The annual EU Film Festival is set to commence on 20 October and run until 19 November, showcasing a diverse range of films from Namibian and European cinemas. This year's festival will feature works from eight EU member states, including Finland, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Estonia, and Poland. The festival will also include Namibian short films, highlighting the country's rich storytelling talent.
The Goethe-Institut will host film screenings every Tuesday and Thursday, starting from 20 October, at 19:00. Ireland, as the current EU Council Presidency, will open the festival with a film titled 'Mrs Robinson'. The festival's launch event saw EU head of partnerships Alexander Baron emphasize the importance of supporting the creative industry, including filmmakers, writers, producers, technicians, and young creatives who are building Namibia's creative economy.
Chairperson of the Filmmakers Association of Namibia, Tjuna Daringo, highlighted the festival's role in facilitating cultural exchange between Namibia and Europe. The partnership between the Namibia Film Commission, the Filmmakers Association of Namibia, and the EU Film Festival provides a platform for Namibian stories to reach a wider audience alongside European films.
In addition to the film screenings, the festival has expanded its programme to cater to a wider audience. A children's session is planned for 6 November, and community screenings will take place at the Hope Initiatives Southern Africa (HISA) Centre in Okuryangava and the College of the Arts (COTA) in Katutura on 24 and 26 November, respectively.
This year's festival will also host a five-day film industry training programme focused on cinematic sound design and co-production. The sessions will be held in partnership with the Namibia Film Commission and Tallinn University's Baltic Film, Media and Arts School. The training programme aims to equip participants with valuable skills and knowledge in the film industry.
The EU Film Festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration between Namibian and European filmmakers. By showcasing a diverse range of films and providing industry training, the festival contributes to the growth of Namibia's creative economy. The event encourages audiences to engage with the creatives behind the stories and fosters a deeper appreciation for Namibian and European cinema.
The festival's organizers are optimistic about the impact of the event on Namibia's film industry. With a diverse range of films, industry training, and community screenings, the EU Film Festival promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for audiences. The festival's success will be measured by its ability to promote cultural exchange, support local filmmakers, and contribute to the growth of Namibia's creative economy.
Key points
- The EU Film Festival features films from eight EU member states and Namibia.
- The festival includes a five-day film industry training programme focused on cinematic sound design and co-production.
- Community screenings will take place at the Hope Initiatives Southern Africa (HISA) Centre in Okuryangava and the College of the Arts (COTA) in Katutura.
