New Delhi: The 30th edition of the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) is set to begin on October 31, 2025, in New Delhi, marking three decades of cinematic and cultural collaboration between Europe and India. Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to India, in partnership with Embassies of EU Member States and other cultural institutions, the festival will later travel to Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

The Delhi leg will showcase 28 acclaimed films from all EU Member States and Ukraine, offering audiences a vibrant window into European culture, history, and storytelling. Screenings will take place across four prominent venues — India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes, Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, and Liszt Institute – Hungarian Cultural Centre.

According to organisers, EUFF 2025 aims to foster Indo-European dialogue through cinema while celebrating shared values of creativity, resilience, and diversity.

‘Cinema as a bridge between cultures’: EU Ambassador

Speaking ahead of the festival, Hervé Delphin, the Ambassador of the European Union to India, described the milestone edition as a celebration of “creativity, dialogue, and cross-cultural unity.”

“This year marks a truly special milestone for us at the EUFF, as we celebrate 30 years of cultural exchange, creativity, and dialogue between Europe and India through cinema,” said Delphin in a press note.

“Films have always been a powerful unifier, and in recent years, collaborations between Indian and European filmmakers have only deepened, bringing together diverse perspectives and shared stories through co-productions. The EU Film Festival is more than just a showcase; it’s an invitation for audiences to engage with cinema that is thought-provoking, inspiring, and deeply human,” he added.

Delphin also highlighted the growing synergy between Europe and India’s film industries, two of the world’s largest, which share a “rich cinematic tradition and a long history of collaboration and cross-fertilisation.”

A bold and diverse selection

The EUFF 2025 line-up brings together stories of resilience, hope, and human connection across genres and generations. Curated by Artur Zaborski, this year’s selection includes award-winning films and festival favourites that explore universal human themes with emotional depth.

“This year’s selection is both bold and deeply moving. It’s a celebration of courage, imagination, joy and a tribute to the resilience and creativity that define Europe today,” said Zaborski.

“These films cross borders and generations, weaving together stories of identity, love, hope, and defiance. They remind us that even in turbulent times, people continue to dream, create, and find beauty in the everyday,” he added.

Films to watch out for

Among the 28 titles, standout films include:

  • ‘The Missile’ (Finland): A darkly comic portrait of small-town life.
  • ‘Dying’ (Germany): A moving exploration of mortality and human connection.
  • ‘Matters of the Heart’ (Denmark): An intimate portrayal of family trauma and reconciliation.
  • ‘Happy’ (Austria): The story of an undocumented Indian father striving for a better future for his daughter.
  • ‘Julie Keeps Quiet’ (Belgium): A searing examination of silence and systemic abuse in sports.
  • ‘The Trap’ (Bulgaria): A moral drama set in rural landscapes.
  • ‘Pelican’ (Croatia): A comic yet heartfelt story of self-discovery.
  • ‘The Waves’ (Czech Republic): A gripping historical thriller set during the Prague Spring of 1968.
  • ‘Behind the Haystacks’ (Greece): A poignant story exploring faith, debt, and generational conflict.

The festival will also feature films from Estonia, France, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine.

All films will screen with English subtitles, with free entry on a first-come, first-served basis. Certain films carry an 18+ rating.

A platform for creative dialogue

The EUFF has evolved over three decades into one of India’s most anticipated international film festivals, drawing audiences from diverse backgrounds, including students, filmmakers, and diplomats.

By bringing European cinema to Indian screens, the festival aims to strengthen cultural diplomacy and encourage cross-border collaborations in storytelling and film production.

“EUFF is not just about watching films — it’s about discovering new ways of seeing the world,” said Zaborski. “Through empathy, laughter, and wonder, cinema reminds us that we share more in common than we often realise.”

Conclusion

As the European Union Film Festival 2025 opens in New Delhi, it promises a celebration of creativity, identity, and shared humanity through cinema. With its carefully curated line-up and emphasis on cultural exchange, EUFF continues to serve as a bridge connecting Europe and India — reaffirming cinema’s enduring role as a universal language that unites people across borders.