European Union Film Festival opens to staggering response in New Delhi

The European Union Film Festival EUFF kicked off its 30th edition in New Delhi on October 31 opening with the Dutch film Memory Lane De Terugreis The filmrsquos writer Marijn de Wit introduced the screening to an enthusiastic audience marking the beginning of a milestone edition of EUFF celebrating three decades of cinematic cultural and artistic exchange between Europe and India The opening screening drew a full house of cinephiles content creators diplomats and film enthusiasts setting a vibrant tone for the festivalMemory Lane the Netherlandsrsquo official submission for the 2024 Academy Awards follows a bitter man who reluctantly drives to Spain with his wife who has dementia to visit a dying friend Along the journey he rediscovers love connection and the art of letting go striking a deep chord with Delhi audiencesRunning from October 31 to November 9 the festival will showcase 28 acclaimed European films in 29 languages exploring universal themes of love hope identity resilience and familial bonds The festival offers Delhi audiences a window to Europersquos rich storytelling and diverse cinemaAbout the European Union Film FestivalOrganised by the European Union in collaboration with the EU Member States and regional partners the festival stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and cultural exchange between the European Union and India More than a showcase of cinematic excellence EUFF embodies a shared commitment to promoting crosscultural dialogue artistic expression and community building through the universal language of storytellingThe European Union Film Festival was officially declared open by Herveacute Delphin Ambassador of the European Union to India alongside Marijn de Wit the writer of the opening film Sandeep Kumar director of the Austrian movie Happy as well as representatives of EU Member states The opening ceremony set the tone for a celebration of cinematic diversity storytelling and cultural exchange between Europe and India Their presence underscored the spirit of collaboration and exchange that defines the festival mdash a space where stories cultures and ideas come alive on the big screenSpeaking at the inaugural ceremony Herveacute Delphin Ambassador of the European Union to India said ldquoThe 30th edition of the European Union Film Festival is not just a milestone it is a celebration of three decades of friendship creativity and cultural exchange between Europe and India Over the years EUFF has become a beautiful bridge between our regions bringing stories that speak of hope resilience and shared humanity This yearrsquos curation of 28 films from across Europe including 13 by exceptional women filmmakers showcases the diversity artistic depth and emotional power that define European cinema Cinema remains one of the most powerful forms of connection a conversation without the need for translation and EUFF continues to embody that spirit by fostering collaboration and understanding between European and Indian storytellersrdquoIntroducing the opening film to Indian audiences Marijn de Wit writer of Memory Lane said ldquoWe are thrilled to have our film open the 30th European Union Film Festival As a writer you always hope that your story will travel beyond borders and connect with people from different cultures Memory Lane explores themes that are deeply universal mdash emotions that resonate no matter where you come from Irsquom grateful to EUFF for giving us this wonderful platform and for bringing stories like ours to such a wonderful and curious audiencerdquoThe 30th European Union Film Festival brings together an eclectic and thoughtprovoking selection of films from across Europe mdash a celebration of storytelling that transcends borders This yearrsquos curation explores an array of themes from the intricacies of human relationships and questions of identity to the enduring bonds of family and belonging Each film offers audiences a window to Europe showcasing the diversity creativity and emotional depth that define contemporary European cinemaFilms to be screenedAs Indiarsquos largest and most distinguished showcase of European cinema EUFF 2025 features films from Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta the Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden and Ukraine Highlights include Happy Austria directed by Sandeep Kumar Julie Keeps Quiet Belgium directed by Leonardo van Dijl Holy Cow France by Louise Courvoisier Dying Germany directed by Matthias Glasner Three Kilometres to the End of the World Romania directed by Emanuel Parvu Family Therapy Slovenia directed by Sonja Prosenc Behind the Haystacks Greece directed by Asimina Proedrou The Waves Czech Republic directed by Jiriacute Maacutedl Bad Living Portugal directed by Joatildeo Canijo Memory Lane Netherlands directed by Jelle de Jonge Familia Italy directed by Francesco CostabileThe entire lineup includesAustria Happy Belgium Julie Keeps Quiet Bulgaria The Trap Croatia Pelican Czech Republic The Waves Cyprus Smaragda ndash I Got Thick Skin and I Cant Jump Denmark Matters of the Heart Estonia Lioness Finland The Missile France Holy Cow Germany Dying Greece Behind the Haystacks Hungary Three Thousand Numbered Pieces Ireland That They May Face the Rising Sun Italy Familia Latvia Soviet Milk Lithuania Tasty Luxembourg Breathing Underwater Malta Castillo Netherlands Memory Lane Poland Itrsquos Not My Film Portugal Bad Living Romania Three Kilometres to the End of the World Slovakia The Hungarian Dressmaker Slovenia Family Therapy Spain Ei 47 Sweden The Swedish Torpedo Ukraine Film Name to be AnnouncedThe 30th edition of EUFF will also travel to Bengaluru and Hyderabad extending its cinematic journey across India All films will be screened with English subtitles and entry is free on a firstcome firstserved basis Some titles carry an 18 rating viewers are advised to check age classifications prior to attending