The European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, is organizing the European Film Festival in Abu Dhabi from 12 to 16 May 2024. This event aims to strengthen cultural relations and exchange between the UAE and the EU countries through cinema.

The festival will showcase a selection of 10 unique European films, presented by the embassies and cultural institutes of EU member states: Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovenia, and Sweden.

The festival will take place in the heart of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, with screenings at the theatre of the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. Admission to the festival is free of charge, with the aim of providing a cultural experience that introduces Emirati audiences to European cultural and cinematic diversity, as well as to exchange expertise and knowledge in the field of cinema.

The festival will also offer an opportunity for emerging talents, students, and aspiring screenwriters and directors to benefit from a workshop on the art of screenwriting and storytelling. The workshop will be led by a European film expert, with the aim of deepening ties and cooperation between experts from the EU and the UAE, promoting dialogue and cultural exchange, and supporting local talent through the sharing of best practices and experiences.

H.E. Lucie Berger, EU Ambassador to the UAE, said:

"Cinema is one of the most influential mediums in modern society. Films help us see the world from different perspectives and learn about people and cultures. From this perspective, the European Union believes in the importance of strengthening human connection through culture and art. By investing in cultural and artistic fields we help promote the values of coexistence, tolerance, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas. European films are distinguished by their unique style, which focuses on introspection and the development of plot and characters. We hope that through the European Film Festival we can present unique films that will introduce the Emirati audience to the diverse cultures of European countries and their creative industries."

H.E. Lucie Berger praised the constructive cooperation and fruitful partnership with the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, a prominent cultural and historical landmark in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The Cultural Foundation plays a pivotal role in preserving Emirati culture, heritage, and arts, and in consolidating cultural exchange between the UAE and various countries around the world, including the EU countries.

It is worth noting that the European Film Festival is one of the global initiatives organized by the European Union in more than 90 countries around the world. To learn more about the European Film Festival Abu Dhabi and its programme, visit www.euff.ae.