Cine Europa 27 kicks off with a dynamic lineup of European cinema

 

By Archie Liao

Pinoy cineastes can now embark on a European movie marathon as Cine Europa enters its 27^th edition this October.  

The films, selected to highlight the cultural diversity of Europe as well as the values of love, triumph, faith, and equality, will be shown from October 18 to 27.

Featuring a selection of twenty contemporary films from European Union Member States and guest country Ukraine, the festival is set to captivate once again the moviegoing public with its line up of contemporary and award-winning films.  

From poignant dramas to imaginative comedies and animations, Cine Europa festival promises to deliver cinematic excellence to film enthusiasts nationwide.

Cine Europa 27 will open to the public on 18 October with the Danish film “Dangerous Gentlemen” at Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong City. Shangri-la Plaza has been hosting graciously the film festival for more than two decades now.

The film festival is expected to travel to the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio, University of San Agustin in Iloilo, University of the Philippines Cebu and University of St. La Salle in Bacolod on 18 to 27 October 2024.

Admission to the screenings is free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further information, please visit: Cine Europa 27 Facebook page.

This year’s line-up brings together a dynamic collection of films, each offering unique stories that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Europe.

1. Souvenir (Belgium, 2016) Director: Bavo Defurne A once-famous chanson singer’s life changes when a young boxer encourages her to return to the stage. A moving story of rediscovery and romance in this heart-warming drama-comedy. Runtime: 91 min

 2. Long Story Short (Denmark, 2015) Director: May el-Toukhy, Maren Louise Käehne A heartfelt ensemble comedy-drama, chronicling the tangled love lives of a group of friends, each seeking romantic redemption over the course of eight parties. Runtime: 90 min

3. The Other Side of Hope (Finland, 2017) Director: Aki Kaurismäki This poignant drama about a Syrian refugee and a middle-aged Finnish salesman explores the deep humanity and unexpected kindness amidst adversity, spiced with Kaurismäki’s trademark humor. Runtime: 98 min

4. Sun and Concrete (Germany, 2020) Director: David Wnendt A gripping coming-of-age crime drama set in a heatwave-scorched Berlin, where a group of teens devises a high-stakes plan to escape their grim reality. Runtime: 119 min

5. Paw (Hungary, 2015) Director: Robert-Adrian Pejo Inspired by true events, this family drama follows the heart-warming journey of Zoli and his rescue dog Paw, as they overcome personal and professional challenges together. Runtime: 92 min Awards: Children Jury Prize (Bucharest KINOdiseea), Best Film (Kiev Children KinoFest)

6. She Came at Night (Czech Republic, 2023) Directors: Jan Vejnar, Tomáš Pavlíček This black-humor-infused home invasion horror follows a couple whose lives are turned upside down when one of their mothers takes over their home—and their sanity. Runtime: 85 min

7. Tigers (Sweden, 2021) Director: Ronnie Sandahl Based on a true story, this gripping drama delves into the harsh world of professional soccer, where a young talent’s dreams turn into a nightmare of obsession and pressure. Runtime: 116 min

8. La Flota de Indias (Spain, 2021) Director: Antonio Perez Molero A powerful documentary exploring the historical and cultural impact of the Spanish fleets that transformed the New World and fuelled globalization over two centuries. Runtime: 61 min

9. That They May Face the Rising Sun (Ireland) Director: Pat Collins A tender adaptation of John McGahern’s celebrated novel, portraying a year in the life of a small Irish lakeside community in the 1970s. Runtime: 110 min

10. This World is My Arena (Romania, 2023) Director: Tedy Necula A biopic of George Baltă, a paralyzed rugby player turned marathoner and motivational speaker, this inspiring film is a testament to perseverance and self-discovery. Runtime: 86 min

11. Dangerous Gentlemen (Poland, 2022) Director: Maciej Kawalski In "The Mountain Retreat of Zakopane," Joseph Conrad and three artists wake up after a wild party to find a dead man on their couch, leaving them bewildered and facing the gendarmerie at their door. Runtime: 110 min.

12. Icarus (Luxembourg,2022) Director: Carlo Vogele In this animated film, Icarus, the apprentice of Daedalus, forms a secret friendship with the Minotaur before facing disillusionment and a tragic choice when King Minos confines his friend to the labyrinth and Prince Theseus arrives to confront the monster. Runtime: 76 min.

13. Mermaids Don’t Cry (Austria, 2022) Director: Franziska Pflaum Annika, a supermarket saleswoman struggling with her chaotic life, dreams of acquiring a glamorous mermaid fin that costs 2.458 euros, despite facing family challenges, potential layoffs at work, and a complicated love life. Runtime: 92 min.

14. The Man Without Guilt (Slovenia, 2022) Director: Ivan Gergolet In Trieste, Angela, a widow whose husband died from asbestos exposure, takes a caregiving job for Francesco, her husband's former employer, to seek revenge but ultimately discovers that her actions lead to unexpected truths and the possibility of forgiveness and a new beginning. Runtime: 112 min.

15. The Man with the Answers (Cyprus, 2021) Director: Stelios Kammitsis After his grandmother's death, Victor leaves his village in a dilapidated car to find his estranged mother in Germany, picking up hitchhiker Mattias along the way, leading to a profound bond despite their differing personalities during their journey through the Italian countryside. Runtime: 80 min.

16. The Strange Case of Jacky Caillou (France, 2022) Director: Lucas Delangle In a mountain village in the French Alps, young Jacky Caillou, who lives with his grandmother Gisèle, a renowned magnetizer-healer, becomes determined to heal a city woman who arrives with a mysterious stain on her body, believing he can perform a miracle. Runtime: 92 min.

17. Diabolik (Italy, 2021) Director. Antonio Manetti & Marco Manetti In 1960s Clerville, the thrilling encounters between the enigmatic Diabolik and the alluring Eva Kant blend romance and crime, with Inspector Ginko determined to foil their plans. Runtime: 133 min.

18. Remember to Blink (Lithuania, 2022) Director: Austėja Urbaitė A French couple adopts two Lithuanian children and hires Gabi, a bilingual student, to help them adapt, but cultural differences and conflicting attitudes lead to tensions among the adults. Runtime: 109 min.

19. Taste of Freedom (Ukraine, 2024) Director: Alexander Berezan In the vibrant streets of Lviv, a young cook pursues her dream of becoming a chef at a prestigious restaurant, but her life takes a surprising turn when she discovers a 1929 cookbook by the legendary chef Olga Franko, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and belief in herself amidst the challenges of success. Runtime: 117 min.

20. Another Franko (Ukraine, 2024) Director: Igor Visnevsky This film chronicles the life of Peter Franko, the son of a renowned Ukrainian writer, exploring his love for his wife Olga, his rivalry with friend Andriy, and the historical events that shaped the destinies of millions, all while the mystery of his death remains unsolved. Runtime: 94 min.