First Cypriot folk-horror film Motherwitch set for theatrical release

The first feature-length folk-horror film produced in Cyprus, titled Motherwitch, is set to debut in local cinemas this Thursday. Directed by Minos Papas, who also co-wrote the script alongside Nikolas Kouroumtzis and Euripides Dikaios, the film focuses on the Cypriot folklore of kalikantzari—mischievous goblins believed to appear during the twelve days of Christmas. Some traditions interpret these figures as the spirits of deceased children returning to haunt their parents, a theme previously visualized in the silkscreen prints of artist Hambis Tsangaris.

The production utilized authentic and often overlooked locations in Cyprus to establish a distinct, somber atmosphere. Filming took place in the abandoned 15th-century village of Parsata, which required a month of restoration for the project, and at the ruins of the Holy Cross monastery, Timios Stavros, in Anogyra. The filmmakers emphasized a wintry, moody aesthetic featuring grey and brown landscapes, departing from the typical Mediterranean visuals associated with the island. Notably, the film relies heavily on practical special effects to bring its dark narrative to life.