European Union Film Festival Showcases Diverse Cinema in India
Festival Launch and Highlights
The European Union Film Festival commenced in Delhi this October, with subsequent screenings planned in Bengaluru. The festival will conclude its journey in Hyderabad from December 5 to 14.
A total of twenty-three films from EU member nations and Ukraine will be featured in Hyderabad. Among the selections is Three Kilometres to the End of the World, Romania's entry for the Best International Feature Film Oscar for 2024.
Featured Films to Watch
The lineup also includes Matters of the Heart from Denmark, The Trap from Bulgaria, The Waves from the Czech Republic, and Pelican from Croatia. Below are reviews of three standout films, each offering unique perspectives on the human experience.
Happy (Austria)
Sandeep Kumar’s poignant film tells the story of an undocumented Indian immigrant striving to remain in a country that offers him no refuge. Happy Singh (Sahidur Rahaman) faces the grim reality of having lost his asylum appeal in Austria, leaving him without the necessary documentation to stay and care for his daughter, Maya (Shirin Grace).
To support himself and Maya, Happy works tirelessly, initially delivering newspapers and later establishing a food delivery service. Constantly looking over his shoulder, he finds solace only in the company of his daughter.
This well-crafted narrative resonates with themes found in European dramas about desperate immigrants and pays homage to classics like Bicycle Thieves (1948), which explores resilience amid poverty. Sahidur Rahaman delivers a remarkable performance as a man caught between two worlds, embodying the struggles of those who feel they belong nowhere.
It’s Not My Film (Poland)
Maria Zbaska’s charming comedy revolves around a couple contemplating separation but unsure how to proceed. Co-written by Zbaska, It’s Not My Film is filled with witty dialogue and humorous moments as Wanda (Zofia Chabiera) and Jan (Marcin Sztabinski) navigate their strained relationship.
As they confront their emotional distance, Wanda quips, 'We don’t suffer from depression – we are having a case of Monday.' Jan suggests a trek to the icy coast, a sort of 'divorce-moon' to determine if they can salvage their relationship.
Amidst the winter chill and shared tents, they reflect on what divides them and what binds them together. The lead actors portray relatable characters, delivering both comedic and romantic lines that elevate the film beyond cynicism.
Dying (Germany)
Matthias Glasner’s brilliant black comedy, titled Dying, refers to both a musical composition and the disintegration of a family. Over a runtime of 180 minutes, the film intricately explores the lives of Tom (Lars Eidinger), his sister Ellen (Lilith Stangenberg), and their parents Lissy (Corina Harfouch) and Gerd (Hans-Uwe Bauer) as they struggle to maintain familial bonds while facing personal crises.
Structured like an epic novel, the film is divided into chapters, showcasing Gerd's battle with dementia, Lissy's serious health issues, Tom's role as a reluctant father figure, and Ellen's struggles with alcoholism.
The film skillfully incorporates music, with Tom's magnum opus being created alongside his friend Bernard (Robert Gwisdek), who is grappling with suicidal thoughts. Despite their challenges, the characters persist, offering moments of humor, warmth, and unflinching honesty.