The largest European centered cinema showcase in the city, the once humble festival now features films from all corners of the European world. From Finland to France, Slovakia to Slovenia, and Poland to Portugal, nearly every part of the EU is well represented by their own aspiring local talents.
In addition to the opportunity for EU member states to proudly display the innovative and exceptional work of their people, festival coordinators have devoted a considerable amount of energy to fostering and developing international cultural dialogues. More than just free screenings of fantastic foreign films, viewers and volunteers end up working together both to support emerging European filmmakers and to grant further exposure to those who have already been firmly established.
With a great deal of this year’s festival already behind us, there are still two highly anticipated films for prospective audiences to look forward to, as well as what promises to be an intriguing Human Rights discussion, organized by the Goethe-Institut and featuring UofT’s own Mark Kingwell.
The panel entitled “Human Rights in Europe: A Still Open Discussion?” will take place on Saturday November 27 at 4:30 pm. Human Rights activist and legal expert Mirja Trilsch, who worked at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at The Hague, will examine contemporary issues surrounding women’s rights and crimes against humanity. Professor Mark Kingwell will also be on hand to offer a cultural and philosophical perspective.
Scheduled for Monday November 29 at 6:00 pm, the Romanian feature The Rest is Silence (Restul e tacere) is a partly true story of an ambitious director and a business mogul who hope to bring Romania’s 1877 Independence War to the silver screen in 1911. Directed by Nicoale Caranfil, The Rest is Silence was honoured with Best Editing and Best Sound awards at the 2009 Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.
The last day of the festival, Tuesday November 30, screens the Spanish film Hèctor, which tells the story of sixteen-year-old Hèctor who is faced with a life changing decision. When his mother dies and he is sent to live with an aunt in a tiny apartment on the fringes of Madrid, Hèctor’s long lost father, Martín, reappears and offers him a new life in Mexico. Directed by Gracia Querejeta, Hèctor has received numerous awards since its 2004 debut, including Best Movie and Best Actress from the 2004 Málaga Film Festival, as well as medals from the Cinematographic Writers Society including Best Movie, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director.
This year’s European Union Film Festival began on November 18 and spans until November 30. All events and screenings take place at The Royal, located on 608 College St. West, and are completely free of charge. Tickets are available to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
