With impressive participation and creativity, the “FEELINGS” Photography Competition concluded, attracting a multitude of talented amateur photographers from every corner of Cyprus.

The competition was organized by the Youth Makerspace Larnaka program of the Cyprus Youth Organization, aiming to highlight the importance of mental well-being and raise public awareness through the power of imagery. The competition was held in memory of Thrasyvoulos Thrasyvoulou, Executive Secretary of the Cyprus Youth Organization, and is part of the Organization’s Mental Health campaign.

The competition ran from March 14 to May 11, 2025. The judging panel consisted of Michalis Kalopaides, director and producer; Elena Kaloutsidou, visual artist and representative of the Thrasyvoulos Thrasyvoulou family; and Stelios Papapetrou, Youth Officer at the Cyprus Youth Organization. A total of 139 young amateur photographers from Cyprus, aged 12–35, participated in the competition, submitting 386 photographs for evaluation.

The judging panel has convened and selected the following winning photographs:

1st Prize (€400)
“Uncontainable Joy” – George Janowczyk

2nd Prize (€300)
“Patience and Strength” – Chilem Nalbant

3rd Prize (€200)
“Reflection of Silence” – Marilena Charidimou

Special Prize from the Thrasyvoulos Thrasyvoulou Family (€200)
“Emotional Cracks” – Maria Karayianni

3 Honorable Mentions (€100 each)
“In the Darkness of Alexithymia” – Andreas Koulermos
“Lonely Company” – Michalis Venetianos
“Frames of Thought” – Eleni Pratsi

The award ceremony for the winners will take place during the MAKERS FAIR 2025 technology and creativity festival, organized by Youth Makerspace Larnaka, on June 14, 2025, at 17:00. In addition, the winning photographs, along with a selection of standout entries chosen by the judging panel, will be displayed in print as part of a photography exhibition on the day of the festival.

We thank everyone who shared their unique perspective and emotions through their lens, and extend special congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding work!