Post by anastasia on Oct 10, 2023 9:11:15 GMT 7
24th European Film Festival (EUFF) In Malaysia @ GSC Mid Valley Megamall, MyTown & 1 Utama (Klang Valley) (12 - 22/10/2023), GSC Gurney Plaza, Penang (26/10/2023 - 1/11/3023) & CityOne Megamall, Kuching, Sarawak (2 - 5/11/2023)
EUFF returns for its 24th year in Malaysia and makes a comeback in Kuching, Sarawak
The finest selection of contemporary European movies is ready to hit silver screens near you in the upcoming 24th European Film Festival (EUFF).
The festival, which opens on Oct 10 with Spanish film Goya in Bordeaux in GSC Mid Valley Megamall, features 18 movies from 15 countries across Europe. The movies will be screened in five participating Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) outlets in Malaysia.
The festival’s kicks off from 12th - 22nd October 2023 in GSC Mid Valley Megamall, MyTown and 1 Utama in the Klang Valley, before moving on to GSC Gurney Plaza Penang from 26th October 2023 – 1st November 2023.
This year, it is also making a comeback in Kuching through screenings in CityOne Megamall, from 2nd to 5th November 2023. The reintroduction follows the festival’s 4-year hiatus from Sarawak.
At the press briefing for the festival the European Union Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Michalis Rokas said the EUFF which was arguably the oldest and longest running film festival in Malaysia, had grown into a cultural institution that connected people from all walks of life.
“It is a platform for Member States and partners within the continent such as Ukraine, Norway and Switzerland to showcase our legacy, passion and expertise in film making to Malaysia and the world.
“Our rich tapestry of cultures, history, philosophy and landscapes are in full display during this event that Malaysia has played host to yearly since 1999.”
Ambassador Rokas said that Kuching was reintroduced as a location for the festival’s circuit in keeping with the EU’s policy of reaching out to as many Malaysians as possible.
“The EU is celebrating our 20th anniversary in Malaysia and in line with our spirit of togetherness and shared prosperity, we are glad to extend this additional venue as a mark of friendship and respect to Malaysia as a whole instead of just focusing on the Klang Valley and Peninsular Malaysia.”
The Ambassador of Spain to Malaysia José Luis Pardo Cuerdo said his mission picked Goya in Bordeaux to launch the festival as the Kingdom was celebrating Pablo Picasso and his contributions to the world, to mark the 50th anniversary of his death.
Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century drew inspiration from Francisco José de Goya y Luciente. The Goya& Disasters of War series has also served as a crucial inspiration for Picasso’s perspective on humanity’s inherent brutality.
Pardo Cuerdo said the movie, written and directed by Carlos Saura, explores the experiences and artistic evolution of Goya who is considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers of the modern age.
The film which focuses on Goya’s evolution as a man, his work and private obsessions, is set against the backdrop of the final months before his death.
Ms Clara Cualbu the Deputy Head of Mission for Italy said that the embassy curated Parents vs Influencers for its commentary on modern day teen-raising.
She said that the comedy directed by Michela Andreozzi was also chosen as it was on a contemporary subject.
“The film deals with the struggles of a middle-aged philosophy professor who grapples with his daughter’s social media obsession and the differences between his generation and hers.”
“Both movies presented by Italy, “Parents Vs. Influencers” and “We Still Talk”, remind us of the complexity of human relationships, the importance of expanding our views and the immense power of empathy and love, universal themes that have no borders and concern us all whether we live in Italy, Malaysia or elsewhere in the world. This is the main reason behind our choice. We hope you’ll enjoy them.”
The movie alongside Goya in Bordeaux is among the 11 titles that would be screened for free.
Other movies that would be screened for free are The Restless (Belgium), Neither With You (Hungary), 100 Days of Ulysses (Ireland), We Still Talk (Italy), The Brothers (Netherlands), Operation Artic (Norway), Ramona (Spain), Imad Childhood (Sweden) and Mr Jones (Ukraine).
Moviegoers can redeem the free tickets, packaged with a RM 4.00 mineral water purchase per ticket via e-payment on the GSC website and application or the ticketing kiosks at the participating cinemas.
The 24th EUFF is organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, in collaboration with embassies and cultural institutions of EU Member States as well as Ukraine, Switzerland and Norway.
EUFF partners include Golden Screen Cinemas and showtime listings and movie information portal Cinema Online.
About the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia:
The Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia represents the European Union’s interests in Malaysia including fostering bilateral relations and promoting cooperation in various areas. It aims to strengthen ties between the European Union and Malaysia through diplomatic efforts, cultural exchanges, and collaborative initiatives.
