The sentiment of storytelling as a bridge between cultures and eras is echoed throughout the festival.
As the 29th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) unfolds in New Delhi, cinephiles can look forward to a rich tapestry of European cinema, showcasing 26 award-winning films from across the continent in over 31 languages. Running from November 7 to 16, 2024, this year’s festival promises to be an immersive journey through European society, culture, and diverse themes, held at three venues: the India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes, and Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan. With each film, the EUFF 2024 aims to strengthen the cultural ties between Europe and India, offering an inclusive platform for storytelling that transcends borders.
The EUFF 2024 opens with Italy’s ‘La Chimera,’ a film by noted director Alice Rohrwacher, which competed for the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. ‘La Chimera’ explores the contrast between life and death, the sacred and the profane, themes that resonate deeply with Rohrwacher’s own experiences. As she shared, “The proximity of sacred and profane, of death and life, that characterized the years in which I was growing up has always fascinated me… This is why I decided at last to make a film that tells this layered story, this relationship between two worlds… As some grave-robbers say, down our way it’s the dead that give life.”
This sentiment of storytelling as a bridge between cultures and eras is echoed throughout the festival. Herve Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, celebrated this unique cinematic experience, noting, “Europe and India are bound by a shared passion for cinema and storytelling, and the EU Film Festival is a vibrant celebration of this unity. This year‘s festival offers a top selection of award-winning European films from renowned international festivals, offering a unique window to Europe through the cinematic lens.” Delphin extended an open invitation to Indian audiences, encouraging them to “sit in the cinema dark room and embark on a luminous cultural journey of entertainment and reflection with a European touch.”
The festival’s lineup is a rich collection of films spanning multiple genres, offering audiences an insightful look into European creativity and social landscapes. The selection reflects both established cinematic traditions and innovative approaches. Films such as Austria’s ‘What a Feeling,’ Belgium’s dark comedy ‘Employee of the Month,’ and Cyprus’ ‘Embryo Larva Butterfly’ showcase the range of themes explored, from humor to human challenges and complex emotions. Other notable entries include Germany’s ‘Afire,’ Greece’s ‘Animal,’ and Finland’s ‘Death is a Problem for the Living.’ Each film not only reflects its country’s unique narrative style but also reveals the universal themes of human struggle, resilience, and self-discovery.
In addition to offering audiences a wide-ranging cinematic palette, EUFF 2024 highlights significant cultural icons and historical narratives. Poland’s ‘Dangerous Gentleman,’ directed by Marcin Kawalski, blends crime and comedy, taking place in the picturesque Polish Tatra Mountains. Magdalena Filipczuk, Acting Director of the Polish Institute New Delhi, emphasized the film’s relevance: “This year, the Polish Institute and EU are showing ‘Dangerous Gentleman,’ a story set in the beautiful scenery of the Polish Tatra Mountains. We hope this movie will intrigue the audience to learn more about Polish culture.” The film features iconic figures of Polish culture, including the celebrated author Joseph Conrad, whose complex past and explorations of identity and displacement echo through his English literature legacy.
Curators Veronica Flora and Valerio Caruso bring a thoughtful approach to the film selection, aiming to touch on the deeper human experience. “This year’s curation delves into the turmoil of the human soul and the often unfathomable complexity of daily life and seeks vital pathways toward peace, brotherhood, and solidarity in an increasingly uncertain future,” they shared. “The 29th edition of EUFF India promises to take audiences on a cinematic journey…exploring the unexpected landscapes of the imagination and celebrating humankind’s resilience.”
For Indian audiences, EUFF 2024 is more than a film showcase; it is a cultural bridge that brings Europe closer through stories, themes, and languages. Michael A. Pal, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum, underscored this sentiment, highlighting the festival’s thematic resonance with the shifting societal landscapes of South Asia. “This year we are having a special theme on sociologically interesting films showing society in change in different aspects of life. I am excited about the refreshing styles of this year’s films in engaging with audiences while seeing new angles of life mostly hidden to the public in South Asia.”
In recent years, Indo-European collaborations have flourished, leading to acclaimed co-productions. This year’s EUFF celebrates such partnerships, including the India-European co-production ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ which earned the Grand Prix at the Festival de Cannes. Ambassador Delphin highlighted the significance of these collaborations: “Indo-European collaborations have produced some of the most acclaimed films on the global stage. This year stands out with several co-productions that have earned international recognition… bringing India and Europe closer through films in a globalising world.”
This year’s EUFF invites audiences to experience films that tackle complex subjects, from gender identity to societal shifts. Teemu Nikki’s Finnish film ‘Death is a Problem for the Living,’ set to screen at Instituto Cervantes, follows the lives of two hearse drivers who face life-altering challenges. With its dark humor and thought-provoking themes, the film underscores the power of cinema to explore human nature’s dark corners. Risto, a gambler struggling to save his marriage, and Arto, dealing with a unique medical condition, together reflect a universal story of resilience.
EUFF 2024 also marks the Indian premiere for several European films. Audiences will be treated to premieres of ‘What a Feeling,’ ‘Because I Love Bad Weather,’ ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ ‘Jim’s Story,’ ‘Without Air,’ ‘Black Velvet,’ and ‘Blood on the Crown.’ This diverse array of films offers Indian viewers a chance to witness Europe’s cinematic evolution firsthand, as the festival embraces both traditional storytelling and avant-garde techniques. The curators’ commitment to exploring contemporary themes of peace, solidarity, and self-discovery promises a festival experience that is both engaging and deeply resonant.
All films will feature English subtitles and will be screened on a first-come, first-serve basis. With screenings spread across multiple venues in Delhi, festival organizers are aiming to provide an accessible platform for all, with films rated for various age groups. Undeniably, this year’s films provide a fresh perspective, bringing new ideas and sparking meaningful conversations. Whether through exploring complex human relationships, the nuances of self-discovery, or the intricacies of gender identity, EUFF 2024 is a celebration of life’s full spectrum.
The 29th European Union Film Festival is more than a celebration of cinema; it’s a dialogue between cultures, connecting Europe and India through the shared language of storytelling. By bringing together films that span genres, languages, and cultural contexts, EUFF 2024 exemplifies the power of cinema to foster mutual understanding and appreciation. From the vibrant streets of New Delhi to the quiet rooms of its iconic venues, this festival offers a ‘Window to Europe,’ inviting audiences to explore, reflect, and connect with European stories that resonate globally.
As the festival opens its doors, audiences can anticipate a cinematic journey that is as varied as it is profound. With its unique blend of drama, humor, and insight, EUFF 2024 promises to be a memorable celebration of storytelling and cultural exchange, a festival where each film is not just a story, but a window into the heart and soul of Europe.