The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) has long delighted Indian audiences with the best of European cinema. This annual celebration of European cinema, the Indo-Europe partnership, and a shared passion for art and culture offers an immersive experience with 26 award-winning films in 31 languages.
In its highly anticipated 29th edition, the EUFF provides a window into Europe’s heart, weaving a rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and cultures that will enchant and inspire the audience.
Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to India, in collaboration with the Embassies of EU Member States and regional partners, the festival will kick off in New Delhi, running from November 7 to 16.
The New Delhi leg will be hosted across three venues of India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes and Goethe-Institut /Max Mueller Bhavan.
Some of the eagerly awaited titles include the following:
1. ‘La Chimera’ (Italy): Directed by Alice Rohrwacher, ‘La Chimera’ tells the story of Arthur, a tombarolo seeking redemption and wealth. For him, the Chimera embodies the woman he lost, Beniamina. As he searches for her, he navigates between the living and the dead, unveiling intertwined destinies. This comedy-drama explores themes of love, loss, relationships, and materialism.
2. ‘What A Feeling’ (Austria): In this romantic comedy directed by Kat Rohrer, Marie Theres faces a life crisis when her marriage unravels, her career falters, and her relationships deteriorate. She finds an unexpected connection with Fa, a bold Iranian woman. Together, they confront their limitations, embracing themes of LGBTQIA+ identity, self-discovery, sisterhood, and female empowerment.
3. ‘Sons’ (Vogter) (Denmark): Directed by Gustav Möller, Sons is a psychological thriller that follows Eva, an idealistic prison guard who faces a moral dilemma when a young man from her past is transferred to her prison. As she grapples with her commitment to justice versus her personal grief, the film delves into themes of grief, morality, and forgiveness.
4. ‘Afire’ (Roter Himmel) (Germany): Directed by Christian ‘Petzold’, this romantic-comedy drama follows writer Leon and photographer Felix as they vacation by the Baltic Sea. When they encounter the enigmatic Nadja, Leon must confront his artistic insecurities amid a looming forest fire. The film explores themes of climate change, mortality, consumerism, and human relationships.
5. ‘Baan’ (Portugal)
In Baan, directed by Leonor Teles, the narrative blurs the lines of time and space, intertwining Lisbon and Bangkok. This poignant story begins when EL meets K, exploring themes of relationships, human connection, and the concept of home.
This year, the EUFF will travel across three cities: New Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. After the New Delhi leg from November 7-16, the festival will move to Kolkata (November 27- December 28) and then to Hyderabad (December 6-15th).