The much-anticipated European Film Festival (EUFF) is back this May, as it brings the best of European cinema to Singapore. The festival takes place at The Projector from 12th to 26th May 2022, and features 24 films from 23 countries. The films showcased belong to a specific country while representing Europe’s rich cultural heritage. Presented by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Singapore, EUFF shines the spotlight on contemporary European cinema by bringing films to Singapore reflecting Europe’s diversity, inclusivity, and solidarity.
With the ongoing Ukraine-Russian crisis, this year’s opening film will be Ukraine’s Mother of Apostles. Directed by Zaza Buadze, the award-wining film follows Sofia (Natalia Polovynka), whose peaceful life is disrupted when she receives news that the humanitarian plane her pilot son was flying was shot down over occupied territory, where there is war. She sets off on a perilous journey in search of her son after receiving an unsatisfactory response on his whereabouts. Through her searing portrayal while grappling with pain Sofia touches hearts and reaches out to people in places filled with despair.
A total of 23 countries will present films this year, across a number of genres that once again showcases the sheer diversity of the EU’s members, their cultures a rich mix that celebrates history, champions their philosophies, or takes time to have a laugh with their unique brand of comedy.
Closing the festival this year is France’s Lost Illusions (Illusion Perdues) on 26th May. An all-star cast dazzles in this critically acclaimed award-winning movie, an adaptation of celebrated French novelist and playwright Honoré de Balzac’s classic novel about a young idealist who learns painful lessons about life. The film won seven César Awards (2022) – the most prestigious Film Awards in France – including Best Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
2022 is also the European Year of Youth, where the EU celebrates and champions the ideas of youth, and in the EUFF context, deepens their collaboration with young Singapore filmmakers. This year, EUFF presents student films from three schools – Lasalle College of the Arts, Puttnam School of Film and Animation, Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design and Media, and Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Film & Media Studies – alongside the main festival showcase.
Says Iwona Piórko, European Union Ambassador to Singapore: “Cinema reminds us of our humanity and demonstrates to us how our lives are interconnected. We present this year’s EUFF in a difficult time. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine by opening the festival with the multiple award-winning Ukrainian film, Mother of Apostles. This movie, like several others on our programme, celebrates universal values of peace, freedom, and human dignity.”
European Film Festival 2022 runs from 12th to 26th May 2022 at the Projector. Tickets available here
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