Sundance Favorite ‘Hold Onto Me’ Is Cyprus’ First-Ever Best International Feature Oscar Submission

The film "Hold Onto Me," directed by Myrsini Aristidou, has been selected as Cyprus' inaugural submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. This historic designation marks a significant moment for Cypriot cinema, as the island nation has never before put forward a film for consideration in this prestigious Oscar category. The selection comes after the film garnered critical acclaim and audience recognition on the international festival circuit.

"Hold Onto Me" previously secured the World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2026. This win at one of the world's leading independent film festivals provided a significant platform for the film and its director, highlighting its potential to resonate with a global audience. The film's journey from Sundance success to an Oscar submission underscores its growing impact within the film industry and its ability to represent Cypriot storytelling on a world stage.

The Academy's Best International Feature Film category, formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film, recognizes feature-length motion pictures produced outside the United States with predominantly non-English dialogue. Each eligible country selects one film to submit, making the selection process a crucial step for filmmakers aiming for international recognition. Cyprus' decision to submit "Hold Onto Me" signals a strategic effort to engage with the global film community and showcase its cinematic talent.

The film's nomination represents a milestone for Cyprus' film industry, potentially opening doors for future productions and collaborations. As the Academy Awards process unfolds, "Hold Onto Me" will undergo further consideration by Academy voters. Its journey through the awards season will be closely watched, not only for its artistic merits but also for its pioneering role as Cyprus' first-ever Oscar submission in this category.