European Film Festival 2021 in Malaysia

14.11.2021

Kuala Lumpur

The European Union Delegation to Malaysia is proud to present the upcoming European Film Festival (EUFF) in its 22nd year in Malaysia from 15 November to 15 December. This is also the second year of the film festival organised virtually in the midst of the pandemic.

22^ND EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL IN MALAYSIA 2021

The European Union Delegation to Malaysia is proud to present the upcoming European Film Festival (EUFF) in its 22^nd year in Malaysia from 15 November to 15 December. This is also the second year of the film festival organised virtually in the midst of the pandemic.

The Film Festival will feature 20 films from the Consortium formed by the Goethe-Institute, Institute Française and Cineuropa, a portal for the promotion of European cinema. The Film Festival remains an integral part of promoting cultural diplomacy between Europe and Malaysia.

Most of the films are collaborations or joint-productions between European countries. These films portray the creativity of Europe and display the similarities between Europe and Malaysia, that diversity is the root of our societies and the power of art to transcend borders.

“The European Film Festival has been an annual celebration and opportunity for us to journey through Europe through the magic of cinema. Since mobility is currently still so restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this opportunity of a virtual journey is even more valuable.

“The Festival has remained an important platform to promote cultural diplomacy and showcase European creativity, from very diverse cultural backgrounds,” Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, His Excellency Michalis Rokas said.

This year, Nikolas Labot’s Her Job (I Doula Tis) will be featured in the festival. It tells the story of 17-year old Panayiota who is trapped within a domestic environment that forbids her from achieving independence. A job opportunity as a cleaner stirs in her the excitement of a new adventure; however, her newfound autonomy stands to be robbed by a series of layoffs at work. The movie explores the themes of women empowerment, the financial crisis and human rights and was the Official Selection at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival.

My Brother Chases Dinosaurs (Mio Fratello Rincorre I Dinosauri) by Stefano Cipani tells the story of brothers Jack and Gio, when Jack finds out that Gio is a ‘special child’, he imagines his little brother as a superhero. The film explores the depths of familial relations in a family with a Down Syndrome child. It was featured at the 2019 Giornate degli Autori Film Festival.

Romy’s Salon (Kapsalon Romy) by Mischa Kamp narrates the story of young Romy who has to stay with her grandma, Stine after school. Romy finds her after school activity boring, as her hairdresser grandma is strict and in love with her salon. A family film that explores the notions of old age and diminishing family structures, director Misha Camp won the Golden Calf for Best Director award at the Netherlands Film Festival.

Small Country: An African Childhood (Petit Pays) by Eric Barbier will be screened at the physical closing ceremony. Petit Pays is the heart-breaking story of 10-year-old Gabriel, whose carefree childhood in Burundi is shattered by the neighbouring Rwandan war. The film has won numerous awards, including Best Film at the Barcelona-Sant Jordi International Film Festival 2021 and was nominated for a Cesar Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

The European Film Festival (EUFF) is a celebration of Europe’s rich cultural diversity as viewers get a taste of diverse lifestyles from various countries. These critically acclaimed independent films display the best of European cinema with award winning actors, directors and crew.

Our media partners, Malaysiakini, Malay Mail Online and Astro Awani, will also support the Film Festival. All the films will be screened free over the course of the month.

For movie details and more information on the European Union Film Festival 2021, visit www.euff.com.my.