The festival’s interactive sessions aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of filmmaking nuances and storytelling techniques.
The 28 European Union Film Festival (EUFF) recently kicked off in New Delhi with the screening of the Grand Prix-winning French film “Saint Omer,” directed by the acclaimed Alice Diop. The film is based on the true story of Fabienne Kabou, a mother who, in 2013, abandoned her 15-month-old daughter on a beach in Berck-sur-Mer at high tide. Guslagie Malanda, the Saint Omer actress who was present on the occasion, talked about her complex part in the film. “I prepared my body as well as my mind three months before the shooting. I was focused on not playing my part as a monster or a saint. The idea was to play a character in between, in between death and life, in between the monster and the saint, and in between the victim and the murder,” revealed Malanda.
The 28th EUFF is being held across three prominent venues—the India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes, and The Goethe-Institute/Max Mueller Bhavan—from 1-10 December 2023. The Chennai chapter will start from 19-28 Jan 2024. Speaking at the festival inauguration, Oscar Pujol, Director, Instituto Cervantes, touched upon the intergenerational and intercultural aspects of cinematic storytelling that brings together an array of human experiences, thereby celebrating the diversity that unites us all.
At the inauguration ceremony held at Instituto Cervantes, Ambassador of the European Union Hervé Delphin emphasized upon the festival’s significance, highlighting cinema’s role as a cultural bridge between Europe and India. “EUFF is an excellent opportunity to meet master storytellers, delve into diverse cultures, and experience a myriad of emotions, all in one place,” he remarked, echoing the festival’s essence. With a specially curated line-up, the festival offers 28 films in over 25 languages, including 18 films by female directors.
The festival curators, Veronica Flora and Valerio Caruso, expressed their vision for the 28th edition, citing cinema as a metaphorical journey as the central theme of the 28th edition of the European Union Film Festival in India. The curated films aim to get the audience to experience what it’s like to sometimes escape reality while sometimes embracing things as they are and explore emotions, humanity and new ideas. The festival also offers an opportunity for the audience to interact with and explore the art of storytelling with the following filmmakers and artists visiting the festival: French actress Guslagie Malanda, Finnish director Hanna Marjo Västinsalo, Finnish producer Cyril Jacob Abraham, and Estonian director Anu Aun.
The festival’s interactive sessions, including panel discussions and masterclasses, aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of filmmaking nuances and storytelling techniques. The panel discussion titled “Women in European Cinema” promises to delve into the challenges, triumphs, and contributions of women in shaping the cinematic landscape. The masterclass on “New Frontiers in Filmmaking” curated by experienced filmmakers from both South Asian and European regions is designed to inspire aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts, offering insights into the evolving landscape of cinematic expression.
The festival line-up offers evocative, innovative, independent, and offbeat voices across genres such as drama, comedy, sci-fi, documentary, and animation. The 28 EUFF promises an immersive experience with a diverse selection of films that have earned acclaim at renowned film festivals globally. From the evocative drama of “Breaking the Ice” from Austria to the poignant storytelling of “My Love Affair with Marriage” from Latvia, each film offers a unique perspective, showcasing the depth and breadth of European cinematic prowess.
Significantly, the festival’s emphasis on spotlighting women directors reaffirms its dedication to diverse and inclusive storytelling. Featuring creations from 18 accomplished female directors, the event honors the multifaceted storytelling crafted by women in cinema, providing a stage to exhibit their unique voices and viewpoints. Embracing a collaborative ethos, this festival serves as a symbol of the enduring connection between Europe and India, rejoicing in cultural interchange and nurturing a profound admiration for cinema’s universal language. The 28 European Union Film Festival beckons audiences to an enthralling expedition, surpassing boundaries and weaving together varied tales within a single cinematic realm.