Cine Europa 26 Returns with the Most Gripping Films of the EU
Cine Europa 26 is now back with 100% physical screenings for its 26th edition!
Images courtesy of Cine Europa Philippines.
June 6, 2023
Cine Europa, the longest-running film festival in the Philippines, is back for its 26th edition with full physical screenings across the country.
From June 16 to July 16, 2023, 28 multi-awarded films from European Union member states and guest country Ukraine will be screened onsite in select cinemas in Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Davao.
June 16 to 18: Shangri-la Plaza
June 21 to 23: Film Development Council of the Philippines, Kalaw, Manila
June 24- 25: Cultural Center of the Philippines – Open grounds
June 30 to July 2: Rizal Open Park Auditorium – Luneta Park
July 5 to 7: SM Cinema Cebu
July 8 to 9, and July 12-16: Film Development Council Iloilo
July 14-16: Film Development Council Negros (Bacolod)
July 14-16: Film Development Council Davao
Presented by the EU Delegation and the EU Member States Embassies, together with Goethe Institut Manila, the films for this year’s iteration strike a delicate balance between European identity and universal relatability. They tackle familiar themes such as family, coming-of-age, ambition, and intimacy against the cultural fabric of the producing countries.
Opening the Festival is the Swedish film Historja – Stitches for Sapmi, to be screened at Cinema 3, Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza, on 16 June 2023, 7:30 p.m. The film is a documentary about the Sami female artist Britta Marakatt-Labba, whose art showcases the past and the present of Sami culture and how reindeer husbandry is being affected by the global climate crisis.
Joining the roster of Cine Europa 26 are:
Murina, from Croatia and Slovenia, is a coming-of-age film about a teenager, her father, and an old friend with a life-changing deal.
My Love Affair with Marriage, a co-production from Latvia and Luxembourg – an animated feature film for adult audiences focusing on young Zelma and her quest for a perfect love and lasting marriage.
Sweat, from Poland, follows Sylwia Zając, a celebrity fitness motivator who is looking for true intimacy.
Rien à Foutre (“Zero Fucks Given”), from Belgium – a fictional film that follows Cassandra, a flight attendant that was floating through her life until she is forced to confront situations she is running from.
Ensilumi (“Any Day Now”), from Finland – another fictional film that follows an Iranian family that lives in a refugee centre and their process of filing for asylum.
Miss Viborg is a film from Denmark about two women from two different generations that have an unlikely friendship and become companions in healing and hope. This film was awarded the Best Nordic/Dutch Film Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
The Cleaners, from Germany – a sinister documentary about the work of “content moderators,” follows an organization in Manila that operates in the industries that require content moderators
Szelíd (“Gentle”), from Hungary, is a fictional documentary about a female bodybuilder whose dream is to win Miss Olympia.
Ramona, from Spain, is a comedy about the immortal feud between sense and sensibility.
Io Sto Bene is a co-production between Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, and Italy that shows parallel destinies and a future full of peace for them both.
Dodo, from Greece – a comedy about a dodo bird (species that disappeared 300 years ago) making a reappearance that will spiral a family’s boundaries out of their control.
Róise & Frank, a film from Ireland about a widowed Róise who believes that a stray dog embodies the spirit of her late husband Frank – a warm-hearted and witty tale about finding hope in dark places.
Moi dumky tykhi (“My thoughts are silent”) is a Ukrainian film that explores the eternal problem of parents and children by showcasing a mother and son relationship where the son wants to move to a different country.
Lyuksemburh, Lyuksemburh (“Luxembourg, Luxembourg”) – a Ukrainian comedy about two children in search for their father in Luxembourg.
Marocco/Mikado, a co-produced drama from Romania and the Czech Republic about a father-daughter relationship faced with chaos and irreversible outcomes.
OSS 117: From Africa with Love — OSS 117 is France’s finest secret agent, and he’s heading to Africa for what could be the trickiest mission ever!
Os Demónios Do Meu Avô, an animated film co-produced by Portugal, Spain, and France that follows Rosa and her journey back to her native village on the border between Spain and Portugal.
Srdce na dlani, is a comedy from the Czech Republic about falling in love where love pays no mind to age or place. It follows the characters as they navigate through love’s hope and beauty but also its complications and obstacles.
Imad’s Barndom (“Imad’s Childhood”) – a documentary co-produced from Sweden and Latvia about a family that was released from ISIS captivity and placed in a displaced persons’ camp in Kurdistan.
Golata istina za grupa Zhuguli (“The Naked Truth about Zhugui”), from Bulgaria – a fictional film about a band that disbanded 30 years before and is being rounded back together for a 50th-anniversary concert.
Girl, from Belgium – a film about a 15 year old who dreams about becoming a ballerina, Lara.
Bėgikė (“Runner”), a co-production from Lithuania and the Czech Republic about Marija and her frantic search for her boyfriend in what is described as a story of sacrifice and the achievement of total freedom.
Mitra, a film from the Netherlands about Haleh and the woman that betrayed her and caused the death of her daughter in Iran 37 years ago – a story about revenge and friendship.
Kratt, from Estonia, is about a magical creature who will do whatever its master says, with the quest to buy a soul from the devil.
Smagen af sult (“A Taste of Hunger”) from Denmark is about a family, their gourmet restaurant, and their quest for a Michelin Star.
Olmo, from Italy – a short story about an 80 year old, Olmo, and his 8 year old grandson, Giulio, and their search for an old tree.
Le Variabili Dipendenti, another short from Italy, is about two characters, Pietro Tommaso, who are curious and are getting to know each other
More information about the Festival is available at Cine Europa’s official social media channels.
