A special programme of animated films inspired by classic and contemporary literary works by European authors is to be screened on Saturday in Nicosia, organised by Animafest Cyprus, in the framework of the Cyprus EU Presidency’s artistic events. A charming evening is scheduled in downtown Nicosia at the Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum.

“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,” Animafest says.

“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.”

The programme welcomes viewers of all ages, inviting them on a creative journey where literature meets independent animated cinema, imagination meets cultural memory. There will be two screenings of the programme, first at 6.30pm and then again at 8.30pm.

Hedgehog’s Home

“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,” concludes Animafest. “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.”

Animation and European Literature

Animation film screenings presented by Animafest Cyprus. March 28. Hambis Municipal Printmaking Museum, Nicosia. 6.30pm and 8.30pm. €5. Tel: 22-496930