24th European Film Festival (EUFF)
The Restless
Language: French
Duration of movie: 119min
Genre: Drama
Cast: Leïla Behkti, Damien Bonnard
Director: Joachim Lafosse
Producer: Anton Iffland-Stettner, Eva Kuperman, Jani Thiltges, Alexandre Gavras, Antonino Lombardo
Classification: 16
Award:
Synopsis: Leila and Damien are deeply in love. Despite his bipolarity, he tries to pursue his life with her, knowing he may never be able to offer her what she desires.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss3hmF45yFw
Shadow country (Krajina ve stínu)
Language: Czech
Duration of movie: 135min
Genre: Drama, History
Cast: Magdaléna Borová, Stanislav Majer, Csongor Kassai, Barbora Poláková, Pavel Nový, Petra Špalková, Zuzana Kronerová, Agi Gubíková
Director: Bohdan Sláma
Producer: Jindřich Motýl, Martin Růžička
Classification: 16
Award: Czech Lion
Synopsis: Tells a story of people in a small town of Schwarzwald, dragged by history through the events of 30's and 40's of the last century. How to reconcile with killings committed by your own neighbors? How to face growing evil that nobody stands against? What can human will overcome and what is the value of humility and hope? Bohdan Sláma is shooting on negative and in black and white. The Shadow Country is an incredibly topical film full of powerful stories that you must see on a big screen.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRAamfUGDo8
Murina
Language: Croatian
Duration of movie: 97min
Genre: Drama
Cast: Gracija Filipović, Leon Lucev, Danica Curcic, Cliff Curtis, Jonas Smulders
Director: Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic
Producer: Rodrigo Teixeira, Danijel Pak
Classification: 16
Awards: Cannes Film Festival, Hamptons International Film Festival, CinEast
Synopsis: Tensions rise between restless teenager Julija and her oppressive father Ante when an old family friend arrives at their Croatian island home. As Ante attempts to broker a life-changing deal, their tranquil yet isolated existence leaves Julija wanting more from this influential visitor, who provides a taste of liberation over a weekend laid bare to desire and violence.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yigfQEbn17I
Any Day Now
Language: Persian, Finnish, English
Duration of movie: 82min
Genre: Drama
Cast: Shahab Hosseini, Aran-Sina Keshvari, Shabnam Ghorbani, Kimiya
Eskandari
Director: Hamy Ramezan
Producer: Emilia Falcon, Jussi Rautamäki
Classification: 16
Awards: 6 WINS & 17 NOMINATIONS
Synopsis: 13 year old Ramin Mehdipour and his Iranian family have been living in a refugee centre in Finland. Just as Ramin starts to enjoy the school holidays, the family receives the terrible news their asylum application has been denied. The Mehdipours file a final appeal, and they continue with their everyday lives, trying to keep a positive attitude despite the looming danger of deportation. As Ramin starts the new school year, every moment, every friendship will be more precious than ever. A story of an Iranian refugee family in Finland waiting for the decision of whether or not they'll be granted an official asylum status. The story is loosely based on the childhood experiences of the director.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEIj7FIjVo8
Paris Memories
Language: French
Duration of movie: 100min
Genre: Fiction, Drama
Cast: Virginie Efira, Benoît Magimel, Grégoire Colin, Maya Sansa, Amadou Mbow, Nastya Golubeva, Anne-Lise Heimburger, Sofia Lesaffre and Clarisse Makundul
Director: Alice Winocour
Producer: Dharamsala, Darius Films / Pathé Films
Classification: U
Awards: Presented in competition at the Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Festival 2022, Prix Alice-Guy 2023: Best director for Alice Winocour, César 2023: Best Actress for Virginie Efira, Magritte 2023:
Best Actress for Virginie Efira
Synopsis: One Saturday evening in autumn, Mia is caught in a terrorist attack on a Parisian bistro. Three months later, still unable to pick her life back up, and remembering only fragments of that night, Mia decides to investigate her memories to find a way back to happiness.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgvvxXr_Vrc
Io Sto Bene
Language: Italian, Luxembourgish, French, English
Duration of movie: 100min
Genre: Dramatic Comedy
Cast: Renato Carpentieri, Sara Serraiocco, Alessio Lapice, Tommy Schlesser, Marie Jung, Gabriel Boisante, Jules Werner, Anita Pomario, Teresa Fiorentino, Mazia Firouzi, Vittorio Nastri, Jean-Paul Raths, Raoul Schlechter, Rosalie Maes, Pitt Simon, Nicole Max
Director: Donato Rotunno
Producer: Donato Rotunno. Elise André, Tarantula Luxerbourg
Classification: 16
Awards: Hoff International Film Festival, Rome Film Festival
Synopsis: Antonio has spent his whole life away from Italy, his home country. He crosses paths with Leo, a young Italian artist who is trying to make it abroad. The old man and the young woman’s destinies mirror each other. Memories from the past are awoken and end up offering a more peaceful future to the both of them.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=85jDTXfTux4
Neither with You
Language: Hungarian
Duration of movie: 96min
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Cast: Béla Mészáros, Réka Tenki, Juli Básti, Eszter Ónodi, Áron Molnár, Judit Rezes, György Cserhalmi
Director: Dénes Orosz
Producer: Dénes Orosz, Attila Tőzsér
Classification: 18
Synopsis: Gergő’s mother is obsessed with having a grandchild. She has a serious heart disease and has only days left to live. To give his mum some joy during her final hours, Gergő asks his neighbour Saci, who is five months pregnant, to visit his mother in hospital with him and tell her that she is carrying his child. It all goes smoothly, but a new heart arrives, and his mum is operated. Therefore, Gergő and Saci are forced to play the roles of the loving couple.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpQRfS5UsQI
