**Title: Queer Wave Banners Vandalised in Nicosia Ahead of LGBTQIA+ Film Festival**
**Nicosia, Cyprus** – In a concerning incident ahead of the upcoming Queer Wave LGBTQIA+ film festival, banners promoting the event have been vandalised in the Kaimakli area of Nicosia. The organisers of Queer Wave took to social media to announce the vandalism, describing it as “an attack on queer visibility in public space.”
The festival, which aims to celebrate and promote LGBTQIA+ culture and expression, is set to take place from September 18 to 27 at the NiMAC exhibition spaces in Nicosia. This year marks the seventh consecutive edition of the festival, which first launched in 2020. The ten-day programme will feature a variety of film screenings, performances, and events showcasing both local and international filmmakers and artists, with a strong emphasis on LGBTQIA+ experiences.
In their statement, the organisers expressed their belief that the vandalism should not be seen as an isolated incident but rather as part of a broader attempt to limit the visibility and presence of the queer community in public spaces. “In Nicosia, our visibility was attacked,” they stated, highlighting the importance of queer spaces and cultural events in fostering community and representation.
Despite the vandalism, Queer Wave organisers affirmed their commitment to continue their work and not be deterred by acts of intimidation. “We will not let intimidation silence us. We will continue to claim space, tell our stories and build our community,” they declared.
The festival is organised by the non-profit company Queer Wave LTD and receives funding from the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Department of Contemporary Culture. The upcoming event is expected to draw attention not only for its artistic contributions but also for its role in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility in Cyprus.
As the festival approaches, the incident of vandalism has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in Cyprus, as well as the ongoing need for support and advocacy for queer rights and representation.
Queer Wave aims to create an inclusive environment where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated, and the organisers are hopeful that the festival will continue to serve as a platform for dialogue and understanding within the broader community.