“Cinema has the power to transport us to different worlds and open our minds to diverse perspectives,” shares Iwona Piórko, European Union Ambassador to Singapore. From May 16-31, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Singapore will bring the best of contemporary European cinema to the heart of Singapore at independent cinema operator The Projector. More than 20 films from across the EU and works by young local filmmakers will be screened at the European Film Festival (EUFF).
Although the EU and Singapore are seemingly separate, the two actually have a lot in common. As a region comprising 27 Member States, the EU is a melting pot of cultures, histories, languages and perspectives. Along the same lines, Singapore is a multicultural society with diverse groups of people from different backgrounds. By using the medium of film, society is not only entertained, but informed of salient issues through the narration of these filmmakers.
In our highly globalized world, it is impossible to remain isolated from the world and its ever-changing landscape. Thus, film festivals such as the EUFF are platforms for these exchanges to occur. “[EUFF]The continued broadcast is testament to the enduring power of cinema to bring people together and promote cultural exchange, even in the midst of unprecedented challenges,” Piórko added in a statement. “I hope this year’s festival will continue to inspire and enrich audiences in Singapore and beyond.”
For last year’s edition, the EUFF chose Ukraine as the featured country and a Ukrainian film was chosen for the opening. The choice of Ukraine was a sign of support that the EU is showing to the country currently in conflict and as an organization “we continue to stand united in our support for Ukraine and its people for as long as they will have to”.
Sweden is the country of honor this year, and the EUFF will start with the film “Hilma”. This critically acclaimed film explores themes of love, loss and personal growth. Its protagonist is Hilma af Klint, a revolutionary Swedish artist and feminist pioneer. The film chronicles her journey in the 1900s as a female artist trying to break into a male-dominated field. The multi-layered and nuanced biopic also explores the spiritual beliefs that influenced his art and work.
“We also continue our celebration of youth by championing their ideas,” Piórko shares during the EUFF 2023 press conference. festival. We present films by students from three schools: Lasalle College of the Arts Puttnam School of Film and Animation; The School of Film and Media Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic and the School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University.
Tickets for the EUFF are priced at S$15 on weekdays and weekends and are available for purchase here.
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