Lights, camera, action as curtain rises on European Film Festival at Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi
22 June 2025 18:54
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Good news for film fans and filmmakers.The European Film Festival (EUFF) is being held in Abu Dhabi on June 23 to 29 at the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi.The second edition of the festival is being organised by the European Union Delegation to the UAE, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), with the support of EU Member States Embassies and Cultural Institutes in the UAE.Attendees can expect to be transported to diverse landscapes, experience captivating narratives, and witness the power of European storytelling.This year's festival features a curated selection of 17 European films from a diverse range of countries, including Latvia, Poland, Netherlands, Malta, Germany, Czechia, Austria, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Ireland, Hungary, Sweden, Spain, Romania and Slovenia.In a significant first, an Emirati film will also be featured, 'Mountain Boy'. This award-winning production was brought to life by a team of 32 Emirati cast and crew members, including Emirati film director, Zainab Shaheen.The festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in both European and Emirati cultures, discover exceptional cinematic talent, and engage in a vibrant exchange of ideas.The EUFF will also host a free three-day workshop titled 'Developing and Funding Films: From Concept to Creation', led by European film expert, Graziella Bildesheim, an award-winning producer with over 30 years of experience in the film industry. The workshop is specifically designed for producers, aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters and industry professionals. Participants will have the chance to hone their craft, learn from experienced professionals and connect with fellow creatives.The EUFF is designed to foster collaboration between EU and UAE film professionals, promote cultural exchange and empower local talent through the sharing of insights and best practices.Tickets are Dh25 for one film, Dh150 for a multi-day pass.
Screening programme:- Monday, June 23 'Flow' (animation, 7pm) – Latvia- Tuesday, June 24'Mountain Boy' (adventure, 6pm) - UAE'Dangerous Gentlemen' (crime comedy, 8pm) – Poland- Wednesday, June 25'Bigman' (family, 4pm) - Netherlands'Carmen' (romantic comedy, 6pm) - Malta'Two to One' (comedy, 8pm) – Germany- Thursday, June 26'Living Large' (animation, 4pm) - Czechia'Mond' (drama, 6pm) - Austria'The Musicians' (comedy musical, 8pm) – France- Friday, June 27'Io Sto Bene' (drama, 4pm) - Italy'The Trap' (drama, 6pm) - Bulgaria'Remember to Blink' (drama, 8pm) – Lithuania- Saturday, June 28'Tarrac' (sports drama, 4pm) - Ireland'Four Souls of Coyote' (animation, 6pm) - Hungary'UFO Sweden' (sci-fi adventure, 8pm) – Sweden- Sunday, June 29'Ramona' (romantic comedy, 2pm) - Spain'Horia' (adventure, 4pm) - Romania
'Riders' (adventure, 6pm) - Slovenia
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