The festival is dedicated exclusively to the emerging independent filmmakers who are going to present the screening of their film. With the competition section of first feature films in the category "Golden Aphrodite" and first short films in the category “CYIFF Got Talent", the festival's motto is the following: “The Best of the First!”.

• Only First, Second and Third Feature Films are eligible to participate for the “Golden Aphrodite Award”.
• All other feature films are eligible for the “CYPress Veteran`s Award”.
• Only First Short films are eligible to participate for the “CYIFF GOT TALENT Award”.
• All other short films are eligible for the "CYIFF Short Films Awards".

CYIFF General Categories:
• Feature Films (up to 120 minutes) – all genres (including animation and documentaries produced the last 36 months)
• Short Films (up to 20 minutes) – all genres (including animation and documentaries produced the last 36 months)
• "Women films" are eligible for the Aphrodite Cinematic Award. Films with a female director and/or producer (no restriction in production year, genre or duration).
• "50/50" Films with 50% men and 50% women in credits
• Films about PEACE