100 Years of Ulysses
Language: English
Duration of movie: 109min
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Ann Skelly, Eimear McBride, Paul Muldoon, John McCourt, Natasa Paulberg and Margaret O’ Callaghan
Director: Ruán Magan
Producer: Frank Callanan/Ruán Magan
Classification: P13
Synopsis: 100 years ago, on February 2nd 1922, Ulysses was first published in a small bookshop in Paris. The book would have a profound impact on the literature and culture of the century to follow. No 20th century novel has rivalled Ulysses in its reach. Though Ulysses was banned initially in America and Britain, Joyce’s epic soon came to be celebrated as a masterpiece of modernism and a revolution in literary expression. It has inspired creators as diverse as Eileen Grey, Sergei Eisenstein, Man Ray and Bob Dylan. But in Ireland, Joyce was accused of treachery, for having gone to war with the Irish Catholic Church and repudiating his own people. He was also accused of ignoring his nation’s long struggle for independence from Britain which culminated in 1922 - only weeks before Ulysses was published - with the foundation of the Irish Free state. Produced to mark the 100th anniversary of the book’s publication, “100 Years of Ulysses”, a one hour documentary devised by historian, Frank Callanan and directed by Ruán Magan, sets out to unlock one of most impregnatable and explosive books of modern times.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqPownGWk2I
Lei Mi Parla Ancora (We Still Talk)
Language: Italian
Duration of movie: 109min
Genre: Drama
Cast: Renato Pozzetto, Fabrizio Gifuni, Stefania Sandrelli, Isabella Ragonese, Alessandro Haber, Lino Musella, Chiara Caselli, Gioele Dix, Serena Grandi
Director: Pupi Avati
Producer: Bartlebyfilm, Vision Distribution
Classification: 13
Synopsis: Nino and Caterina have been married for sixty-five years and have loved each other deeply since the first moment they saw each other. When Caterina dies, her daughter, hoping to help her father overcome the loss of the woman he has loved all his life, arranges for Amicangelo, an editor with novelist ambitions, to write a book taking inspiration from her father's memories about their love story. Amicangelo accepts the job only for financial reasons and immediately clashes with the personality of a man who seems to be his exact opposite. But the relationship between the two will grow deeper every day until it turns into a sincere friendship.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX4rupj0iDI
Genitori vs. Influencers (Parents vs. Influencers)
Language: Italian
Duration of movie: 100min
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Fabio Volo, Ginevra Francesconi, Giulia De Lellis, Paola Tiziana Cruciani, Nino Frassica, Paola Minaccioni, Massimiliano Vado, Michela Andreozzi, Massimiliano Bruno
Director: Michela Andreozz
Producer: Paco Cinematografica, Neo Art Producciones, Vision Distribution
Classification: 18
Synopsis: How difficult is it to be the single father of a teenager today? Paul, a philosophy professor and widower, has been raising his daughter Simone (with whom he has a beautiful relationship) alone. But when the girl officially enters adolescence, the idyll is broken: in fact, like any self-respecting teenager, Simone is "kidnapped" by her smartphone, so much so that she matures the idea of wanting to become an influencer, a category that Paolo detests. In order to regain his relationship with his daughter, Paolo starts a campaign against social media abuse, with the help of Simone herself, who becomes his web manager.
Unexpected fame will transform him, against his own will, into an influencer... and will make him discover that social media, although should be handled with care, can give people a chance
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gauXyETWeiA
Brothers
Language: Dutch
Duration of movie: 106min
Genre: Drama
Cast: Jonas Smulders, Niels Gomperts en Christa Théret
Director: Bram Schouw
Producer: BALDR Film
Classification: 16
Synopsis: A timid young man joins his charismatic older brother on an impromptu hitchhike from Amsterdam to France, only to discover the time may have come to finally go his own way in life
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt4q0H8gNAs
Operation Arctic
Language: Norwegian
Duration of movie: 87min
Genre: Adventure, Family
Cast: Kaisa Gurine Antonsen, Ida Leonora Valestrand Eike, Leonard Valestrand Eike, Line Verndal, Nicolai Cleve Broch, Kristoffer Hivju
Director: Grethe Bøe-Waal
Producer: John M. Jacobsen, Sveinung Golimo and Marcus Brodersen
Classification: U
Awards: 2015 Amanda Award for best Childrens Movie (Norway)
Synopsis: Julia and her twin siblings Sindre and Ida have moved to a small town with their mother. Desperate to reach their father, who is working in southern Norway, they secretly jump aboard a helicopter flying in his direction. Unfortunately, the helicopter changes its route, and soon they find themselves lost and alone on a deserted island. Now the three are forced to face the epic powers of nature, as both blizzards and hungry polar bears threaten their very existence.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDMFGIzaE6o
Goya in Bordeaux
Language: Spanish
Duration of movie: 100min
Genre: Drama, Biography
Cast: Francisco Rabal, José Coronado, Maribel Verdú, Eulàlia Ramon, Dafne Fernández, Mario de Candia
Director: Carlos Saura
Classification: 18
Awards: Winner of 5 Goya Awards including Best Actor (1999), Winner of the Best Artistic Contribution at the Montreal festival (2000), Winner of the Best Cinematography at the European Film Cinema Awards (2000).
