Photo credit: Anita Nagypal, during the Pegasus Cinema Lab Workshop
September–October 2025 was filled with cinematic moments for actress and filmmaker Inessa Kraft. In Venice, Nicosia, London, and Corinth, she attended leading industry events, hosted gala ceremonies, represented Cyprus on the international stage, and joined festival screenings of her work—gathering special memories to cherish and continuing her mission of connecting cultures and inspiring collaboration through film.
Inessa Kraft shared that she finds these moments truly special. Film is a journey that begins with an idea, grows through production, and reaches its fullest expression when it meets audiences. Watching films together at festivals, with professionals celebrating each other’s work, friends reconnecting, and audiences from around the world sharing the experience, makes the festival atmosphere uniquely meaningful and emotional.
Venice – 82nd Venice International Film Festival – Biennale Cinema 2025 (August 27 – September 6, 2025)
At the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, Inessa Kraft took part in the Venice Production Bridge. Surrounded by the timeless charm of Venice, she attended premieres and industry discussions that reflected the pulse of contemporary cinema, as well as a series of dedicated panels, meetings, and networking events. A photoshoot in Venice with a local photographer, capturing both the city’s beauty and the spirit of the festival, also marked the occasion.
Photo credit: @venice.photo.stories – Venice Photo Stories by Daniel
Nicosia – 20th Cyprus International Film Festival Golden Aphrodite & 5th Women in Film and Television Cyprus Festival (September 22–27, 2025)
Filmmakers from around the world gathered in Nicosia, enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the festival team. Alongside Festival Director Petra Terzi, Inessa Kraft co-hosted the Golden Aphrodite Awards Ceremony of the 20th Cyprus International Film Festival.
The festival also highlighted the Cyprus Women Environmental Peacemakers (CWEP) project, a two-day initiative uniting women across Cyprus through environmental action and peacebuilding, held in the UN buffer zone. The project emphasized women’s role in environmental and peace efforts, where storytelling helps plant the seeds of understanding and harmony.
London – The 69th BFI London Film Festival (October 8–19, 2025)
With sunshine sparkles dancing on the River Thames and lights glowing across cinema halls, London reflected how Inessa’s heart sparkled with meaningful moments. Immersed in the festival atmosphere, she explored the city through its cinemas as landmarks, and visiting the British Film Institute brought back special memories of studying filmmaking there in 2016. The city felt like a living film—vivid, emotional, and full of adventures to remember.
Photo credits: zakahmedfilms, London / photosgrapho, Venice / Costas Samson, Corinth, Nicosia
Corinth – Bridges Peloponnesus International Film Festival (October 20–25, 2025)
A memorable highlight of Inessa’s festival season took place in Corinth, at the Bridges Peloponnesus International Film Festival. It began with hosting the Pegasus Cinema Lab Workshop, held in collaboration with Women in Film and Television Cyprus, where participants developed and produced a new short film during the festival. Inessa also hosted Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, with the festival’s central theme of peace resonating throughout the screenings and discussions.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Corinth, with its picturesque coastline, ancient charm, traditional Greek dances, and the iconic Pegasus statue beside the theater, the event was both inspiring and uniquely Greek. The Golden Pegasus Awards Ceremony, co-hosted by Inessa Kraft and Eleni Petropoulou, closed the festival in style. Red carpet moments and a warm atmosphere of friendship made the celebration unforgettable under the artistic direction of Festival Director Petra Terzi, whose dedication, vision, and heart continue to build bridges for cinema across the world.
The Heart of the Festival Experience
Inessa Kraft enjoys festivals as an actress and filmmaker – festivals are powerful platforms for cultural exchange and professional growth, cinematic celebration and of course glamorous red carpets. But not only that, as a Cypriot, she views them as opportunities to build bridges, advocating for Cyprus within the global film conversation while inviting world-class filmmakers to discover the island’s creative spirit. Through her work and international presence, she continues to highlight Cyprus as a place of great potential for storytelling and creative excellence.
And, of course, festivals are also a celebration of style. With elegance and flair on every red carpet, Inessa thanks Ambe Jolie, the oriental-inspired French fashion that has accompanied her around the world through life’s special moments and every festival, and Bliss Boutique in Akaki, Cyprus, for their sparkling elegance and support.
Planning the Festivals of 2026
With red carpets and gala celebrations, attending premieres and seeing her own work on the big screen, Fall 2025 was a season of creativity, connection, and global exchange for Inessa Kraft, with the people she met throughout the festivals holding a very special place in her heart. The season wraps up an inspiring festival run for 2025 and opens the way for 2026—with new projects to present, new heights to achieve, and most importantly, new unforgettable memories to create with like-minded creatives.
Related link: https://www.instagram.com/ineskraft/