The European Union Film Festival (EUFF), Singapore’s longest-running foreign film festival, will return from 10 to 22 May 2016 this year at Golden Village Suntec City. Since its inception in 1990, the EUFF has been providing audiences in Singapore with a taste of Europe’s contemporary creativity through a plethora of films that are rarely screened outside of Europe.
Focusing on The Netherlands as its feature country and presenting 30 films from 30 countries across Europe, this 26th edition represents the largest showcase of films shown at the EUFF since it started, with Lithuania joining the festival for the first time. This year’s festival also continues its long tradition of collaborating with a local film school, presenting student films from Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Film and Media Studies (FMS) alongside the official film selection.
“The European Union Film Festival has been the EU’s flagship event in Singapore’s ever vibrant cultural calendar for more than 25 years, bringing the arts and culture of Europe to a Singaporean audience. The EUFF allows movie lovers to immerse themselves in the cultural diversity of Europe, taking audiences on a cinematic journey to discover the people, landscapes and traditions of Europe. We are looking forward to this 26th edition of our film festival in Singapore which we hope will bring further intercultural exchange and contribute to Singapore’s cosmopolitan landscape.” — H.E. Dr Michael Pulch, EU Ambassador to Singapore.
Each year since 1990, the festival has brought the Singaporean and European communities together for an opportunity to have an intercultural dialogue. From big-budget productions to arthouse features, audiences in Singapore will have access to the rich tapestry of European cultures through the EUFF.
The festival features some of the most enduring stories that explore the past, present, and future of Europe, from the characters who have helped shape European history to contemporary issues that are faced by European society today. Through the art of cinema, films have the power to bring diversity to the foreground, while underscoring shared values and human emotions, which are the core of Europe’s common cultural heritage.
As such, this year’s festival shines the spotlight on the opening film Admiral, a Dutch epic tale set in the 17th century, which tells the story of Dutch naval hero Michiel de Ruyter, who played a pivotal role in securing a future for the young republic of the Netherlands during a time of both international and internal turmoil. Starring award-winning actor Frank Lammers, the film received many nominations at the 2015 Netherlands Film Festival.
Alternatively, the 26th EUFF lineup also features Ukrainian silent film The Tribe which won the Nespresso Grand Prize at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival; award-winning Latvian documentary Ruch and Norie; Italian adventure film The Invisible Boy; and German drama Phoenix.
Last but not least, as a nod to commemorate William Shakespeare’s death 400 years ago, the United Kingdom presents BAFTA nominated Prospero’s Book (1991). Written and directed by notable filmmaker Peter Greenway, the film is a cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. This is witnessed through the eyes of the lead character Prospero, played by John Gielgud in his last film appearance in a leading role.
26th European Union Film Festival
10 May – 22 May 2016
SGD12 per person
Tickets : Golden Village website | Walk-in at GV box offices island wide
Singapore Film Society members, Golden Village Movie Club members and Ngee Ann Polytechnic Students enjoy $1 off the Festival tickets.
For more ticketing and film programme details, visit their website, or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.