Synopsis: Francisco Goya (1746-1828), deaf and ill, lives the last years of his life in voluntary exile in Bordeaux, a Liberal protesting the oppressive rule of Ferdinand VII. He's living with his much younger wife Leocadia and their daughter Rosario. He continues to paint at night, and in flashbacks stirred by conversations with his daughter, by awful headaches, and by the befuddlement of age, he relives key times in his life, particularly his relationship with the Duchess of Alba, his discovery of how he wanted to paint (insight provided by Velázquez's work), and his lifelong celebration of the imagination. Throughout, his reveries become tableaux of his paintings.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4JwsWaoWkY
Ramona
Language: Spanish
Duration of movie: 80min
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Lourdes Hernández, Bruno Lastra, Francesco Carril
Director: Andrea Bagney
Classification: 18
Awards: Winner of 3 Rome Film Festival Awards, including Best Script and Best Comedy.
Synopsis: After years spent abroad, Ramona returns to Madrid and intends to start again from scratch with her boyfriend at her side. She has an audition ahead of her for a main role that might launch her career as an actress. When she meets the charismatic Bruno on one of her strolls through the city, it never occurs to her that she might encounter him again the following day – as the director of the film she’s auditioning for. The feud between sense and sensibility is one of the constituent themes of Andrea Bagney’s feature debut, in which the heroine attempts to find her bearings in life and discover who she really is. A refreshing romantic comedy which also reminds us of the importance of listening to one’s heart and one’s intuition, since only then will we follow the right path, one which will always be ours alone.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7Psv7SV28M
Imads barndom (Imad’s Childhood)
Language: Swedish
Duration of movie: 78min
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Zahavi Sanjavi, Imad Sharaf
Director: Zahavi Sanjavi
Producer: Zahavi Sanjavi
Classification: P12
Awards: 2021 Nominee Beyond the Screen Competition, 2022 Nominee The Big Stamp International Competition, 2022 Winner Movies That Matter Award.
Synopsis: After more than two years in captivity with Isis, Yazidi Ghazala and her two small boys are released and return to Iraqi Kurdistan. Four year old Imad is explosively aggressive and his favorite pursuits are stoning rabbits and beheading dogs. With patience and respect, Zahavi Sanjavi has closely followed Imad and his traumatized family for several years. With the help of a teacher, Imad begins to take small steps to find his way back to a normal childhood.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0qCLO5kb98
Last Dance
Language: French
Duration of movie: 83min
Genre: Comedy
Cast: François Berléand, Kacey Mottet Klein, Maria La Ribot, Déborah Lukumuena, Astrid Whettnall, Dominique Reymond
Director: Delphine Lehericey
Producer: Elena Tatti, Thierry Spicher, Anne-Laure Guégan, Géraldine Sprimont
Classification: 16
Awards: Locarno Film Festival, Audience Award (Piazza Grande) 2022 (Winner).
Synopsis: At the age of 75, Germain, a contemplative and homely man, finds himself a widower and is trying to cope with his children's invasive anxiety. True to a promise he made to his wife years ago, he is going to have to take his place in a contemporary dance performance, in secret from his family
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzPKcXBxd8I
Mr Jones
Language: English, Ukrainian, Russian, Welsh
Duration of movie: 119min
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Cast: James Norton, Vanessa Kirby, Peter Sarsgaard, Joseph Mawle, Kenneth Cranham, Yakiv Tkachenko, Oleg Drach, Volodymyr Fedoruk, Anna Shaydyuk, Anastasia Chala
Director: Agnieszka Holland
Producer: Klaudia Smieja, Stanislaw Dziedzic, Egor Olesov, Angus Lamont, Andrea Chalupa
Classification: 16
Awards: Feature Film Selection 2019.
Synopsis: In 1933, Welsh reporter Gareth Jones is looking for his next big story. The job assignment brings him to Moscow, where he meets American journalist Ada Brooks who reveals to him the truth about the “Soviet utopia” and Jones starts to put all pieces together.
Hiding from the Soviet intelligence agencies and facing deadly threats, bit by bit he uncovers the truth about the tragedy of the Ukrainian people: the Holodomor, censorship, conspiracies and mass repressions. Later the Gareth’s work finds a home as the basis of scathing allegory Animal Farm by the famous writer George Orwell.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtWSyFNT9qY
The Rising Hawk
Language: English (original), Ukrainian, Mongolian
Duration of movie: 125min
Genre: Action, Drama
Cast: Robert Patrick, Andriy Isayenko, Tsegmid Tserenbold, Tommy Flanagan, Oleh Voloschenko, Poppy Drayton, Ayan Otepbergen, Alex MacNicoll, and others
Director: Akhtem Seitablayev, John Wynn
Producer: Egor Olesov, Jeff Rice, Raja Collins, Yuriy Karnovsky
Classification: P13
Awards: Ukrainian Film Academy Awards 2020 (Best Production Design, Best Make-up, Best Costume Design).
Synopsis: During the 13th Century, Zakhar Berkut and his wife lead a group of high-landers in Carpathian Mountains. Unfortunately, their tranquil existence is soon threatened by Burunda Khan, a powerful Mongolian general who leads his massive armies west in search of new lands to conquer. As war breaks out, both sides suffer devastating casualties. Faced with certain doom, Maksim and Myroslava must choose to flee or make the ultimate sacrifice to save their people.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvWIqRy6s3Y
Ticket Price:
RM 10.00 and available via GSC E-payment services on www.gsc.com.my, GSC Mobile Apps or their participating cinemas from noon on 9th October 2023.
