SAA - Society of Audiovisual Authors

Cinema Galeries, Brussels.

Followed by a discussion with the main cast and a networking cocktail reception. By invite only.

The event was organised by the European Film Agency Directors Association (EFAD), within the framework of the Cultural Programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, in partnership with European associations in the culture and audiovisual sectors, including the SAA.

About the film

At 46, Smaragda was once a familiar face on television. Today, struggling to stay relevant in a world obsessed with youth, visibility and constant reinvention, she dives headfirst into the hyper-curated world of social media, convinced that online fame might offer a second chance. As she chases followers, algorithms and viral success, Smaragda finds herself confronting the emotional and societal cost of living under perpetual digital exposure. Blending sharp social observation with humour, warmth and a deeply human perspective, Smaragda: I Got Thick Skin and I Can't Jump explores some of the defining tensions of today's audiovisual landscape: creator culture, body image, authenticity, ageism, and the invisible pressure to constantly perform. Both entertaining and thought-provoking, the film offers not only a compelling cinematic experience, but also a timely conversation starter about how digital culture is reshaping the way we see ourselves—and each other.

The film had its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in 2024 and has since been selected by several international festivals, including Cyprus Film Days International Film Festival, where it received the awards for Best Cypriot Film and Best Performance, as well as Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Off Camera International Festival of Independent Cinema, Aesthetica Film Festival, Panorama of European Cinema, AFI European Union Film Showcase and the European Film Festival New Delhi.