EU Film Fest celebrates a year of skills
Free screenings of international movies
The Delegation of the European Union to Namibia in collaboration with Member States and the local film industry launched the 2024 European Union (EU) Film Festival in the capital today.This year's festival themed the "Year of Skills", takes place over two months, running every Wednesday night from 18 September until 13 November 2024 at Ster Kinekor Maerua Mall. Best of all is that admission is free for all screenings.
The 2024 EU Film Festival features eight acclaimed European films and will close with a special screening of the Namibian film, Lukas.
In line with this year’s focus on skills development, the festival supports various capacity-building initiatives. To this end, the EU has partnered with the Namibia Film Commission to back Kino Namibia, an exciting platform empowering young Namibian filmmakers by supporting projects from script to screen.
The festival officially kicks off next week on Wednesday (18 September) with the screening of Semmelweis, a Hungarian film that highlights the visionary work of a pioneering doctor in maternal health. Hungary currently holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2024.
Speaking at the launch,
In his address, EU Deputy Head of Mission to Namibia Ian Dupont emphasized the festival’s significance.
“We are proud to host the annual EU Film Festival again, an important milestone in our TeamEurope cultural cooperation with Namibia. This festival not only fosters interest and awareness around European and Namibian films, but also strengthens collaboration between the EU, Namibian audiences, and our local partners.
“The festival is a way to celebrate not only the art of filmmaking but also to build bridges and understanding between different cultures. Not only between the EU and Namibia but between different countries across the world.”
The EU Film Festival offers an opportunity to explore diverse cultures, life stories and cinematic traditions. The EU and its partners hope the festival will inspire audiences, spark innovation and provide a source of cultural enrichment.
The 2024 festival is organised by the EU delegation to Namibia, in partnership with EU Member States in Namibia, including Germany, Finland, France, Portugal, and Spain, along with Italy represented by Club Italiano and Non-Resident EU Member States based in Pretoria, notably Hungary and Poland. The festival is also supported by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology through the Namibia Film Commission, the Ombetje Yehinga Organisation (OYO), and Jam Events.