Latest news with #EuropeanFilmFestival
Online Citizen
17 hours ago
- Business
- Online Citizen
PSP's Leong Mun Wai calls The Projector's closure a wake-up call for arts and civil society
The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) has spoken out following the abrupt closure of The Projector, with former Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Leong Mun Wai expressing deep concern and describing the loss as a significant setback for Singapore's civil society and arts communities. In a statement issued on 19 August 2025, the day The Projector ceased operations at its Golden Mile Tower outlet, Leong said: 'I am saddened and shocked to hear that The Projector will cease operations immediately with effect from today.' Leong highlighted the cinema's important role as 'an independent space for ideas to be shared by civil society groups and arts groups,' citing his recent attendance at the Independent Media Fair hosted there as an example of its continued relevance. The Projector, which opened in 2014, had established itself as a central venue for alternative film screenings and community-focused events. Over the years, it hosted the Singapore International Film Festival, Pink Screen, and the European Film Festival, along with poetry slams, vintage markets, and activist forums. The cinema announced its immediate closure via Instagram on 19 August, stating that it was entering voluntary liquidation after a decade of operations. The shutdown came just two weeks after the closure of its Cineleisure Orchard outlet on 4 August. Leong's statement drew attention to the broader implications of the closure for Singapore's creative and civic landscapes. 'The closure of The Projector demonstrates how urgent it is for us to support the arts and independent civil society organisations in Singapore,' he stated. He also encouraged citizens to make use of the upcoming SG Culture Pass, which will be credited in September, to actively support local arts and heritage programmes. Management of The Projector acknowledged in its 19 August post that it had faced unsustainable pressures from rising costs and evolving global viewing habits. 'These pressures have been compounded by the broader realities of operating in the arts and culture sector in Singapore, where independent ventures navigate limited resources,' the statement read. The Straits Times reported that The Projector had scaled back daily screenings at Golden Mile from May 2025, pivoting to event-based programming and venue rentals. Co-founder Karen Tan described this shift as an attempt to future-proof the cinema's model. Despite these efforts, the cinema was unable to remain operational. Both of its outlets have now closed, marking the end of an institution widely regarded as a rare platform for independent voices. The PSP's response reflects a broader concern within civil society that creative and civic spaces in Singapore face significant structural obstacles, including limited funding, rising rents, and a lack of institutional support. The SG Culture Pass, to be introduced in September, is a government initiative aimed at encouraging Singaporeans to participate in local cultural activities.
Observer
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Omani film to feature at 2nd European Film Festival
MUSCAT, AUG 16 The 2nd edition of the European Film Festival in Muscat will showcase 22 films from nine EU countries, including fiction and documentaries, alongside an Omani film by Dr Khalid al Zadjali. The festival will run from September 21 to 28, at Cinépolis, Avenues Mall. The announcement was made at the German Embassy in Muscat, hosted by German Ambassador Dirk Lölke, in the presence of diplomatic representatives from the nine participating EU countries. Dr Khalid al Zadjali's film 'Zayana' will be screened as a special tribute to the Omani film industry. Speaking about the festival, EU Ambassador Christophe Farnaud, German Ambassador Dirk Lölke and Festival Coordinator Sudha Sha highlighted the expanded programme and the EU's commitment to strengthening cultural ties with Oman through cinema. 'This year's festival features 22 films from Austria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Romania and Spain — an expansion from last year's 15 films — offering audiences an extraordinary opportunity to explore Europe's diverse cultural heritage through cinema', said Dirk Lölke. The festival's line-up includes popular titles as well as award-winning films celebrated at Cannes, the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. Side events include masterclasses and workshops by internationally renowned European filmmakers, providing hands-on training for university students and emerging Omani filmmakers. Special screenings for children will be held during weekend mornings, while expanded weekend showings will give audiences more choices. Interactive programmes, including film curation sessions and post-screening discussions, are also scheduled. The festival will open on Sunday, September 21, with the opening movie screening,and conclude on Sunday, September 28, at Cinépolis, Avenues Mall.