Online Booking: www.gsc.com.my/film-festival/2023-eu-film-festival/ / www.gsc.com.my/film-festival/2023-eu-film-festival/ / euff.com.my/
EUFF returns for its 24th year in Malaysia and makes a comeback in Kuching, Sarawak
The finest selection of contemporary European movies is ready to hit silver screens near you in the upcoming 24th European Film Festival (EUFF).
The festival, which opens on Oct 10 with Spanish film Goya in Bordeaux in GSC Mid Valley Megamall, features 18 movies from 15 countries across Europe. The movies will be screened in five participating Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) outlets in Malaysia.
The festival’s kicks off from 12th - 22nd October 2023 in GSC Mid Valley Megamall, MyTown and 1 Utama in the Klang Valley, before moving on to GSC Gurney Plaza Penang from 26th October 2023 – 1st November 2023.
This year, it is also making a comeback in Kuching through screenings in CityOne Megamall, from 2nd to 5th November 2023. The reintroduction follows the festival’s 4-year hiatus from Sarawak.
At the press briefing for the festival the European Union Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Michalis Rokas said the EUFF which was arguably the oldest and longest running film festival in Malaysia, had grown into a cultural institution that connected people from all walks of life.
“It is a platform for Member States and partners within the continent such as Ukraine, Norway and Switzerland to showcase our legacy, passion and expertise in film making to Malaysia and the world.
“Our rich tapestry of cultures, history, philosophy and landscapes are in full display during this event that Malaysia has played host to yearly since 1999.”
Ambassador Rokas said that Kuching was reintroduced as a location for the festival’s circuit in keeping with the EU’s policy of reaching out to as many Malaysians as possible.
“The EU is celebrating our 20th anniversary in Malaysia and in line with our spirit of togetherness and shared prosperity, we are glad to extend this additional venue as a mark of friendship and respect to Malaysia as a whole instead of just focusing on the Klang Valley and Peninsular Malaysia.”
The Ambassador of Spain to Malaysia José Luis Pardo Cuerdo said his mission picked Goya in Bordeaux to launch the festival as the Kingdom was celebrating Pablo Picasso and his contributions to the world, to mark the 50th anniversary of his death.
Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century drew inspiration from Francisco José de Goya y Luciente. The Goya& Disasters of War series has also served as a crucial inspiration for Picasso’s perspective on humanity’s inherent brutality.
Pardo Cuerdo said the movie, written and directed by Carlos Saura, explores the experiences and artistic evolution of Goya who is considered one of the greatest painters and printmakers of the modern age.
The film which focuses on Goya’s evolution as a man, his work and private obsessions, is set against the backdrop of the final months before his death.
Ms Clara Cualbu the Deputy Head of Mission for Italy said that the embassy curated Parents vs Influencers for its commentary on modern day teen-raising.
She said that the comedy directed by Michela Andreozzi was also chosen as it was on a contemporary subject.
“The film deals with the struggles of a middle-aged philosophy professor who grapples with his daughter’s social media obsession and the differences between his generation and hers.”
“Both movies presented by Italy, “Parents Vs. Influencers” and “We Still Talk”, remind us of the complexity of human relationships, the importance of expanding our views and the immense power of empathy and love, universal themes that have no borders and concern us all whether we live in Italy, Malaysia or elsewhere in the world. This is the main reason behind our choice. We hope you’ll enjoy them.”
The movie alongside Goya in Bordeaux is among the 11 titles that would be screened for free.
Other movies that would be screened for free are The Restless (Belgium), Neither With You (Hungary), 100 Days of Ulysses (Ireland), We Still Talk (Italy), The Brothers (Netherlands), Operation Artic (Norway), Ramona (Spain), Imad Childhood (Sweden) and Mr Jones (Ukraine).
Moviegoers can redeem the free tickets, packaged with a RM 4.00 mineral water purchase per ticket via e-payment on the GSC website and application or the ticketing kiosks at the participating cinemas.
The 24th EUFF is organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, in collaboration with embassies and cultural institutions of EU Member States as well as Ukraine, Switzerland and Norway.
EUFF partners include Golden Screen Cinemas and showtime listings and movie information portal Cinema Online.
About the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia:
The Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia represents the European Union’s interests in Malaysia including fostering bilateral relations and promoting cooperation in various areas. It aims to strengthen ties between the European Union and Malaysia through diplomatic efforts, cultural exchanges, and collaborative initiatives.
