Cypriot horror film Motherwitch achieves international and domestic success

Cypriot actress Margarita Zachariou has won the Best Actress award at the 18th Grimmfest in Manchester, England, for her role in the horror film 'Motherwitch', directed by Minos Papas. The festival took place from October 8 to 11, 2026. Zachariou shared the accolade with Arianna Osborne, who was recognized for her performance in the film 'Marama'. The jury praised Zachariou for her intense portrayal of maternal grief, highlighting the emotional depth she brought to the horror genre.

Simultaneously, 'Motherwitch' has seen significant commercial success in Cyprus. During the Halloween weekend, the film outperformed the Hollywood production 'Clayface' to top the local box office. Due to high audience demand, the film's theatrical run in Cyprus has been extended for an additional week, with screenings scheduled from November 5 to November 11, 2026, at Premier Cinemas in Nicosia Mall and Rio Cinemas in Limassol. Audiences have responded positively to the production quality and the use of an archaic form of the Cypriot dialect.