.
It is produced by Caretta Films and co-produced by Cyprian Films, Focus Pocus and the Deputy Ministry of Culture.
Where and when
In Nicosia, the official avant-premiere is at Premier Cinemas on Wednesday, 28 October. Regular screenings run there from Thursday, 29 October for a week, at 7.30pm and 10pm.
In Limassol, the film is showing at Rio Cinemas from 29 October, at 7.30pm and 10pm.