24th European Film Festival (EUFF)
The Restless
Language: French
Duration of movie: 119min
Genre: Drama
Cast: Leïla Behkti, Damien Bonnard
Director: Joachim Lafosse
Producer: Anton Iffland-Stettner, Eva Kuperman, Jani Thiltges, Alexandre Gavras, Antonino Lombardo
Classification: 16
Award:
Synopsis: Leila and Damien are deeply in love. Despite his bipolarity, he tries to pursue his life with her, knowing he may never be able to offer her what she desires.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss3hmF45yFw
Shadow country (Krajina ve stínu)
Language: Czech
Duration of movie: 135min
Genre: Drama, History
Cast: Magdaléna Borová, Stanislav Majer, Csongor Kassai, Barbora Poláková, Pavel Nový, Petra Špalková, Zuzana Kronerová, Agi Gubíková
Director: Bohdan Sláma
Producer: Jindřich Motýl, Martin Růžička
Classification: 16
Award: Czech Lion
Synopsis: Tells a story of people in a small town of Schwarzwald, dragged by history through the events of 30's and 40's of the last century. How to reconcile with killings committed by your own neighbors? How to face growing evil that nobody stands against? What can human will overcome and what is the value of humility and hope? Bohdan Sláma is shooting on negative and in black and white. The Shadow Country is an incredibly topical film full of powerful stories that you must see on a big screen.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRAamfUGDo8
Murina
Language: Croatian
Duration of movie: 97min
Genre: Drama
Cast: Gracija Filipović, Leon Lucev, Danica Curcic, Cliff Curtis, Jonas Smulders
Director: Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic
Producer: Rodrigo Teixeira, Danijel Pak
Classification: 16
Awards: Cannes Film Festival, Hamptons International Film Festival, CinEast
Synopsis: Tensions rise between restless teenager Julija and her oppressive father Ante when an old family friend arrives at their Croatian island home. As Ante attempts to broker a life-changing deal, their tranquil yet isolated existence leaves Julija wanting more from this influential visitor, who provides a taste of liberation over a weekend laid bare to desire and violence.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yigfQEbn17I
Any Day Now
Language: Persian, Finnish, English
Duration of movie: 82min
Genre: Drama
Cast: Shahab Hosseini, Aran-Sina Keshvari, Shabnam Ghorbani, Kimiya
Eskandari
Director: Hamy Ramezan
Producer: Emilia Falcon, Jussi Rautamäki
Classification: 16
Awards: 6 WINS & 17 NOMINATIONS
Synopsis: 13 year old Ramin Mehdipour and his Iranian family have been living in a refugee centre in Finland. Just as Ramin starts to enjoy the school holidays, the family receives the terrible news their asylum application has been denied. The Mehdipours file a final appeal, and they continue with their everyday lives, trying to keep a positive attitude despite the looming danger of deportation. As Ramin starts the new school year, every moment, every friendship will be more precious than ever. A story of an Iranian refugee family in Finland waiting for the decision of whether or not they'll be granted an official asylum status. The story is loosely based on the childhood experiences of the director.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEIj7FIjVo8
Paris Memories
Language: French
Duration of movie: 100min
Genre: Fiction, Drama
Cast: Virginie Efira, Benoît Magimel, Grégoire Colin, Maya Sansa, Amadou Mbow, Nastya Golubeva, Anne-Lise Heimburger, Sofia Lesaffre and Clarisse Makundul
Director: Alice Winocour
Producer: Dharamsala, Darius Films / Pathé Films
Classification: U
Awards: Presented in competition at the Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Festival 2022, Prix Alice-Guy 2023: Best director for Alice Winocour, César 2023: Best Actress for Virginie Efira, Magritte 2023:
Best Actress for Virginie Efira
Synopsis: One Saturday evening in autumn, Mia is caught in a terrorist attack on a Parisian bistro. Three months later, still unable to pick her life back up, and remembering only fragments of that night, Mia decides to investigate her memories to find a way back to happiness.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgvvxXr_Vrc
Io Sto Bene
Language: Italian, Luxembourgish, French, English
Duration of movie: 100min
Genre: Dramatic Comedy
Cast: Renato Carpentieri, Sara Serraiocco, Alessio Lapice, Tommy Schlesser, Marie Jung, Gabriel Boisante, Jules Werner, Anita Pomario, Teresa Fiorentino, Mazia Firouzi, Vittorio Nastri, Jean-Paul Raths, Raoul Schlechter, Rosalie Maes, Pitt Simon, Nicole Max
Director: Donato Rotunno
Producer: Donato Rotunno. Elise André, Tarantula Luxerbourg
Classification: 16
Awards: Hoff International Film Festival, Rome Film Festival
Synopsis: Antonio has spent his whole life away from Italy, his home country. He crosses paths with Leo, a young Italian artist who is trying to make it abroad. The old man and the young woman’s destinies mirror each other. Memories from the past are awoken and end up offering a more peaceful future to the both of them.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=85jDTXfTux4
Neither with You
Language: Hungarian
Duration of movie: 96min
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Cast: Béla Mészáros, Réka Tenki, Juli Básti, Eszter Ónodi, Áron Molnár, Judit Rezes, György Cserhalmi
Director: Dénes Orosz
Producer: Dénes Orosz, Attila Tőzsér
Classification: 18
Synopsis: Gergő’s mother is obsessed with having a grandchild. She has a serious heart disease and has only days left to live. To give his mum some joy during her final hours, Gergő asks his neighbour Saci, who is five months pregnant, to visit his mother in hospital with him and tell her that she is carrying his child. It all goes smoothly, but a new heart arrives, and his mum is operated. Therefore, Gergő and Saci are forced to play the roles of the loving couple.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpQRfS5UsQI
100 Years of Ulysses
Language: English
Duration of movie: 109min
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Ann Skelly, Eimear McBride, Paul Muldoon, John McCourt, Natasa Paulberg and Margaret O’ Callaghan
Director: Ruán Magan
Producer: Frank Callanan/Ruán Magan
Classification: P13
