Caught In The Crossfire

The Hellenic Initiative Canada, as part of the Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada (GIFFT), presents a special evening commemorating the legacy of Canadian peacekeeping in Cyprus and supporting the work of the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR). 

Hosted by THI Canada Director George Soleas, the evening will feature a screening of Caught in the Crossfire, a documentary that shares the experiences of Canadian peacekeepers who served in Cyprus. Told in their own words, the film provides a firsthand account of their service on the island, including during the events surrounding the 1974 invasion. 

Following the screening, a panel discussion will explore Canada’s longstanding peacekeeping role in Cyprus and the experiences of those connected to the mission. 

Former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

The discussion and audience Q&A will be moderated by Sandra Gionas, award-winning journalist and former TVO producer.

For more than six decades, Canada and Cyprus have shared an important connection through Canada’s participation in the United Nations peacekeeping mission on the island. Thousands of Canadian Armed Forces personnel have served in Cyprus since the mission began, making it one of Canada’s longest-standing international peacekeeping commitments. 

This special evening provides an opportunity to remember those who served, preserve their stories and reflect on the enduring significance of Canada’s contribution to peacekeeping in Cyprus. 

The event is presented in support of the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR), a cultural and educational institution in Cyprus dedicated to preserving the island’s history and using art, archives and education to engage young people, encourage critical thinking and foster greater understanding across communities. 

Through CVAR: Preserving Memory. Empowering Youth. Building the Future., THI Canada is supporting programs that ensure Cyprus’s history and cultural heritage are preserved and shared with future generations. 

Guests are encouraged to consider supporting this important initiative through THI Canada’s online CVAR campaign.