The Cine Europa Film Festival is back for another year of cinematic excellence. Now in its 27th year, Cine Europa will open on October 18 at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall Red Carpet Cinemas with the Polish film “Dangerous Gentlemen.”
A wide selection of contemporary films from the European Union Member States, Alliance Française de Manille, Goethe Institut, Instituto Cervantes, the Philippine Italian Association, and guest country Ukraine will showcase the creativity of European cinema, which has always captivated Filipino film enthusiasts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the door.
Icarus (Luxembourg, 2022)
Director: Carlo Vogele
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All screenings are FREE of charge and are on a first-come, first-served basis. After it runs in Metro Manila, the festival will have screenings at Baguio, Iloilo, Cebu, and Bacolod.
For more information, visit the Cine Europa page on Facebook.
