Myrsini Aristidou’s ‘Hold Onto Me’: Cyprus makes its first-ever Oscar bid

Cyprus will be represented for the first time in history in the race for the Best International Feature Oscar: as the American outlet IndieWire exclusively reports, the drama “Hold Onto Me” by director Myrsini Aristidou is the country’s official selection for the 99th edition of the Academy Awards (Oscar 2027).

For Aristidou this is her feature directorial debut. The film premiered in the World Cinema Dramatic competition of the Sundance 2026 Festival, where it was honoured with the Audience Award (World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award). “Hold Onto Me” follows the young Iris, who reconnects with her estranged father, Aris, after causing turmoil in her hometown — together with her closest friend, Danae.

“From winning the Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic category at Sundance to Cyprus’s first official historic entry into the Academy Awards, this film has truly weathered everything against all odds. While the film follows a young girl searching for a father figure, at its core it is a universal reminder that in an increasingly divided world, we must remember to hold onto one another,” Aristidou said.

The director added: “I am deeply grateful and honoured to represent my country with such an intimate story, a debut that took many years to realise. We know we enter this race as the underdogs, but we have come this far thanks to the deep connection and warmth we have received from international audiences. We will continue to aim high, give everything we have and trust the film to keep finding its way into people’s hearts.”

Before her debut, Aristidou directed the short film “Semele,” which won the Special Jury Prize at Berlinale 2016, as well as “Aria,” made with the support of Oscar winner Spike Lee and premiered at Venice 2017. She is also an alumna of the Cannes Cinéfondation Residence and TIFF Talent Lab programmes, and winner of the Spiegel Lab Emerging Filmmaker Award.

Countries have until Wednesday, 30 September 2026, to submit their candidacies for the 99th edition. Preliminary voting takes place from 7 to 11 December, the shortlists are announced on Tuesday, 15 December, Oscar nominations on 21 January 2027, while the 99th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on 14 March 2027.