The 29th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) is set to enchant audiences in New Delhi, kicking off on November 7 and running until November 16, 2024. This year’s festival features a captivating lineup of 26 European films, celebrating the rich diversity of European cinema and fostering cultural exchange between Europe and India.
The festival will open with ‘La Chimera,’ a delightful blend of fantasy and comedy directed by Alice Rohrwacher. This film, which competed for the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships, following the whimsical journey of a lovelorn Englishman entangled with a group of treasure hunters. The lead actress, Yile Yara Vianello, will grace the opening night, adding to the event’s excitement.
Alice Rohrwacher shared her thoughts on the film, stating, “The proximity of sacred and profane, of death and life, that characterized the years in which I was growing up has always fascinated me.” She describes ‘La Chimera’ as a layered narrative exploring our relationship with the past, completing her trilogy that reflects on Italy’s cultural heritage and modern existence.
Organized by the European Union in collaboration with member states and regional partners, the EUFF aims to deepen cross-cultural bonds through the art of storytelling. This year’s festival showcases the rich cinematic styles of various European countries, offering Indian audiences a unique “Window to Europe.”
With films addressing themes ranging from intricate human relationships to gender identity and self-discovery, the festival embodies the EU’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and mutual understanding through cinema.
The festival will be held at three iconic venues in New Delhi: India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes, and Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan. The curated lineup features acclaimed films such as:
- What a Feeling (Austria)
- Employee of the Month (Belgium)
- Because I Love Bad Weather (Bulgaria)
- Stairway To Heaven (Estonia)
- Death is a Problem for the Living (Finland)
- Jim’s Story (France)
- Black Velvet (Latvia)
- Without Air (Hungary)
Each film will screen in 31 different languages with English subtitles, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences. Note that some screenings may carry an 18+ rating due to mature content.
EUFF celebrates the growing diplomatic ties between India and the European Union, highlighting cultural nuances and shared values. As an immersive cinematic experience, the festival goes beyond mere entertainment, fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse cultures.
The festival will also feature the India premieres of films like ‘Blood on the Crown’ (Malta), ‘The Last Ashes’ (Luxembourg), and ‘The Man Without Guilt’ (Slovenia), providing fresh perspectives from European filmmakers.
EUFF 2024 showcases a mix of established directors and emerging talents, including:
- An Irish Goodbye (Ireland)
- Animal (Greece)
- Horia (Romania)
- Dangerous Men (Poland)
- UFO Sweden (Sweden)
Join the celebration of European cinema at the EUFF 2024 and embark on a cinematic journey that explores universal human themes through the unique lenses of European filmmakers.
Key Highlights:-
- The 29th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) kicks off in New Delhi from November 7 to November 16, 2024, featuring 26 European films.
- Opening with ‘La Chimera’ by Alice Rohrwacher, the festival explores themes of love and life through a whimsical narrative.
- The festival aims to strengthen cultural ties between Europe and India, showcasing diverse cinematic styles and themes.
- Films will screen at three venues, with all screenings available in multiple languages and English subtitles.