European Film Festival returns in Malaysia this month

KUALA LUMPUR - The finest selection of contemporary European movies will hit the silver screen in Malaysia in the upcoming 24th European Film Festival (EUFF) this month.

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Malaysia, in a statement, said a total of 18 movies from 15 countries across Europe will screen at five participating Golden Screen Cinemas’ (GSC) outlets.

The festival opens on Oct 10 with Spanish film Goya in Bordeaux at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, here.

"The festival kicks off from Oct 12-22 in GSC Mid Valley Megamall, MyTown and 1 Utama in the Klang Valley, before moving on to GSC Gurney Plaza, Penang from Oct 26-Nov 1," the statement read.

This year, the festival is also making a comeback in Kuching after a 4-year hiatus, with screenings at CityOne Megamall from Nov 2-5.

EU Ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas said the EUFF, arguably the oldest and longest-running film festival in Malaysia, has grown into a cultural institution that connected people from all walks of life.

"It is a platform for member states and partners within the continent such as Ukraine, Norway and Switzerland to showcase our legacy, passion and expertise in filmmaking to Malaysia and the world," he was quoted as saying in the statement.

Meanwhile, Spanish Ambassador to Malaysia Jose Luis Pardo Cuerdo said Goya in Bordeaux was chosen to launch the festival because the Kingdom was celebrating Pablo Picasso and his contributions to the world, marking the 50th anniversary of his death.

Goya in Bordeaux is one of the 11 titles that will screen for free during the festival.

Other movies are The Restless (Belgium), Neither With You (Hungary), 100 Days of Ulysses (Ireland), Parents Vs. Influencers and We Still Talk (Italy), The Brothers (Netherlands), Operation Arctic (Norway), Ramona (Spain), Imad Childhood (Sweden), and Mr Jones (Ukraine).

Visit www.euff.com.my or www.gsc.com.my for more details on the movies and screening schedules. - BERNAMA