The 31st edition of the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) was inaugurated in Shillong on November 13, marking its first appearance in the Meghalaya capital and celebrating cultural connections between Europe and Northeast India.
Jean-Eric Paquet, Ambassador of the European Union to India, officially inaugurated the festival alongside Irène Mingasson, Head of Unit, Foreign Policy Instruments, and Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director of Asian Confluence Centre. Dr Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, attended the ceremony. The opening screening featured Dutch comedy-drama Jippie No More!, directed by Margien Rogaar.
Before the inauguration, Paquet, Vijay Kumar, Patricia Mukhim, Padma Shri awardee and Editor of The Shillong Times, and Sabyasachi Dutta participated in a discussion titled “Beyond Borders: Exploring Synergies Between Europe and Northeast India”, focusing on cultural cooperation through cinema and art.
Paquet said, “Bringing the European Union Film Festival to Shillong for the first time is part of our constant endeavour to take European cinema beyond major metros and connect with audiences across India.”
Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to India in collaboration with EU member states, the festival is being held in partnership with Asian Confluence Centre. Screenings will continue until November 18 at four venues: Asian Confluence Centre (The Habitat), Lady Keane College, St Edmund’s College and KL Bajoria College.