Hold Onto Me, from Cypriot writer-director Myrsini Aristidou, arrives in cinemas following an acclaimed international festival run.
The film made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, making history as the first Cypriot feature ever selected for the festival’s international competition and winning the Audience Award for World Cinema Dramatic. Since its Sundance triumph, the film has captivated audiences at major festivals around the world, collecting awards and critical acclaim along the way.
“This gritty, exquisite gem.” -The Contending
When 11-year-old Iris gets into trouble with the police, she finds herself face-to-face with her estranged father, Aris, who has returned for his own father’s funeral. Determined to get to know him, she pushes her way into his isolated world. Despite his resistance, a fragile and unexpected relationship begins to take shape between them.
“Finds singular shades in the relationship it examines.” - Variety
Starring Christos Passalis and Maria Petrova, Hold Onto Me is a story about absence, family, and the relationships that shape us, even when they are put to the test. “Strikingly authentic performances.” -Next Best Picture
Shot on location in Cyprus, Hold Onto Me brings a familiar landscape to the big screen through a story that is universal. “Breathes new life into a classic indie premise.” -The Playlist
In K-Cineplex cinemas from 17 September.
Producers: Monica Nicolaidou, Myrsini Aristidou
Co-Producers: Anders N.U. Berg, Konstantina Stavrianou, Rena Vougioukalou
Executive Producers: Mark Hollinger, Thomas J. Mangan IV
Production: Filmblades (Cyprus), One Six One Films (Cyprus)
Co-Production: Fredo Pictures (Denmark), Graal Films (Greece), Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Culture – Department of Contemporary Culture, ERT – Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation
Funding: Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center – Creative Greece
With the Support of: Danish Film Institute, The Black Family Grant – NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Sam Spiegel International Film Lab – Emerging Filmmaker Award, Pleasant Bay Pictures, Mango Productions
World Sales: Cercamon
