Announcement of the "Cypriot Sketch Writing Competition 2025" for the Radio, with the Strategic Collaboration of "Charalambides Christis"
When creative writing meets tradition, culture is always the winner—and Cyprus’ Public Radio and Television (RIK) continues to actively and institutionally contribute to this promotion. RIK, engaged in a cultural journey that has been ongoing for over six decades and joined in recent years by its steadfast partner Charalambides Christis, has announced the Cypriot Sketch Writing Contest 2025, which this year is dedicated to the iconic writer Michalis Pitsillides.
The official announcement was made during a press conference held on the morning of Wednesday, April 30, at Kimera, a traditional, welcoming event venue in the historic centre of Nicosia.
In a brief address, RIK’s General Director, Thanasis Tsokos, highlighted that the competition promotes creative writing and encourages engagement with a unique genre that forms part of Cyprus’ intangible cultural heritage. He emphasized the importance of RIK’s strategic partnership with Charalambides Christis and reaffirmed efforts to establish the Cypriot Sketch as part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage.
Charalambides Christis CEO, Marios Constantinou, welcomed the announcement and drew a meaningful parallel, noting that 2025 is a special year for the company as it celebrates its 80th anniversary. He underlined that the Cypriot Sketch is the voice of tradition—kept alive with care and love by RIK. Constantinou added, “In the 21st century, RIK never forgets our roots and history—just as at Charalambides Christis, where through innovation, we preserve the authenticity of traditional flavours.” He stressed the importance of the contest, saying it rekindles memory and fuels contemporary inspiration. “Without tradition,” he concluded, “there is no future—without yesterday, there is no tomorrow.”
Katerina Milioti, Head of Radio and Acting Head of Television, emphasized the importance of preserving and developing this cultural institution, which “gives a platform to local creativity, keeping our tradition and cultural identity alive.” She noted that RIK and its strategic partners at Charalambides Christis invite experienced writers to submit their works while encouraging new talent to discover and showcase their voice. Milioti urged:
“Grab your computer, your keyboard, your pen—or even a quill—and write your story. Whether it’s comedy or drama, whether it wins or not, it’s worth it—because it’s uniquely yours.”
Admitos Pitsillides, son of the late Michalis Pitsillides, expressed heartfelt thanks on behalf of the family for dedicating this year’s competition to his father. He acknowledged RIK as the main platform for his father's works—both sketches and TV series. He noted that dozens of his father's plays, including two award-winning ones, were staged by the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC) and major local theatre companies. He said the tribute holds special significance not only for the family but also because RIK, a cultural powerhouse, honours individuals of such stature.
Angela Nikiforou, President of the Judging Committee for the Cypriot Sketch Writing Contest 2025, described the initiative as a cultural creation of RIK and its people, noting that it is perhaps the only official outlet systematically cultivating the Cypriot dialect. This year’s contest is dedicated to actress Olga Potamitou and actor/director Stelios Kafkaridis, in their memory.
Stefanos Pharmakas, Chair of the Judging Committee for the 2025 Radio Playwriting Competition—to be announced this summer in memory of actress Maria Micha—remarked that both contests offer writers the opportunity to present their work while helping cultivate the art of radio playwriting. That competition will honour actors Lenia Sorokou and Neophytos Neophytou.
The event was attended by cultural figures, political representatives, and special guests. Traditional music was performed by the group “Agia Triada”, with Neophytos Costa (lute), Andreas Kyriakou (violin), and Athina Ioannou Tryphonos (vocals). The event concluded with a staged reading of the one-act play “Tall and Bald, God Made Them All” by Kaiti Stefanou, which won first prize in last year’s contest. Traditional dances followed, performed by the children’s group of the Akrites Geri Folklore Society, choreographed by Argyris Argyrou.
A breakfast reception featuring Charalambides Christis products was offered following the press conference.
Prizes for the three winners of the Cypriot Radio Sketch Writing Contest 2025, which closes on July 30, 2025, will be €1,200, €1,000, and €800 respectively. Starting this year, the number of selected works to be broadcast on RIK’s First Radio Program will increase from 18 to 22.
Full terms and conditions are available at www.rik.cy.
