The monsoons are here and it’[s time for that hot cuppa tea and a good entertaining book. This time
however, there is the option of enjoying some excellent European cinema with
the fortnight-long European Union Film Festival that will bring a slice of
Europe in Your City from July 4 to July 18, 2019.
The festival line-up includes contemporary
movies curated from 22 European countries. The festival will commence with a
screening of the Portuguese movie ‘Diamantino’. In its 24th edition, EUFF
brings together a boutique of 22 latest and award winning European films,
featuring movies from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
The European Union Film Festival will run at the Entertainment
Society of Goa, Maquinez Palace, Panjim and will bring to the city a selection
of some of the finest and most riveting films coming out of Europe today. EUFF
promises to be a heady cocktail of romantic comedy, period drama, mockumentary,
satirical humour, family drama, and socio-political thriller.
Bringing some of the latest award winning and contemporary films
from the European film circuit, the European Union Film Festival has some
unusual stories to tell: an uninspired soap opera writer turns his gaze upon
his dysfunctional neighbours and gets more than he bargained for; the
transformation of a strong woman torn from her contented world during a sailing
trip; a wayward monarch profoundly lost in the Balkans; a gifted engineer flees
his austere roots to pursue wealth and success; five courageous, smart and
self-determined women fight for sexual liberation and autonomy.
Speaking about the 24th edition of the European Union Film
festival in India, H E Tomasz Kozlowski, Ambassador of the European Union to
India, said, “The festival showcases Europe’s rich cultural diversity and its
dynamic and engaging cinematic landscape. This year, we bring an array of films
exploring themes of self-discovery, dreams of a better future, nostalgia for
the past, and human endurance in the face of psychological and situational
barriers – universal themes cinemagoers everywhere can identify with.”
The Portuguese movie tells the story of Diamantino, the world’s
premiere soccer star, who loses his special touch and ends his career in
disgrace. Searching for a new purpose, the international icon sets on a
delirious odyssey where he confronts neo-fascism, the refugee crisis, genetic
modification, and the hunt for the source of genius.
Students of cinema will have the opportunity to interact with
Peter Sant, director of Malta movie ‘Of Time and the Sea’ at a date and time
that will be announced shortly. Films will be with English subtitles. Entry
will be allowed for 18+ and will be on a first come, first served basis.
The
EU film festival, which started off in Chennai in June, will traverse through 8
other cities in India including New Delhi, Goa, Pune, Puducherry, Bengaluru,
Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Kozikhode, till September 2019.