Synopsis: 100 years ago, on February 2nd 1922, Ulysses was first published in a small bookshop in Paris. The book would have a profound impact on the literature and culture of the century to follow. No 20th century novel has rivalled Ulysses in its reach. Though Ulysses was banned initially in America and Britain, Joyce’s epic soon came to be celebrated as a masterpiece of modernism and a revolution in literary expression. It has inspired creators as diverse as Eileen Grey, Sergei Eisenstein, Man Ray and Bob Dylan. But in Ireland, Joyce was accused of treachery, for having gone to war with the Irish Catholic Church and repudiating his own people. He was also accused of ignoring his nation’s long struggle for independence from Britain which culminated in 1922 - only weeks before Ulysses was published - with the foundation of the Irish Free state. Produced to mark the 100th anniversary of the book’s publication, “100 Years of Ulysses”, a one hour documentary devised by historian, Frank Callanan and directed by Ruán Magan, sets out to unlock one of most impregnatable and explosive books of modern times.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqPownGWk2I
Lei Mi Parla Ancora (We Still Talk)
Language: Italian
Duration of movie: 109min
Genre: Drama
Cast: Renato Pozzetto, Fabrizio Gifuni, Stefania Sandrelli, Isabella Ragonese, Alessandro Haber, Lino Musella, Chiara Caselli, Gioele Dix, Serena Grandi
Director: Pupi Avati
Producer: Bartlebyfilm, Vision Distribution
Classification: 13
Synopsis: Nino and Caterina have been married for sixty-five years and have loved each other deeply since the first moment they saw each other. When Caterina dies, her daughter, hoping to help her father overcome the loss of the woman he has loved all his life, arranges for Amicangelo, an editor with novelist ambitions, to write a book taking inspiration from her father's memories about their love story. Amicangelo accepts the job only for financial reasons and immediately clashes with the personality of a man who seems to be his exact opposite. But the relationship between the two will grow deeper every day until it turns into a sincere friendship.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX4rupj0iDI
Genitori vs. Influencers (Parents vs. Influencers)
Language: Italian
Duration of movie: 100min
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Fabio Volo, Ginevra Francesconi, Giulia De Lellis, Paola Tiziana Cruciani, Nino Frassica, Paola Minaccioni, Massimiliano Vado, Michela Andreozzi, Massimiliano Bruno
Director: Michela Andreozz
Producer: Paco Cinematografica, Neo Art Producciones, Vision Distribution
Classification: 18
Synopsis: How difficult is it to be the single father of a teenager today? Paul, a philosophy professor and widower, has been raising his daughter Simone (with whom he has a beautiful relationship) alone. But when the girl officially enters adolescence, the idyll is broken: in fact, like any self-respecting teenager, Simone is "kidnapped" by her smartphone, so much so that she matures the idea of wanting to become an influencer, a category that Paolo detests. In order to regain his relationship with his daughter, Paolo starts a campaign against social media abuse, with the help of Simone herself, who becomes his web manager.
Unexpected fame will transform him, against his own will, into an influencer... and will make him discover that social media, although should be handled with care, can give people a chance
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gauXyETWeiA
Brothers
Language: Dutch
Duration of movie: 106min
Genre: Drama
Cast: Jonas Smulders, Niels Gomperts en Christa Théret
Director: Bram Schouw
Producer: BALDR Film
Classification: 16
Synopsis: A timid young man joins his charismatic older brother on an impromptu hitchhike from Amsterdam to France, only to discover the time may have come to finally go his own way in life
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt4q0H8gNAs
Operation Arctic
Language: Norwegian
Duration of movie: 87min
Genre: Adventure, Family
Cast: Kaisa Gurine Antonsen, Ida Leonora Valestrand Eike, Leonard Valestrand Eike, Line Verndal, Nicolai Cleve Broch, Kristoffer Hivju
Director: Grethe Bøe-Waal
Producer: John M. Jacobsen, Sveinung Golimo and Marcus Brodersen
Classification: U
Awards: 2015 Amanda Award for best Childrens Movie (Norway)
Synopsis: Julia and her twin siblings Sindre and Ida have moved to a small town with their mother. Desperate to reach their father, who is working in southern Norway, they secretly jump aboard a helicopter flying in his direction. Unfortunately, the helicopter changes its route, and soon they find themselves lost and alone on a deserted island. Now the three are forced to face the epic powers of nature, as both blizzards and hungry polar bears threaten their very existence.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDMFGIzaE6o
Goya in Bordeaux
Language: Spanish
Duration of movie: 100min
Genre: Drama, Biography
Cast: Francisco Rabal, José Coronado, Maribel Verdú, Eulàlia Ramon, Dafne Fernández, Mario de Candia
Director: Carlos Saura
Classification: 18
Awards: Winner of 5 Goya Awards including Best Actor (1999), Winner of the Best Artistic Contribution at the Montreal festival (2000), Winner of the Best Cinematography at the European Film Cinema Awards (2000).
Synopsis: Francisco Goya (1746-1828), deaf and ill, lives the last years of his life in voluntary exile in Bordeaux, a Liberal protesting the oppressive rule of Ferdinand VII. He's living with his much younger wife Leocadia and their daughter Rosario. He continues to paint at night, and in flashbacks stirred by conversations with his daughter, by awful headaches, and by the befuddlement of age, he relives key times in his life, particularly his relationship with the Duchess of Alba, his discovery of how he wanted to paint (insight provided by Velázquez's work), and his lifelong celebration of the imagination. Throughout, his reveries become tableaux of his paintings.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4JwsWaoWkY
Ramona
Language: Spanish
Duration of movie: 80min
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Lourdes Hernández, Bruno Lastra, Francesco Carril
Director: Andrea Bagney
Classification: 18
Awards: Winner of 3 Rome Film Festival Awards, including Best Script and Best Comedy.
