In its 24th edition, the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) that begins on September 20, brings together 23 latest, award-winning European films from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
The festival opens with the Slovakian film Backstage about a dance group from a small Slovak town, which strives for a breakthrough in the show business. But once they enter this crazy world and take part in a TV dance competition, their friendship, loves and outlook on life are changed. Other films in the line-up include Styx (Austria), King of the Belgians (Belgium), Bubblegum (Bulgaria), Rosemarie (Cyprus), Tender Waves (Czech Republic), The Charmer (Denmark), among others.
Organised by the Delegation of the European Union and embassies of EU Member States in partnership with Films Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the festival opens at the National Museum of Indian Cinema. Raimund Magis, Chargé d'affaires, Delegation of the European Union to India, talks about the festival, and how it helps in bridging the cultural gap.
You have already travelled to seven cities with the festival. How has the experience been?
The film festival has received a very positive response in the cities where it has travelled to. The line-up of films which is so diverse, and covers so many different facets of European experiences, has struck a chord with our audiences, with the universal themes in the films finding great resonance here.
The strength of European cinema has been on display through the festival, and has also laid bare the uniqueness of our cinematographic traditions. We are delighted to be able to present these in perhaps the biggest film city in the world.
What are you expecting in Mumbai, considering this is the entertainment hub of India?
The European Union Film Festival celebrates the vitality and diversity of European cinema and culture. Mumbai has its own flavour and Mumbaikars understand and value "good stories". I am certain viewers in Mumbai will appreciate the breadth and scope of the stories we are presenting here, which represent a whole host of genres and styles. From mockumentary and adventure, to drama and comedy, the festival has a huge range of cinematic styles to choose from. Similarly, Mumbai is a diverse city replete with cultural flavours and I hope that the themes of the films will be well appreciated here.
The curation of the festival seems really interesting as it has representation from 23 European countries. Can you explain the process with which the films were selected?
The festival showcases Europe's rich cultural diversity and its dynamic and engaging cinematic landscape. We did not want to stick to one emotion or genre for showcasing the films. We wanted to bring an array of films exploring themes of self-discovery, dreams of a better future, nostalgia from the past, and human endurance in the face of psychological and situational barriers—universal themes cinemagoers everywhere can identify with.
Does it help in bridging the cultural gap between regions?
EUFF is a way to bring the citizens of India and Europe closer to each other through a medium that is hugely popular in both regions. Cinema offers audiences avenues to explore the distinctiveness and breadth of cultures in different countries. It provides people the possibility to gain insights into the everyday lives, experiences, hopes, and motivations of others in faraway places while allowing us to better understand and appreciate the social fabric of countries as yet unvisited. Thus, cinema acts not only as a bridge between different people and cultures across continents but also allows us to explore the values that are a part of our shared experience.
In times when mega blockbusters is what entice the audience, how difficult is it to have a festival, which aims at promoting the lesser-known films?
The festival has a line-up of award-winning, critically-acclaimed films, and those that have travelled extensively on the festival circuit. It combines a multiplicity of genres that I am convinced has something to offer a variety of audiences. It is also a platform to highlight the social, cultural and rich cinematic diversity of Europe. We are delighted to showcase films that would otherwise, perhaps, not have reached Indian audiences
