Abu Dhabi hosts European Film Festival 2025 with award-winning screenings
Weeklong celebration of European cinema and cultural exchange in UAE capital
ABU DHABI: The European Film Festival 2025 officially commenced this week at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi.
Organised by the European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates in collaboration with the Cultural Foundation – under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) – the festival runs until Sunday, 29 June. The event also has the backing of EU Member State Embassies and Cultural Institutes based in the UAE.
A vibrant mix of ambassadors, diplomats, senior UAE officials, and leading figures from both European and Emirati cultural sectors attended the opening evening. The event welcomed members of the public and notable guests, making for a dynamic and diverse audience.
Opening address and screening
Iñigo Febrel, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to the UAE, opened the evening with a welcome speech highlighting the power of culture in fostering connection and mutual understanding, especially during turbulent times. He underscored the EU’s commitment to deepening ties with Emirati society through cultural dialogue.
Following the remarks, attendees were treated to Flow, a Latvian animated feature that clinched the 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The screening was met with enthusiasm, underscoring the festival’s aim to create a space for storytelling, discovery, and shared experience.
Programme highlights
Running throughout the week, the European Film Festival offers a curated selection of European films across a range of genres. The line-up reflects both contemporary voices and cinematic classics from across the continent.
A notable inclusion in this year’s programme is the Emirati production Mountain Boy, providing a platform for homegrown talent alongside European works. This fusion of regional and international storytelling underlines the festival’s role in building cross-cultural bridges through cinema.
For film enthusiasts, the event promises an enriching journey. The full schedule and ticket details are available at www.euff.ae.