Synopsis: After years spent abroad, Ramona returns to Madrid and intends to start again from scratch with her boyfriend at her side. She has an audition ahead of her for a main role that might launch her career as an actress. When she meets the charismatic Bruno on one of her strolls through the city, it never occurs to her that she might encounter him again the following day – as the director of the film she’s auditioning for. The feud between sense and sensibility is one of the constituent themes of Andrea Bagney’s feature debut, in which the heroine attempts to find her bearings in life and discover who she really is. A refreshing romantic comedy which also reminds us of the importance of listening to one’s heart and one’s intuition, since only then will we follow the right path, one which will always be ours alone.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7Psv7SV28M
Imads barndom (Imad’s Childhood)
Language: Swedish
Duration of movie: 78min
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Zahavi Sanjavi, Imad Sharaf
Director: Zahavi Sanjavi
Producer: Zahavi Sanjavi
Classification: P12
Awards: 2021 Nominee Beyond the Screen Competition, 2022 Nominee The Big Stamp International Competition, 2022 Winner Movies That Matter Award.
Synopsis: After more than two years in captivity with Isis, Yazidi Ghazala and her two small boys are released and return to Iraqi Kurdistan. Four year old Imad is explosively aggressive and his favorite pursuits are stoning rabbits and beheading dogs. With patience and respect, Zahavi Sanjavi has closely followed Imad and his traumatized family for several years. With the help of a teacher, Imad begins to take small steps to find his way back to a normal childhood.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0qCLO5kb98
Last Dance
Language: French
Duration of movie: 83min
Genre: Comedy
Cast: François Berléand, Kacey Mottet Klein, Maria La Ribot, Déborah Lukumuena, Astrid Whettnall, Dominique Reymond
Director: Delphine Lehericey
Producer: Elena Tatti, Thierry Spicher, Anne-Laure Guégan, Géraldine Sprimont
Classification: 16
Awards: Locarno Film Festival, Audience Award (Piazza Grande) 2022 (Winner).
Synopsis: At the age of 75, Germain, a contemplative and homely man, finds himself a widower and is trying to cope with his children's invasive anxiety. True to a promise he made to his wife years ago, he is going to have to take his place in a contemporary dance performance, in secret from his family
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzPKcXBxd8I
Mr Jones
Language: English, Ukrainian, Russian, Welsh
Duration of movie: 119min
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Cast: James Norton, Vanessa Kirby, Peter Sarsgaard, Joseph Mawle, Kenneth Cranham, Yakiv Tkachenko, Oleg Drach, Volodymyr Fedoruk, Anna Shaydyuk, Anastasia Chala
Director: Agnieszka Holland
Producer: Klaudia Smieja, Stanislaw Dziedzic, Egor Olesov, Angus Lamont, Andrea Chalupa
Classification: 16
Awards: Feature Film Selection 2019.
Synopsis: In 1933, Welsh reporter Gareth Jones is looking for his next big story. The job assignment brings him to Moscow, where he meets American journalist Ada Brooks who reveals to him the truth about the “Soviet utopia” and Jones starts to put all pieces together.
Hiding from the Soviet intelligence agencies and facing deadly threats, bit by bit he uncovers the truth about the tragedy of the Ukrainian people: the Holodomor, censorship, conspiracies and mass repressions. Later the Gareth’s work finds a home as the basis of scathing allegory Animal Farm by the famous writer George Orwell.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtWSyFNT9qY
The Rising Hawk
Language: English (original), Ukrainian, Mongolian
Duration of movie: 125min
Genre: Action, Drama
Cast: Robert Patrick, Andriy Isayenko, Tsegmid Tserenbold, Tommy Flanagan, Oleh Voloschenko, Poppy Drayton, Ayan Otepbergen, Alex MacNicoll, and others
Director: Akhtem Seitablayev, John Wynn
Producer: Egor Olesov, Jeff Rice, Raja Collins, Yuriy Karnovsky
Classification: P13
Awards: Ukrainian Film Academy Awards 2020 (Best Production Design, Best Make-up, Best Costume Design).
Synopsis: During the 13th Century, Zakhar Berkut and his wife lead a group of high-landers in Carpathian Mountains. Unfortunately, their tranquil existence is soon threatened by Burunda Khan, a powerful Mongolian general who leads his massive armies west in search of new lands to conquer. As war breaks out, both sides suffer devastating casualties. Faced with certain doom, Maksim and Myroslava must choose to flee or make the ultimate sacrifice to save their people.
Movie trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvWIqRy6s3Y
Ticket Price:
RM 10.00 and available via GSC E-payment services on www.gsc.com.my, GSC Mobile Apps or their participating cinemas from noon on 9th October 2023.
Online Booking: www.gsc.com.my/film-festival/2023-eu-film-festival/ / www.gsc.com.my/film-festival/2023-eu-film-festival/ / euff.com.my/