European Union Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Michalis Rokas (middle) with Ambassadors and Chargé d'affaires of Member States

26 Sep – The finest selection of contemporary European movies is ready to hit the silver screens near you in the upcoming 24th European Film Festival (EUFF), opening on 10 October.

With Cinema Online returning as the official media partner, the festival will open with Spanish film "Goya in Bordeaux" in GSC Mid Valley Megamall, and features 18 movies from 15 countries across Europe. These movies will be screened in 5 participating Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) outlets in Malaysia.

The festival kicks off from 12-22 October in GSC Mid Valley Megamall, GSC MyTown and GSC One Utama in the Klang Valley, before moving on to GSC Gurney Plaza Penang from 26 October - 1 November.

This year, it is also making a comeback in Kuching through screenings in GSC CityOne Megamall, from 2-5 November. The reintroduction follows the festival's 4-year hiatus from Sarawak.

The EU celebrates its 20th anniversary in Malaysia

The Festival will kick off in Klang Valley on 12 October

At the press briefing for the festival, the European Union Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Michalis Rokas said that the EUFF - which is arguably the oldest and longest running film festival in Malaysia - has grown into a cultural institution that connects people from all walks of life.

"It is a platform for Member States and partners to showcase our legacy, passion and expertise in film making to Malaysia and the world. Our rich tapestry of cultures, history, philosophy and landscapes are in full display during this event that Malaysia has played host to yearly since 1999."

Ambassador Rokas said that Kuching is reintroduced as a location for the festival's circuit in keeping with the EU's policy of reaching out to as many Malaysians as possible.

"The EU is celebrating our 20th anniversary in Malaysia and in line with our spirit of togetherness and shared prosperity, we are glad to extend this additional venue as a mark of friendship and respect to Malaysia as a whole instead of just focusing on the Klang Valley and Peninsular Malaysia."

"Goya in Bordeaux" will be the Festival's opening film

The Ambassador of Spain to Malaysia José Luis Pardo Cuerdo said his mission picked "Goya in Bordeaux" to launch the festival as the Kingdom was celebrating Pablo Picasso and his contributions to the world, to mark the 50th anniversary of his death. Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, drew inspiration from Francisco José de Goya y Luciente.

Pardo Cuerdo said the movie, written and directed by Carlos Saura, explores the experiences and artistic evolution of Goya who is considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers of the modern age. The film which focuses on Goya's evolution as a man, his work and private obsessions, is set against the backdrop of the final months before his death.

Ms Clara Cualbu, the Deputy Head of Mission for Italy said "The two movies presented by Italy - "Parents Vs. Influencers" & "We Still Talk" - remind us of the complexity of human relationships, the importance of expanding our views and the immense power of empathy and love, universal themes that have no borders and concern us all whether we live in Italy, Malaysia or elsewhere in the world. This is the main reason behind our choice. We hope you'll enjoy them."

These two Italian movies and "Goya in Bordeaux" are among the 11 titles that would be screened for free.

"Parents Vs. Influencers" will be screened for free

The other movies that would be screened for free are "The Restless" (Belgium), "Neither With You" (Hungary), "100 Days of Ulysses" (Ireland), "The Brothers" (Netherlands), "Operation Artic" (Norway), "Ramona" (Spain), "Imad's Childhood" (Sweden) and "Mr Jones" (Ukraine).

Moviegoers can redeem the free tickets - packaged with a RM4 mineral water purchase per ticket - via e-payment on the GSC website/app/ ticketing kiosks at the participating GSC cinemas. The tickets of the remaining movies will be sold at RM10 and shall be available on the same GSC website/app/ ticketing kiosks at the participating GSC cinemas.

EUFF's partners include Golden Screen Cinemas and Cinema Online.