New Delhi, November 18, 2024: The 29th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) concluded its New Delhi chapter with the acclaimed French comedy-drama Jim’s Story (Le Roman de Jim), written and directed by Jean-Marie Larrieu and Arnaud Larrieu. Having made waves at the 77th Cannes Film Festival with its World Premiere under the non-competitive Cannes Premiere section, the film provided a perfect finale to this year’s celebration of European cinema, cultural exchange, and the Indo-European partnership. An adaptation of Pierric Bailly’s 2021 novel, Jim’s Story, captivated audiences with its delicate exploration of human relationships, fatherhood, and the challenges intertwined with them. The film received resounding applause, with attendees lauding the heartfelt performances and masterful storytelling.
At the closing ceremony, the festival curator Veronica Flora spoke about the resounding success of EUFF 2024 in New Delhi and said, “As we draw curtains on the New Delhi chapter of the 29th edition of the European Union Film Festival, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and fulfilment. This festival has been a distinct exploration of diverse voices, cultures, and stories that transcend borders. We’ve witnessed the power of cinema to ignite conversations, challenge perspectives, and evoke emotions. Each film screened at EUFF 2024 has been a unique window into the heart of Europe.” She further encouraged the audience to join the next chapters in Kolkata and Hyderabad and added, “The enthusiasm shown by everyone has been truly inspiring, transforming these screenings into immersive community experiences. As the New Delhi chapter concludes, we invite everyone to continue this journey in Kolkata and Hyderabad to seek out these cinematic gems, delve into their worlds, and embrace the diversity that enriches our lives.”
As the New Delhi chapter concludes, the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) continues its journey to Kolkata (Nov 27–Dec 13) and Hyderabad (Dec 06–15). Cinephiles are invited to explore this highly curated festival—a window to Europe, its culture, and its people—while immersing themselves in stories that delve into emotions shared universally.
The New Delhi edition of the 29th European Union Film Festival showcased 26 award-winning films in 31 languages, providing audiences with a wide array of themes spanning complex human relationships, gender identity, sisterhood, and self-discovery, to name a few. This eclectic collection of films, presented in collaboration with the European Union, EU Member States, and regional partners, demonstrated the enduring cultural bonds between the European Union and India, promoting cross-cultural exchange through the universal language of storytelling.
The festival’s impressive roster represented Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine. With its thoughtfully curated lineup, EUFF 2024 brought some of Europe’s most celebrated films to Indian audiences, further solidifying the festival’s role as a bridge of art and diplomatic ties between the two regions.