The Delegation of the European Union to Namibia, in collaboration with its Member States and the local film industry, today (10 September 2024) launched the 2024 European Union Film Festival at the Franco Namibia Cultural Centre in Windhoek. This year's festival, themed the "Year of Skills," will take place over a two-month period, running every Wednesday night at 18H30 from 18 September until 13 November 2024 at Ster Kinekor Cinema, Maerua Mall. Admission is free for all screenings.

The 2024 EU Film Festival will feature eight acclaimed European films and will close with a special screening of the Namibian film, Lukas. In line with this year’s focus on skills development, the festival is supporting various capacity-building initiatives. To this end, the EU has partnered with the Namibia Film Commission to back Kino Namibia, an exciting platform empowering young Namibian filmmakers by supporting projects from script to screen.

The festival will officially kick off next week Wednesday, 18 September 2024, with the screening of Semmelweis, a Hungarian film that highlights the visionary work of a pioneering doctor in maternal health. Hungary currently holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2024.

In his address, Mr. Ian Dupont, EU Deputy Head of Mission to Namibia, emphasized the festival’s significance: “We are proud to host the annual EU Film Festival in Namibia once again, an important milestone in our TeamEurope cultural cooperation with Namibia. This festival not only fosters interest and awareness around European and Namibian films but also strengthens collaboration between the EU, Namibian audiences, and our local partners. The festival is a way to celebrate not only the art of filmmaking; but also to build bridges and understanding between different cultures. Not only between the EU and Namibia, but between different countries across the world.”

The European Film Festival offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse cultures, life stories, and cinematic traditions. The EU and its partners hope the festival will inspire audiences, spark innovation, and provide a source of cultural enrichment.

The 2024 European Union Film Festival is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Namibia, in partnership with EU Member States in Namibia, including Germany, Finland, France, Portugal, and Spain. Along with Italy represented by Club Italiano and Non-Resident EU Member States based in Pretoria, notably Hungary and Poland. The festival is also supported by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology through the Namibia Film Commission, the Ombetje Yehinga Organisation (OYO), and Jam Events.