Films under the stars

By Emmelia Georgiou

Yes Nicosia, it is that time of year again when people flock to the Constantia Open-air Cinema to take in the films we might have missed on the big screen or some classic films that bear watching over and over again. But this is no longer the only open-air cinema that Nicosians can visit during the summer months, there are other establishments getting in on the act, including the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation.

Both open-air cinemas are set to entertain with films this coming Wednesday.

The Constantia film run will start with a screening of the 2016 drama I, Daniel Blake.

Written by Paul Laverty and directed by Ken Loach, this film tells the story of widower Daniel Blake from Newcastle, who has had a heart attack at work. Although his cardiologist has not allowed him to return to work, Daniel is deemed fit to do so after a work capability assessment and denied employment and support allowance. He is frustrated to learn that his doctor was not contacted about the decision and applies for an appeal.

During his fight for his rights he meets single mother Katie, who is in a bad economic state. Daniel helps her out and she supports him when the day of his appeal case goes to court. We won’t ruin the end for you but it won’t be all fun and laughs.

Now for something a bit lighter and sweeter, the 2000 film Chocolat – with Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche – will be screened in the heart of the old town as part of the Phaneromeni 17 festival

Chocolat is about a war between the forces of paganism and Christianity, and because the pagan heroine has chocolate on her side, she wins. Her victory is delayed only because, during Lent, a lot of the locals aren’t eating chocolate.

This movie is charming and whimsical, so anybody looking to spend a night full of magical romance and enchanted chocolates, save your seats.

I, Daniel Blake
Screening of the 2016 drama. July 12. Constantia Open-air Cinema, 15 Solonos Michaelides Street, Nicosia. 9pm. €5/free. Tel: 22-439838

Chocolat
Screening of the 2000 drama. July 12. Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, Nicosia. 9pm. Free. Tel: 22-128157

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.