Banners of Cyprus LGBTQIA+ film festival vandalised in Nicosia

Promotional banners for the Queer Wave LGBTQIA+ film festival were vandalised in the Kaimakli area of Nicosia, as reported by the organizers on September 10, 2026. The group behind the event described the incident as an intentional attack on queer visibility in public spaces, rather than an isolated act of property damage. They stated that such actions reflect ongoing efforts to restrict the community's presence and dictate who is permitted to be visible in society.

Despite the vandalism, the organizers declared they will not be intimidated or silenced. The seventh edition of the festival is scheduled to proceed as planned from September 18 to September 27 at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (NiMAC). The 10-day event will continue to host screenings, performances, and various artistic programs showcasing local and international talent, reinforcing the organization's commitment to building community and providing safe spaces for queer expression in Cyprus since its inception in 2020.