EU Film Festival in Nepal: Cultural Heritage Year of Europe

The Diplomatic missions and cultural institutions of the European Union (EU) based in Kathmandu and Delhi are organizing the 7th annual three-day ‘European Union Film Festival’ in association with the British Council at the Nepal Tourism Board from 14 to 16 July, under the theme ‘Europe & Arts throughout the Centuries.’

This has been stated in a press release issued by the European Union Nepal Office in Nepal dated 11 July, 2018.

The festival coincides with the ‘European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018’ and to reflect this, the films have been selected accordingly. Five of the eleven films are based on the work and perceptions of European artists, while the other six films deal with a number of issues including old age, gender discrimination, marine science and research and issues related to the lives of common people. Films from nine different European Union Member States – the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Finland, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Luxembourg and Portugal are being screened during the festival.
Culture is at the heart of European Union international relations and we are always looking for ways to further encourage cultural cooperation between the European Union and Nepal. The European Union believes the medium of film is a powerful tool to reinforce mutual understanding between people, most notably the young.

Therefore, this year for the first time, with the aim of increasing interest in European film, the European Union decided to reach out to a wider Nepali audience and hold the film festival in Pokhara from 06 to 08 July. The event was a success and will be continued in the years to come.

“The European Union and Nepal have had very good cultural relations for many years and I am hopeful that the film festival will help to further deepen the understanding and ties between Nepal and countries in Europe,” EU Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Veronica Cody said.

There will be four screenings each day at the Nepal Tourism Board Hall. Through the British Council, post-screening discussions will be hosted to further add value to audience’s engagement with the films as both insights into European culture and as an art form on its own. Discussions are led by national presenting partners who are artists, filmmakers, media producers, architects etc. Partners include: Oscar Film College, Sattya Media Arts Collective’s Bato Ko Cinema, Lalitpur Film Society, Katha Haru, SPACES Magazine, Mero Majjako Karyalaya and other independent artists.

Free tickets can be booked from three different locations prior to the festival. The booking centres are Nanglo Bakery Café, Pulchowk, Lavaza Barista Coffee, Uttardhoka, Lazimpat and Nepal

Tourism Board, Bhrikuti Mandap. Tickets booked prior to show days must be re-confirmed at the venue fifteen minutes prior to the show on each day.

Bookings can also be made on the spot but are subject to availability.

# The EU Film Festival 2018′ to be held at the Nepal Tourism Board from 14 July to 16 July: Ed.