EU Film Festival returns with European and Namibian stories
• Stories that ‘remind us of our shared humanity’
The cinematic festival returns to Windhoek this September in a two-month celebration of cinema, youth and cultural exchange.
STAFF REPORTERWINDHOEK
The European Union (EU) delegation to Namibia, together with member states and the local film industry, proudly launched the 2025 edition of the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) on Wednesday in Windhoek.
Over the years, the festival has become a unique cultural space where European and Namibian cinema meet, sparking dialogue, inspiration and discovery.
Running from 3 September to 29 October, the festival will present nine outstanding European films every Wednesday night at Ster Kinekor Cinema, Maerua Mall.
The 2025 Festival is themed ‘Opportunities for Youth’, reflecting the EU’s belief in young people as drivers of change.
Speaking at the launch, Ian Dupont, EU deputy head of mission to Namibia, said: “The EU Film Festival is about much more than films. It is about stories that connect us, bridge cultures, and remind us of our shared humanity.”
He added: “We are particularly proud to shine a spotlight on youth through this year’s programme, because we believe young people are not only tomorrow’s storytellers but also today’s change-makers. Film is a powerful way to give them a voice and a platform.”
Bolstering youth opportunities
This year’s edition will close with two special Namibian productions followed by a panel discussion, creating space for local voices and perspectives alongside European storytelling.
For the first time ever, the EUFF will host a children’s screening on Saturday, 4 October, opening the world of cinema and European storytelling to Namibia’s youngest audiences.
The festival opens with ‘Miss Viborg’, an acclaimed Danish comedy-drama that explores resilience, friendship and intergenerational connection. Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU council, making the film a fitting choice to set the tone for this year’s programme.
The festival also continues its support of Kino Namibia, an initiative of the Namibia Film Commission that empowers young filmmakers.
Through the lens
In October, the EU-funded Cell-Phone Video Workshop returns, this time in Windhoek, demonstrating that powerful cinema can be created with just a phone and a vision.
Following its success in Oshakati, Keetmanshoop and Swakopmund last year, the workshop remains a cornerstone of the EU’s commitment to youth skills development.
Celebrating unity
The festival is made possible with the support of EU resident member states Finland, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Italy through Club Italiano, as well as EU non-resident member states Denmark and Austria. The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology, through the Namibia Film Commission, the Namibian Filmmakers Association, and Jam Events, also plays an essential role in bringing the festival to life.
Last year, the festival welcomed more than 2 000 guests at Ster Kinekor. This year, to reach even more audiences, all films will be screened in the cinema’s largest theatre hall. The organisers invite the public to attend the premiere on 3 September and to be part of this celebration of storytelling, diversity and creativity.
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The European Union (EU) delegation to Namibia, together with member states and the local film industry, proudly launched the 2025 edition of the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) on Wednesday in Windhoek.
Over the years, the festival has become a unique cultural space where European and Namibian cinema meet, sparking dialogue, inspiration and discovery.
Running from 3 September to 29 October, the festival will present nine outstanding European films every Wednesday night at Ster Kinekor Cinema, Maerua Mall.
The 2025 Festival is themed ‘Opportunities for Youth’, reflecting the EU’s belief in young people as drivers of change.
Speaking at the launch, Ian Dupont, EU deputy head of mission to Namibia, said: “The EU Film Festival is about much more than films. It is about stories that connect us, bridge cultures, and remind us of our shared humanity.”
He added: “We are particularly proud to shine a spotlight on youth through this year’s programme, because we believe young people are not only tomorrow’s storytellers but also today’s change-makers. Film is a powerful way to give them a voice and a platform.”
Bolstering youth opportunities
This year’s edition will close with two special Namibian productions followed by a panel discussion, creating space for local voices and perspectives alongside European storytelling.
For the first time ever, the EUFF will host a children’s screening on Saturday, 4 October, opening the world of cinema and European storytelling to Namibia’s youngest audiences.
The festival opens with ‘Miss Viborg’, an acclaimed Danish comedy-drama that explores resilience, friendship and intergenerational connection. Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU council, making the film a fitting choice to set the tone for this year’s programme.
The festival also continues its support of Kino Namibia, an initiative of the Namibia Film Commission that empowers young filmmakers.
Through the lens
In October, the EU-funded Cell-Phone Video Workshop returns, this time in Windhoek, demonstrating that powerful cinema can be created with just a phone and a vision.
Following its success in Oshakati, Keetmanshoop and Swakopmund last year, the workshop remains a cornerstone of the EU’s commitment to youth skills development.
Celebrating unity
The festival is made possible with the support of EU resident member states Finland, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and Italy through Club Italiano, as well as EU non-resident member states Denmark and Austria. The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology, through the Namibia Film Commission, the Namibian Filmmakers Association, and Jam Events, also plays an essential role in bringing the festival to life.
Last year, the festival welcomed more than 2 000 guests at Ster Kinekor. This year, to reach even more audiences, all films will be screened in the cinema’s largest theatre hall. The organisers invite the public to attend the premiere on 3 September and to be part of this celebration of storytelling, diversity and creativity.
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