Get ready for an exciting cinematic experience as Europe on Screen 2023, a film festival showcasing 73 movies from 24 European countries, arrives in various cities across Indonesia.

This year marks the 23rd edition of Europe on Screen in Indonesia. The festival was first organized as the European Union Film Festival in 1990 and has been held annually since 2003.

Vincent Piket, the European Union Ambassador to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, stated that the film festival is not focused on political diplomacy or trade but rather on the cultural bond between Indonesia and the European Union.

 

The festival provides a platform for building cultural understanding between Indonesia and Europe. It also highlights the current state of the European film industry.

Similar to Indonesia, the European film industry faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there has been a positive trend in the industry, including an increase in film production and cinema attendance. Piket mentioned that cinema attendance in Europe rose by 65% in 2022 compared to the previous year.

Apart from film screenings, Europe on Screen 2023 also offers workshops for the public and film practitioners, covering topics such as film music composition and film archiving. The festival also includes talks with filmmakers whose films are being showcased, providing an opportunity for networking and potential collaborations.

The Indonesian government has allocated $10 million per year to support the local film industry. This funding, provided through the matching fund scheme, encourages Indonesian filmmakers to engage in international co-productions. It ensures quality control and competitiveness on the international stage.

Europe on Screen 2023 will present 73 films from 24 European countries, including Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, and Armenia. The festival will take place in seven cities: Jakarta, Bekasi, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, and Medan. With a total of 230 screenings over the course of the ten-day festival, all films will be accessible to the public free of charge. Tickets will be available at the screening venues, and there is no online ticketing.

Unlike previous editions, Europe on Screen 2023 does not have a specific theme. The curated films encompass a wide range of genres and captivating storylines.

 

The festival will kick off with the romantic-fantasy film "First Snow of Summer" from Austria, and the closing film will be the comedy "Employee of the Month" from Belgium. Some films will have their Southeast Asian premieres, including "Franky Five Star" from Germany, "Kiddo" from the Netherlands, "Midwives" from France, and "Sunlight" from Ireland.

Additionally, the festival will feature a retrospective program dedicated to Costa-Gavras, a Greek-born French director. Three of his early films will be screened during the festival.

In support of the Indonesian film industry, the festival also provides a pitching program where Indonesian filmmakers can present their ideas for short films to a jury. If selected, they will receive partial production funding to bring their film projects to life.

Europe on Screen 2023 promises an enriching experience for film enthusiasts, fostering cultural connections and paving the way for international collaborations. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the best of European cinema right here in Indonesia!

 

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