Cine Europa, now in its 27th year, is bringing the best of European cinema to UP Cebu, where film enthusiasts can enjoy a selection of 11 contemporary films from European Union Member States. This year’s lineup also includes contributions from the Alliance Française de Manille, Goethe Institut, Instituto Cervantes, the Philippine Italian Association, and guest country Ukraine, showcasing the creativity and diversity of European filmmaking.
From powerful dramas to imaginative comedies and stunning animations, Cine Europa 27 promises a range of cinematic experiences that highlight the excellence of European cinema.
The festival will open nationwide on October 18 with the Polish film “Dangerous Gentlemen” at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.
Following the launch, Cine Europa 27 will travel to various venues, including the University of the Philippines Cebu, where screenings will be held on October 22-27, 2024, at Lawak Sinehan. Other locations include the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio, University of San Agustin in Iloilo, and University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, from October 18 to 27, 2024.
Screenings at UP Cebu are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the Cine Europa 27 Facebook page.
11 Films to Watch Out For
This year’s lineup features a vibrant array of films, each presenting unique narratives that showcase the diverse cultural fabric of Europe.
1. Long Story Short (Denmark, 2015)
Director: May el-Toukhy, Maren Louise Käehne
A heartfelt ensemble comedy-drama, chronicling the tangled love lives of a group of friends, each seeking romantic redemption over the course of eight parties.
Runtime: 90 min
2. The Other Side of Hope (Finland, 2017)
Director: Aki Kaurismäki
This poignant drama about a Syrian refugee and a middle-aged Finnish salesman explores the deep humanity and unexpected kindness amidst adversity, spiced with Kaurismäki’s trademark humor.
Runtime: 98 min
3. She Came at Night (Czech Republic, 2023)
Directors: Jan Vejnar, Tomáš Pavlíček
This black-humor-infused home invasion horror follows a couple whose lives are turned upside down when one of their mothers takes over their home—and their sanity.
Runtime: 85 min
4. La Flota de Indias (Spain, 2021)
Director: Antonio Perez Molero
A powerful documentary exploring the historical and cultural impact of the Spanish fleets that transformed the New World and fuelled globalization over two centuries.
Runtime: 61 min
5. Icarus (Luxembourg,2022)
Director: Carlo Vogele
In this animated film, Icarus, the apprentice of Daedalus, forms a secret friendship with the Minotaur before facing disillusionment and a tragic choice when King Minos confines his friend to the labyrinth and Prince Theseus arrives to confront the monster.
Runtime: 76 min.
6. Mermaids Don’t Cry (Austria, 2022)
Director: Franziska Pflaum
Annika, a supermarket saleswoman struggling with her chaotic life, dreams of acquiring a glamorous mermaid fin that costs 2.458 euros, despite facing family challenges, potential layoffs at work, and a complicated love life.
Runtime: 92 min.
7. The Man Without Guilt (Slovenia, 2022)
Director: Ivan Gergolet
In Trieste, Angela, a widow whose husband died from asbestos exposure, takes a caregiving job for Francesco, her husband’s former employer, to seek revenge but ultimately discovers that her actions lead to unexpected truths and the possibility of forgiveness and a new beginning.
Runtime: 112 min.
8. The Man with the Answers (Cyprus, 2021)
Director: Stelios Kammitsis
After his grandmother’s death, Victor leaves his village in a dilapidated car to find his estranged mother in Germany, picking up hitchhiker Mattias along the way, leading to a profound bond despite their differing personalities during their journey through the Italian countryside.
Runtime: 80 min.
9. The Strange Case of Jacky Caillou (France, 2022)
Director: Lucas Delangle
In a mountain village in the French Alps, young Jacky Caillou, who lives with his grandmother Gisèle, a renowned magnetizer-healer, becomes determined to heal a city woman who arrives with a mysterious stain on her body, believing he can perform a miracle.
Runtime: 92 min.
10. Diabolik (Italy, 2021)
Director. Antonio Manetti & Marco Manetti
In 1960s Clerville, the thrilling encounters between the enigmatic Diabolik and the alluring Eva Kant blend romance and crime, with Inspector Ginko determined to foil their plans.
Runtime: 133 min.
11. Taste of Freedom (Ukraine, 2024)
Director: Alexander Berezan
In the vibrant streets of Lviv, a young cook pursues her dream of becoming a chef at a prestigious restaurant, but her life takes a surprising turn when she discovers a 1929 cookbook by the legendary chef Olga Franko, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and belief in herself amidst the challenges of success.
Runtime: 117 min.
See event poster above to know the exact screening dates of the films.
(Source: Delegation of the European Union to the PH website)