Award-Winning Filmmaker Minos Papas' MOTHERWITCH Premieres at Rotterdam Film Festival

Psychological horror film explores dark folklore and grief in Cyprus

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Acclaimed filmmaker Minos Papas' psychological horror film "Motherwitch" had its sold-out world premiere screenings at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. The film, a co-production between Cyprus, North Macedonia, Canada, and the USA, is a dark fairy tale that draws inspiration from ancient Greek myths and the filmmaker's own childhood memories from Cyprus. Embracing themes of myth, grief, and the uncanny, "Motherwitch" joins Papas' body of work that moves between realism and the supernatural.

Why it matters

Papas' films often explore powerful narratives that delve into the realms of myth, memory, and the human experience. "Motherwitch" continues this tradition, offering audiences a rich cinematic experience that blends the director's personal connections to Cyprus with universal themes of loss and the search for meaning.

The details

"Motherwitch" had its world premiere on February 3rd at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, with additional sold-out screenings on February 5th and 6th. The film will next be showcased at the European Film Market (EFM) on February 16th. Papas' work as a director and cinematographer often draws inspiration from filmmakers like Jennifer Kent, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Robert Eggers, blending realism and the uncanny to create empathetic and thought-provoking stories.

  • The world premiere of "Motherwitch" took place on February 3, 2026 at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
  • Additional sold-out screenings of the film were held on February 5 and 6, 2026 at the Rotterdam festival.
  • "Motherwitch" will next be presented at the European Film Market (EFM) on February 16, 2026.

The players

Minos Papas

An acclaimed and prolific Emmy award-winning filmmaker known for his work that explores themes of myth, memory, and the human experience.

Margarita Zachariou

The star of "Motherwitch".

Constantinos Nikiforou

The producer of "Motherwitch".

Goran Ignjatiovski

The special effects makeup designer for "Motherwitch".

Jack McDonald

The director of photography for "Motherwitch".

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What they’re saying

“Motherwitch is a dark fairy tale that deals with primordial feelings and issues we can all identify with. It is a journey into a past which revives the landscape, the scent, the manner and morals of a Cyprus that no longer exists. It derives inspiration from the ancient Greek myths of the eternal cycle of life, birth, death and rebirth.”

— Ambassador HE Mr Spyros Attas

What’s next

"Motherwitch" will continue its festival run after the screenings at the European Film Market on February 16th.

The takeaway

Minos Papas' "Motherwitch" is a powerful exploration of myth, grief, and the human experience, blending personal connections to Cyprus with universal themes that resonate with audiences. The film's sold-out premieres at the Rotterdam Film Festival demonstrate the director's ability to craft atmospheric, character-driven stories that delve into the realms of the uncanny.