Celebrating Cypriot Cinema: Exclusive Screening of Smaragda - I Got Thick Skin and I Can't Jump
On 15 June, EFAD, in collaboration with the Department of Contemporary Culture - Cyprus Cinema Office of the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus and the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the European Union, organised an exclusive screening of Smaragda - I Got Thick Skin and I Can't Jump at Cinema Galeries in Brussels.
The event was held within the framework of the Cultural Programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 and offered the audience in Brussels a valuable opportunity to discover contemporary Cypriot cinema.
Written and directed by Emilios Avraam and produced by Tonia Mishiali, the film follows the journey of Smaragda, a middle-aged woman navigating personal and professional uncertainty while searching for meaning and place of belonging in a rapidly changing world. Through humour, vulnerability and resilience, the film explores universal themes that resonate, offering a reflection on identity, self-worth, personal and societal pressures.
Following the screening, the audience had the opportunity to engage in a discussion with actresses Niovi Charalambous (Smaragda) and Eleni Sidera (Tina) who shared insights into the collaborative process of making of the film and their experience bringing their characters to life.
The dicussion explored many of the film's central themes, including the pressures of social media, personal and societal expectations, the search for identity, and the courage to remain true to oneself. The actresses reflected on the ways in which Smaragda blurs the line between public image and personal identity, while highlighting the importance of authenticity in a society shaped by stereotypes.
Niovi and Eleni also spoke about their close collaboration with director Emilios Avraam, the development of their characters, and the process of transmitting complex emotional experiences onto the screen.
Beyond its story, Smaragda offered a glimpse into contemporary Cypriot cinema and a unique perspective on universal themes that resonate with audiences across Europe.
EFAD warmly thanks the Department of Contemporary Culture - Cyprus Cinema Office, the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the European Union, our partners, the film crew, and everyone who joined us.
EFAD is dedicated to ensuring that Europe's many cultures, languages and stories continue to thrive on screen and reach audiences across the continent.