European Film Festival Returns to Lesotho for 2024 Edition

07.11.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to LESOTHO

The European Film Festival in Lesotho invites you to embark on a cinematic journey, exploring themes of transition, change, and human resilience. Join us as we showcase a diverse selection of European and local films, from thought-provoking dramas to heart-warming comedies. The festival will run from the 13^th to the 30^th November 2024.

Maseru, Lesotho, 7 November 2024 – The European Union Delegations to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini, in partnership with the Alliance Françaises de Maseru and Mbabane, present the first binational European Film Festival (EUFF). Funded by the EU, and with the complementary financial contributions of nine EU Member States and their cultural institutes, namely, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Poland and Spain, the EUFF will run from the 13^th to the 30^th November 2024.

The European Film Festival will kick-off in Maseru and Roma[1]:

at the Alliance Française de Maseru from the 13^th until the 22^nd November
at the National University of Lesotho from the 19^th until the 22^nd November
at Café What? in Maseru on the 25^th, 26^th and 28^th November

The EU Member States, through their invaluable support, have enabled the festival to expand its duration and reach a broader audience by venturing into more locations.

The Team Europe-supported film festival will open at Alliance Française de Maseru and the National University of Lesotho on 13^th November 2024 and 19^th November 2024 respectively. For the first time, the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and Café’ What? will also host the Festival.

This year’s European Film Festival will showcase 31 films from 22 countries, including from the two Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini, as well as from Europe (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain and Ukraine), from other African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Morocco and Senegal), and finally from Iran, Afghanistan, China and Brazil.

This collaborative effort aims to promote cultural exchange, foster creativity, and strengthen ties between Europe and Lesotho. “Building on the success of previous years, the European Film Festival continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange and cinematic excellence. The festival will present a carefully curated line-up of films that explore contemporary themes and showcase the rich diversity of European and Basotho cinema as well as world cinema”, says EU Ambassador Paola Amadei.

“This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and engagement with film enthusiasts nationwide, highlighting our long-term commitment to cinema production in Lesotho and expanding access to films for a wider audience, including children and rural populations.”, Ambassador Amadei adds.

A Cinematic Journey Through Diverse Global Perspectives

A novel approach was taken to curate Lesotho’s festival programme, involving a collaborative effort between local arts and cultural organisations, media organisations, cultural practitioners, and academic institutions. The National University of Lesotho, Limkokwing University, Sky Alpha HD, the People’s Matrix and GEM Institute played key roles in selecting a diverse and engaging film line-up. This collaborative process ensures that the festival resonates with local audiences and reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the European and African regions. This also aligns with the EU’s ongoing commitment to fostering youth engagement and university partnerships.

This year's film selection explores universal themes, including identity and self-discovery; family, love, and reconciliation; social justice and human rights as well as environmental awareness and sustainability. From the personal journeys of individuals to broader societal issues, these films offer unique perspectives on the world, highlighting the power of storytelling to inspire and provoke thought. By exploring diverse cultures and storytelling styles, the festival aims to inspire dialogue and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Many of the films feature characters on journeys of self-discovery or grappling with their identities. For instance, the Cypriot film, “The Man with the Answers" depicts a road trip that sparks a connection between two unlikely friends. The Belgian film "Binti" focuses on a young girl finding her place as an undocumented immigrant.

Powerful women take centre stage in films such as Germany’s "Trained to See: Three Women and the War", which chronicles the experiences of pioneering female war correspondents who dared to cover World War II, while Italian film "The Girl From Tomorrow" tells the story of a young woman defying social norms in 1960s Sicily and her fight against reparatory marriage.

Complex family relationships are a recurring theme in films such as Ukrainian "Luxembourg, Luxembourg", which explores the complex bond between brothers searching for their estranged father.

Celebrating Local Talent in the two Kingdoms

Additionally, three films produced by Lesotho filmmakers supported by the Sound Connects Fund, a Music In Africa Foundation and the Goethe-Institut initiative, funded by the ACP-EU Culture Programme, will be showcased, celebrating local talent and offering unique insights into the country's culture, history, and contemporary issues.

The opening film, "A Wish for My Daughter," produced by Lesotho's GEM Institute, delves into inheritance rights and the role of Basotho women in family and community structures. This film was initially soft-launched during the EU’s International Women’s Day event at the National University of Lesotho in March this year.

Two films by the Lesotho Rap Archives will also be screened. "Lerabeng la Mahlanya" delves into the musical journeys of Mahlanya and Morena Leraba – two prominent figures in Lesotho’s contemporary music scene who draw inspiration from famo music, a traditional genre rooted in the cultural heritage of Lesotho. The second film, “We were always here – A Lesotho Hip Hop Story”, serves as a profound exploration of the musical journeys undertaken by rappers in Lesotho, and delves into the rich tapestry of the country's hip-hop culture, tracing its evolution and impact on both local and broader artistic landscapes.

"Baka Ngwane" from Eswatini is a period drama that explores themes of love, honour, and the quest for a homeland, centring on King Matalatala's struggle to lead his people across the Zambezi River while confronting the expectation that his daughter, iNkhosatana, must take the lead.

Partnering for a Brighter Future

This year, the European Film Festival is making a strong commitment to young audiences. From the 14^th to the 21^st November 2024, Alliance Française will host dedicated sessions for children, with an expected attendance of 800 young film enthusiasts. Alliance Française de Maseru will present 8 animation movies with 21 screenings, partnering with 16 schools in and around Maseru. The National University of Lesotho will present 11 movies for an estimated 1000+ students and the broader university community.

As in previous editions, a seminar will be offered to cinema students and practitioners. This year, a workshop will be conducted with Limkokwing University and the GEM Institute, focusing on film production.

For an adult audience, Alliance Française de Maseru will also present 11 movies open to the public. Additionally, 6 short movies on climate change and a movie on women’s rights, will be screened at Café What? on the 25th, 26th and 28th November 2024.

In total, 18 movies will be shown in Maseru open to the general public.

Admission to all European Film Festival venues is free.

ENDS

For more information and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on @EUinLesotho and @Alliance Française de Maseru.

Media Contact:

Mookho Makhetha, Delegation of the European Union in Lesotho,
[email protected]

Elisabeth Douillet, Alliance Française De Maseru,
[email protected]