The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) is poised to return for its 29th edition, promising an infusion of cinematic artistry from across Europe to Indian audiences. A meticulously curated selection of 26 internationally celebrated films marks this edition, as the festival continues to serve as a bridge celebrating the rich cultural synergy between Europe and India. This year, EUFF’s cinematic journey unfolds across the captivating landscapes of New Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, with audiences offered films in an astonishing array of 31 languages from 26 European nations.
The festival inaugurates its cinematic offerings on November 7 in New Delhi. The iconic locations of the India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes, and Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan will serve as the backdrop for this exceptional event, which will conclude on November 16. EUFF 2024 aims to immerse its audiences in the myriad facets of European culture and society through films that promise thought-provoking narratives and cinematic excellence. Notably, a number of these films will debut for the first time in India, including acclaimed titles such as “La Chimera” from Italy, “Afire” from Germany, “An Irish Goodbye” from Ireland, “Animal” from Greece, and “Restore Point” from the Czech Republic.
The festival is set to welcome esteemed guests, including Yile Yara Vianello, a talent featured in “La Chimera,” and Tomas Vengris, the director behind “Five & A Half Love Stories in an Apartment in Vilnius.” Adding to the festival’s allure is the presence of Maltese producer Pedja Miletic, attending the screening of “Blood on the Crown.
.” These special guests are expected to engage with the audience, enriching the festival experience with their insights and discussions.
The curators of EUFF 2024, Veronica Flora and Valerio Caruso, describe this year’s selection as a captivating exploration of the human condition, delving into themes such as love, resilience, and solidarity. Ambassador Hervé Delphin echoes this sentiment, stating, “This year’s #EUFF2024 offers a top selection of award-winning European films, inviting the Indian public on a luminous cultural journey.”
The comprehensive lineup of EUFF 2024 includes an impressive array of cinematic works from: Austria (“What a Feeling”), Belgium (“Employee of the Month”), Bulgaria (“Because I Love Bad Weather”), Cyprus (“Embryo Larva Butterfly”), Czech Republic (“Restore Point”), Denmark (“Sons”), Estonia (“Stairway To Heaven”), Finland (“Death is a Problem for the Living”), France (“Jim’s Story”), Germany (“Afire”), Greece (“Animal”), Hungary (“Without Air”), Ireland (“An Irish Goodbye”), Italy (“La Chimera”), Latvia (“Black Velvet”), Lithuania (“Five And A Half Love Stories In An Apartment In Vilnius”), Luxembourg (“The Last Ashes”), Malta (“Blood on the Crown”), Netherlands (“Como el Viento”), Poland (“Dangerous Men”), Portugal (“Baan”), Romania (“Horia”), Slovenia (“The Man Without Guilt”), Spain (“The Teacher Who Promised The Sea”), Sweden (“UFO”), and Ukraine (“How is Katia?”).
Each screening at the festival features English subtitles, ensuring accessibility to a broad audience and all events will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, encouraging eager cinephiles to seize the opportunity to witness these cinematic marvels.
The European Union Film Festival serves as a vibrant testament to the enduring and evolving relationship between Europe and India, offering a platform that celebrates diversity, creativity, and mutual cultural understanding. As cinema continues to be a powerful medium of cultural exchange, EUFF 2024 stands as a beacon for those yearning to connect with the broader narrative of European experiences and stories. With its robust lineup and engaging cultural programming, EUFF 2024 is set to be a milestone event, capturing imaginations and sparking conversations across the Indian subcontinent.
As anticipation builds for the festival’s kickoff, organizers and cinephiles alike are preparing for a celebration of cinematic masterpieces that traverse borders and bridge cultures, reinforcing the universal bond of storytelling through film expression.
