Mumbai: The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) is returning to India with its 31st edition, offering film enthusiasts an opportunity to explore Europe’s diverse cultures and cinematic traditions through a selection of 28 films from across the continent.
The festival will feature films representing 27 European Union member states and Ukraine, covering a wide range of themes, languages and storytelling styles. The screenings will begin in Shillong on November 12, followed by New Delhi from November 25 to December 4, before moving to Pune in December.
Jean-Eric Paquet, Ambassador of the European Union to India, said the festival would bring European storytelling to cities known for their vibrant cultural environments and appreciation of cinema.
He said the selection would allow Indian audiences to experience Europe through the works of some of its most compelling filmmakers, with stories that explore shared human experiences and encourage meaningful conversations.
Paquet described cinema as both a reflection of society and a window into different worlds, adding that the festival also serves as a bridge between cultures and regions. He expressed hope that the films would bring audiences closer to one another and inspire conversations about the world people live in and the possibilities they envision for the future.
Festival curator Artur Zaborski said this year’s selection was designed to bring the diverse voices of European Union countries to Indian audiences while highlighting their shared heritage and distinct cultural identities.
He noted that the films explore a broad spectrum of subjects, including politics, sports, society, family, love, history and contemporary life. The collection features stories ranging from joyful to deeply moving, reflecting the different perspectives and experiences that shape European societies.
Zaborski said that despite their distinct cultural backgrounds, the films address universal themes such as the search for belonging, the courage to challenge social expectations, the need for human connection and the choices that influence people’s lives.
He hoped the screenings would introduce Indian viewers to unfamiliar cultures while also helping them recognise experiences and emotions shared across geographical boundaries.
In New Delhi, the festival will be hosted at six prominent cultural venues: India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes, Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Centre, India International Centre and Triveni Kala Sangam.
With its selection of films from across Europe, the 31st edition of EUFF aims to strengthen cultural exchange between India and Europe and highlight cinema’s ability to connect people through stories that transcend language and national boundaries.
-IANS