European Film Festival opens in Dhaka with compelling movies

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller and German Ambassador Rudiger Lots, among others, spoke at the opening ceremony of the European Film Festival at the Shishu Academy auditorium on Friday.

Dhaka, Dec 5 - Celebrating cinematic diversity and creativity, the European Union (EU) in Bangladesh has launched a four-day 'European Film Festival 2025', which began Thursday evening at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy Auditorium.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller and German Ambassador to Bangladesh Rudiger Lots, among others, spoke at the opening ceremony. 

Under the theme 'In Transition', Ambassador Miller said the festival highlights the stories of personal, societal and environmental change. 

"It is a theme that resonates strongly with Bangladesh today," he said.

“Over the next four days, we will present a compelling selection of European and Bangladeshi films that reflect our shared love for cinema and our commitment to cultural dialogue," said Ambassador Miller, adding that this festival is not only about watching films, but also about connecting communities, inspiring young creators, and celebrating the values that unite them.

German Ambassador Lotz highly appreciated the initiative aiming to use films as a powerful mode of social and cultural interaction.

Founded in 1985, the European Film Festival celebrates the diversity and creativity of European cinema worldwide.

The 2025 edition (4-7 December) will showcase European and Bangladeshi films, strengthening cultural connections and demonstrating shared love for cinema. 

The festival began with screening Foul (Bangladesh) that highlights the dream of a Bangladeshi woman footballer.

Later, Transit (Germany) was screened. It shows how a man fleeing occupied France assumes the identity of a dead writer and falls in love with the writer’s widow.

A Mobile Short Film Competition and Filmmaking Masterclasses will further engage young creators and inspire creative dialogue.

The festival will showcase films, masterclasses, mobile based film competition involving Dhaka University Film Society, BRAC University Film Club, Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, Goethe Institut, British Council and the International Academy of Film and Media, IAFM.

Civil society members, film enthusiasts, students, journalists, diplomats and upcoming film makers were present at the opening ceremony. 

Films of the European Film Festival are open to all and will be shown free of cost at Alliance Francaise, Dhanmondi, Goethe Institut, masterclasses will be at British Council.

The closing and award giving ceremony will be held at BRAC University Auditorium on December 7. - UNB