Al Etihad
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
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 European Film Festival (EUFF) is being held in Abu Dhabi on June 23 to 29 at the Cultural Foundation Abu 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 can expect to be transported to diverse landscapes, experience captivating narratives, and witness the power of European 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 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 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 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 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 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
FACT
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
The European Film Festival returns to Abu Dhabi
The European Film Festival celebrates cinema, culture and collaboration. There's always something happening in Abu Dhabi. While local talent and culture remain at the centre of the capital's creative scene, it also knows how to embrace the world. This time, Abu Dhabi is marking the return of the celebrated European Film Festival. Back for its second edition, the celebration of cinema will take place from 23 to 29 June at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. Organised by the European Union Delegation to the UAE, in collaboration with the Cultural Foundation, this week-long celebration of cinema aims to bridge cultures, foster dialogue, and showcase diverse perspectives. The theme of this year's festival revolves around identity, resilience, and social change. Seventeen films from across the continent will be screened, spotlighting cinematic gems from France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and more. Expect coming-of-age dramas, historical adventures, comedies, and much more. Some of the films to look out for include Bigman from the Netherlands, Ramona from Spain, Dangerous Gentlemen from Poland, and Four Souls of Coyote from Hungary. For the first time, the festival will also feature an Emirati production. Mountain Boy, directed by Zainab Shaheen and brought to life by a 32-member Emirati cast and crew, will join the line-up, marking a significant moment of cultural exchange and collaboration between the UAE and Europe. In addition to the screenings, the European Film Festival will host a free three-day workshop. Aimed at aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters, these sessions are designed to support local talent with practical skills and industry insights. Tickets to the European Film Festival screenings start from AED 25 per film. So, whether you're a cinephile or a budding filmmaker, this festival promises to entertain, educate, and inspire. GO: Visit for more information.
Zawya
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
The sixth edition of the European Film Festival in Mauritius: 5 dates, 5 locations, 10 films, 7 European Union (EU) Member States to celebrate Europe Day!
This sixth edition of the European Film Festival Mauritius, organised from 3 to 30 May 2025 to mark Europe Day and the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, featured films from seven EU Member States, various film genres as well as a ' clin d'oeil' to Mauritius-Europe collaboration in cinema. Freedom, resilience, solidarity and exchange were the key words of the Festival that has gathered 500 spectators in 5 locations of the island. Each screening had a specific theme, from Ukraine and German-speaking films to EU-Mauritius cooperation in cinema. The Ambassador, Oskar Benedikt stated : ' The European Film Festival aims to bring Europe closer to citizens through free screenings of films across Mauritius. Several evenings, several places, different themes.' The opening night took place in the magnificent garden of the Château de Labourdonnais with the screening of the Hungarian short film 'Under the volcano' and the visually stunning French feature film ' Le Règne Animal', selected in the ' Un Certain Regard Section ' of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The second screening was dedicated to Ukraine. Several members of the Ukrainian Association of Mauritius, wearing the traditional shirt (vyshyvanka), gathered to watch the Ukrainian short film 'It's a date' by Nadia Parfan and the Polish feature film 'Under the volcano' by Damian Kocur about a Ukrainian family stranded in Tenerife, Spain when Russia launched its war of aggression against Ukraine. While addressing the audience, Mr Marios Vitos, Head of Political, Press and Information Section at the EU Delegation stated that this 'special Ukraine' screening was a sign of our solidarity with Ukraine and its people. The President of the Ukrainian Association of Mauritius said : ' We are deeply grateful to the European Film Festival for dedicating a screening to Ukraine as an act of cultural solidarity. Seeing 'It's a Date' by Nadia Parfan included in the program, and especially 'Under the Volcano', which portrays the abrupt loss of home and normality experienced by a Ukrainian family, brought a meaningful feeling to our community: the feeling of being seen. At a time when the war in Ukraine risks fading into background noise for much of the world, creating space for Ukrainian stories – especially far from Europe – is powerful. It helps preserve memory, affirm identity, and remind us that behind every headline are human lives.' On the programme of the third outdoor screening, two German-speaking films including 'The Endlosen' (Germany, 2024), and a feature film 'Mermaids don't cry' (Austria, 2022) from the catalogue of the Goethe Institute-Institut français-Cineuropa Consortium. For the fourth screening at the Pointe Canon Open Air Theatre in Mahebourg - a small village on the South East coast of the island, an important historical and cultural place for Mauritians - the Festival put a focus on Mauritius-Europe cooperation in cinema with the short film 'Bann Vag Laliberte' by Mauritian film director Christopher Amurat and Spanish producer Javier Olivas and the Belgian feature film 'Mo'Zar, Mon Style' by Sebastien Peretti about Nolwenn, a Mauritian girl who joins Mo'zar Espace Artistic to learn piano. Two powerful stories with two young Mauritian main characters about resilience and hope. The screening was followed by a small concert by several students from Mo'zar Espace Artistic that provides musical training to children in Roche Bois, an impoverished suburb of the capital-city that has acquired a negative reputation. The final screening started with a short film 'Pie dan lo' by Mauritian film director Kim Yip Tong about the oil spill caused by the wreck of the Wakashio. Accompanied by her team, she gave a short presentation about their work and replied to questions from the audience concerning the techniques used to produce the 13-minute film depicting one of the most traumatic natural disasters in the country's history. The short film was followed by ' Angelo dans la forêt mystérieuse', an animation film for the young audience coproduced by France and Luxemburg. A number of organisations have supported the Festival including the Embassy of Austria in Kenya, the Institut français de Maurice, the Goethe Institute - Institut français - Cineuropa consortium as well as a number of local partners, in particular the Ministry of Arts and Culture and the Film Classification Board. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles.
