The festival will feature a curated lineup of 10 European films, presented in collaboration with the embassies and cultural institutes of EU member states.
The European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, is set to host the European Film Festival in Abu Dhabi from May 12 to 16, 2024. This initiative aims to bolster cultural relations and foster exchange between the UAE and EU countries through the medium of cinema.
Featuring a curated selection of 10 European films, the festival will be presented by the embassies and cultural institutes of EU member states including the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovenia, and Sweden.
Located at the heart of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, the festival screenings will take place at the theatre of the Cultural Foundation. Admission to the festival is free of charge, providing Emirati audiences with a cultural experience that introduces them to the diverse cinematic landscape of Europe while facilitating knowledge exchange in the field of cinema.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will offer a workshop on screenwriting and storytelling, providing a platform for emerging talents, students, and aspiring screenwriters and directors to learn from a European film expert. This workshop aims to deepen ties and cooperation between experts from the EU and the UAE, fostering dialogue, cultural exchange, and supporting local talent through the sharing of best practices and experiences.
Speaking about the film festival, Lucie Berger, EU Ambassador to the UAE, said: “Cinema is one of the most influential mediums in modern society. Films help us see the world from different perspectives and learn about other cultures. The European Union believes in the importance of strengthening human connection through culture and art, including cinematography. By investing in cultural and artistic fields we help promote the values of coexistence, tolerance, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas. We hope that through the European Film Festival, we can present unique films that will introduce the Emirati audience to the diverse cultures of European countries and their creative industries.”
Lucie Berger praised the constructive cooperation and fruitful partnership with the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, a prominent cultural and historical landmark in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The Cultural Foundation plays a pivotal role in preserving Emirati culture, heritage, and arts, and in consolidating cultural exchange between the UAE and various countries around the world, including the EU.
The European Film Festival Abu Dhabi is part of a global initiative organised by the European Union in over 90 countries worldwide.
