Eurocine, the renowned European Film Festival in Colombia, is gearing up for its 30th edition, marking a significant milestone in its history. This year, the festival will run from May 9 to May 19, showcasing a diverse array of European cinema across nine Colombian cities. With Sweden as the guest of honor, Eurocine promises an immersive cinematic experience for audiences, featuring 41 films from 20 European countries.
Lucía González García, who assumes the directorship for the festival’s 30th edition, expressed her excitement about this year’s lineup. She stated, “I take on this challenge with great enthusiasm and with high expectations for what Eurocine brings us this year with 41 films from 20 countries.” García emphasized the arduous curation process and the invaluable guidance provided by María Paula Lorgia in shaping the festival’s programming.
One of the highlights of this year’s Eurocine is the inclusion of Colombian-European co-productions for the first time. This addition underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and fostering international collaboration in the world of cinema. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to curate the retrospective of Eurocine’s three decades, reflecting the festival’s dedication to engaging its audience in meaningful ways.
In collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, the Swedish Film Institute, and the Swedish Institute, Eurocine will present a retrospective of the acclaimed Swedish director Roy Andersson’s work. This showcase offers a unique insight into contemporary Swedish cinema, exploring themes ranging from minority rights to dark comedies, capturing the essence of Swedish society.
“It is an honor to be the guest country of this edition, a participation that coincides with the celebration of the 150 years of diplomatic relations between Sweden and Colombia, which represents an opportunity for the long cinematic tradition of Sweden to find audiences in Colombia and be one more reason for dialogue and social transformation, with cinema as a powerful vehicle to make it possible,” says Pontus Rosenberg, chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Sweden in Colombia.
Andrés Santamaría of the District Institute of Tourism (IDT) highlighted the significance of Eurocine for Bogotá, stating, “Through Eurocine, Bogotá demonstrates its capacity to host large-scale international events and its commitment to cultural promotion.” Santamaría’s words highlight the festival’s three-decade role in positioning Bogotá as a vibrant hub for cinematic expression and cultural exchange.
With Sweden as the guest of honor, Eurocine aims to celebrate the richness and diversity of European cinema. From thought-provoking dramas to lighthearted comedies, the festival offers something for every cinephile beyond commercial cinema, and visual content that is both iconic and alternative. Carlo Chatrian, the esteemed Italian curator, brings his expertise to Eurocine, following his tenure as the artistic director of the Berlinale Festival. Chatrian’s involvement shows Eurocine’s growing international stature and commitment to artistic excellence.
Eurocine’s program spans seven sections, each offering a unique perspective on European cinema. From the official selection featuring contemporary debates to Miradas Transnacionales – Transnational Views – which explores collaborations between Europe and Colombia, the festival showcases the breadth and depth of European filmmaking.
Attendees can enjoy screenings at various venues, including cinemas, theaters, and alternative spaces, across nine Colombian cities: Medellín, Cali, Manizales, Barranquilla, Pereira, Bucaramanga, Santa Marta, and Cartagena. The festival’s accessibility reflects its founding mission to reach diverse audiences and foster cultural exchange on a national scale.
Eurocine’s 30th edition promises to be a celebration of cinematic excellence and cultural diversity. With Sweden as the guest of honor, Colombian co-productions, and a curated retrospective, the festival offers a compelling showcase of European cinema. As audiences gather to experience the magic of the silver screen, Eurocine continues to inspire generations and cement its place as a cornerstone of Colombia’s cinematic landscape.
Visit the festival’s website for the full program of screenings and lectures at www.festivaleurocine.com and follow Eurocine on social media. With the slogan “Inspiring Generations” the screenings of this year’s edition will take place at the Bogotá Cinemateca, El Tunal Cinemateca, Cinemanía, and the El Muro / Tavola Santa Film Club. In community spaces, films will be screened in 16 public libraries in the capital.
Eurocine in Medellín will be hosted at the Centro Colombo-Americano and Procinal CC Plaza de las Américas; in Manizales at Cinespiral; in Pereira at the Alianza Francesa; in Cali at the Cinemateca Museo La Tertulia and the Alianza Francesa; in Cartagena at the Fundación Casa Cultural Colombo Alemana; in Santa Marta at the Alianza Francesa; in Bucaramanga at the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga; and, in Barranquilla, at the Alianza Francesa and the Cinemateca del Caribe. As a novelty, the festival will have screenings in different municipalities of Cundinamarca and in Rincón del Mar, a hamlet of the municipality of San Onofre, Sucre.
