THI Canada and GIFFT Present: Caught in the Crossfire, a documentary that tells the story of Canadian Peacekeepers in Cyprus. The event is a private screening that tells the Peacekeepers personal stories, told for the first time by the men who were there. The private screening will be followed by a panel discussion.
The event is in support of the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR) in Cyprus
TORONTO, ON — September 2026
The Hellenic Initiative Canada (THI Canada), as part of the Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada (GIFFT), will present a special screening of Caught in the Crossfire on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Campbell Room, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto.
Hosted by THI Canada Director George Soleas, the special evening will commemorate Canada’s longstanding peacekeeping legacy in Cyprus while supporting the work of the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR), a cultural and educational institution dedicated to preserving Cyprus’s history and engaging future generations through art, archives and education.
The documentary is a story that took place during Canada’s longest peacekeeping mission, Operation SNOWGOOSE, and the heroic actions of members of The Canadian Airborne Regiment during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
450 members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment, known as 1 Commando Group, had deployed to the island for regular peacekeeping operations as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force. As the island plunged into chaos, the remainder of the Airborne Regiment was rapidly deployed with appropriate equipment to ensure their freedom of movement and survival.
Following the screening, a panel discussion will be held with UNFICYP veterans and Colin Stewart, former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Cyprus and former 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.
Preserving Memory and Supporting Future Generations
The event is being presented in support of the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR) in Cyprus. Through its collections, archives and educational programming, CVAR works to preserve the island’s history and cultural heritage while encouraging young people to engage critically with the past and promoting greater understanding across communities.
EVENT DETAILS
Caught in the Crossfire – A Special Private Screening & Panel Discussion on Canadian Peacekeepers in Cyprus
Monday, September 28, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – Campbell Room
Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy – 1 Devonshire Place, Toronto
About The Hellenic Initiative Canada
The Hellenic Initiative Canada is a registered Canadian charity that brings together members of the Greek diaspora and Philhellenes to support initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact in Greece and Cyprus.
About the Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada
The Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada (GIFFT) celebrates Greek cinema and storytelling through film screenings and cultural programming across Canada.
About the Centre of Visual Arts and Research
The Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR) is a cultural and educational institution in Cyprus dedicated to preserving and sharing the island’s history and cultural heritage. Through art, archives and educational programming, CVAR engages young people, encourages critical thinking and fosters greater understanding across communities.
Media Contact:
The Hellenic Initiative Canada
Natasha Bourliaskou: natasha@thehellenicinitiative.ca
