PÖFF30 | Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival | 6-22 november 2026 | Cinema Artis
In 1974, when Turkey invades Cyprus, young Eleni leaves her homeland through an arranged marriage and finds herself in apartheid South Africa, swapping one divided country for another. There, a new life with Nico slowly turns into love, until an unexpected friendship forces her to confront a secret from her past.
Inspired by the real experiences of her refugee parents, South African Cypriot filmmaker Stelana Kliris has created a deeply personal story about displacement, borders, and human connections that overcome them. Set between Cyprus and South Africa, “Apart” brings the turbulent 1970s vividly to life through a distinctly female perspective.
With Leem Lubany, Luca Pasqualino, and Girley Jazama delivering outstanding performances, breathtaking locations, wonderful camerawork, and terrific music, “Apart” is both intimate and cinematic.
With this very personal and ambitious film, Stelana Kliris has delivered a deeply moving cinematic ode to humanity, a film that will stay with you long after the final frame.
And that is exactly why “Apart” is the Opening Film of this year’s Critics’ Picks. We are convinced it will stay a part of your life forever.
Nikolaj Nikitin
In cinema 11/14/2026
PÖFF: Apart
Apart
-
Genre
Drama, Biography
Director
Stelana Kliris
Run time
1h 44min
Cast
Leem Lubany, Luke Pasqualino, Girley Jazama
Genre
Drama, Biography
Director
Stelana Kliris
Run time
1h 44min
Cast
Leem Lubany, Luke Pasqualino, Girley Jazama
PÖFF30 | Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival | 6-22 november 2026 | Cinema Artis
In 1974, when Turkey invades Cyprus, young Eleni leaves her homeland through an arranged marriage and finds herself in apartheid South Africa, swapping one divided country for another. There, a new life with Nico slowly turns into love, until an unexpected friendship forces her to confront a secret from her past. Inspired by the real experiences of her refugee parents, South African Cypriot filmmaker Stelana Kliris has created a deeply personal story about displacement, borders, and human connections that overcome them. Set between Cyprus and South Africa, “Apart” brings the turbulent 1970s vividly to life through a distinctly female perspective. With Leem Lubany, Luca Pasqualino, and Girley Jazama delivering outstanding performances, breathtaking locations, wonderful camerawork, and terrific music, “Apart” is both intimate and cinematic. With this very personal and ambitious film, Stelana Kliris has delivered a deeply moving cinematic ode to humanity, a film that will stay with you long after the final frame. And that is exactly why “Apart” is the Opening Film of this year’s Critics’ Picks. We are convinced it will stay a part of your life forever.
Nikolaj Nikitin
In 1974, when Turkey invades Cyprus, young Eleni leaves her homeland through an arranged marriage and finds herself in apartheid South Africa, swapping one divided country for another. There, a new life with Nico slowly turns into love, until an unexpected friendship forces her to confront a secret from her past. Inspired by the real experiences of her refugee parents, South African Cypriot filmmaker Stelana Kliris has created a deeply personal story about displacement, borders, and human connections that overcome them. Set between Cyprus and South Africa, “Apart” brings the turbulent 1970s vividly to life through a distinctly female perspective. With Leem Lubany, Luca Pasqualino, and Girley Jazama delivering outstanding performances, breathtaking locations, wonderful camerawork, and terrific music, “Apart” is both intimate and cinematic. With this very personal and ambitious film, Stelana Kliris has delivered a deeply moving cinematic ode to humanity, a film that will stay with you long after the final frame. And that is exactly why “Apart” is the Opening Film of this year’s Critics’ Picks. We are convinced it will stay a part of your life forever.
Nikolaj Nikitin
Info
Rating
-
Production year
2026
Global distributor
Reinvent Yellow Sales
Local distributor
Pimedate Ööde Filmifestival MTÜ
In cinema
11/14/2026