Celebrating the 5th European Film Festival in Fiji
The 5th European Film Festival in Fiji, held from 16 to 25 July 2026, has come to a successful close.
We are deeply grateful for the warm response from film lovers across Fiji. Screenings were held at Damodar Cinemas in Suva, Pacific Harbour, Lautoka, and Labasa. This free, family-friendly event highlighted how storytelling can bring different cultures together.
The festival welcomed people of all ages, bringing together children, students, families, and elders.
Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific
The overwhelming response saw audiences arriving early, with several screenings reaching full capacity. Some viewers happily sat on the stairs, while others lined up for the next screening before the current one had even finished.
Audiences enjoyed a thoughtfully curated collection of films from eight EU Member States: Belgium, Czechia, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, and Spain. The programme featured a heartwarming mix of comedies, coming-of-age stories, and animated adventures suitable for younger viewers.
Reflecting on the festival, EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, noted:
“What makes the European Film Festival truly special is the shared experience itself. It builds bridges between cultures that may be far apart on the map yet are connected by the things that matter most to all of us – family, friendship, courage, and hope – whether in Europe or here in the Pacific.”
Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific
Joining audiences in the festival to introduce their films were resident EU Members States Heads of Mission, including Ms Melanie Freund, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of Germany in Fiji, Mr Benjamin Delannoy, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of France in Fiji, and Ms Jaione Cereijo, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of Spain in Fiji. Additionally, H.E. Samija Šerifa, Ambassador of Latvia to Australia, non-resident Ambassador to New Zealand, and Latvia's Special Envoy to the Pacific, also travelled to Suva to introduce the Latvian film.
This spirit of connection was felt throughout the festival. From the simultaneous regional launches in Lautoka and Labasa to the outdoor premiere in Pacific Harbour, local communities showed a genuine appreciation for European cinema.
Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific
More than a series of film screenings, the festival became a meaningful community gathering, demonstrating that while we are oceans apart, we are united in diversity.
The EU Delegation to the Pacific express its sincere gratitude to the EU Member States for their excellent collaboration in the true Team Europe spirit. This festival would not have been possible without your support and contribution.
We also thank our valued partners in helping bring the festival to life – Damodar Cinemas, Pasifika, and Redox.
And our deepest appreciation goes to all the guests who joined us at screenings across Fiji.
Vinaka vakalevu, Fiji, for making this fifth edition so memorable. We look forward to welcoming you back next year.
Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific