EUFF 2024: 29th European Union Film Festival kicks off with Alice Rohrwacher’s ‘La Chimera’

On the opening night of the 29th European Union Film Festival, the Stein Auditorium at the India Habitat Center in Delhi was buzzing with the anticipation that only the promise of a great night at the movies can inspire. The sanctuary for Delhi’s festival crowd saw an enthusiastic line stretching outside the adjacent Habitat Diner — cinephiles giddy with hushed excitement, pondering MUBI’s latest treasure and exchanging letterboxed handles — waiting to be seated for Stein’s vintage feast, La Chimera.

A room full of cinephiles at the opening night premiere of EUFF 2024 ‘La Chimera’ | Photo credit: Special Arrangements

Despite the post-Diwali capital’s infamous hangover, there was a shared, almost conspiratorial thrill over whispered names – Alice Rohrwacher This, Josh O’Connor – and the air felt thicker with a faint sense of camaraderie, a collective held in eager anticipation of something special. breath Delhi’s film crowd has developed a discerning taste for unfamiliar, choice stories that transcend Bollywood’s commercial gloss in pursuit of the more grounded, artistic sensibilities of distant continents.

Inaugurated by EU Ambassador Harvey Delfin, Italian actor and La Chimera Starring Yil Yara Vianello, and Lithuanian director Tomas Vengris, with a star-studded lineup of European artistic luminaries, the night unfolded as the opening act of a week-long odyssey into some of European cinema’s lesser-known offerings.

Ambassador Delphine described the EUFF as a “hub for cinephiles and creative professionals”, an opportunity to foster Indo-European collaboration that enriches both film ecosystems. His opening speech celebrated the ancient connection between India and Europe through cinema, saying, “These films are not only a tribute and a showcase, a window of Indian cinema and cinema excellence, but also an expression of the best collaboration between Europe and the Indian creative arts.”

(RL) Lithuanian director Tomas Vengris, EU Ambassador to India Harvey Delfin, Italian actress Yelle Yara Vianello, Italian Cultural Institute Director Andrea Anastasio and India Habitat Center President Suniti Tandon; Pose for a photo on the opening night of EUFF 2024 Photo credit: Special Arrangements

Ambassador Payal also highlighted Kapadia’s Cannes win All we imagine as lightSandhya Suri SatisfiedAs well as clean locks Girls will be girlsDevelopmentally, this year’s festival invitees, including the author, are before leaving Slumdog Millionaire; Padma Kriya Janakiraman, actress and founder of the Women in Cinema Collective; documentarian Aradhana Kohli Kapoor; and novelist and filmmaker Alina Bufra.

The opening film of the evening beckoned soon.

There was something absolutely mesmerizing about the opening sequence of Rohrwatcher – a haunted, rumpled Josh O’Connor in a linen suit, wandering through a Tuscany out of time. His character, Arthur, a British archaeologist-grave robber, seemed a curmudgeon cross between a fallen angel and a Caravaggio figure, an impression only enhanced by Rohrwacher’s earthy color palette and the roughness of the Italian countryside.

Sitting off-center in my favorite spot, allowed me to take in not only the film, but also the reactions of those around me. The audience was a lively compilation of seasoned cinephiles and wide-eyed newcomers, all rapt with attention. Here and there, someone would shift in their seat or let out an audible sigh, drawn deeper into the story’s dreamlike magical reality where primordial secrets were seen floating beneath the surface.

A still from ‘La Chimera’ Photo credit: Neon

O’Connor, in a role that originally called for someone twice her age, brings undeniable depth to Arthur’s quiet despair. His face is brooding and contemplative, as if bearing the weight of a century. Hélène Louvart’s camerawork is a marvel to watch, shifting from faded film grain to stunning pops of color that feel as ancient and tactile as Arthur’s tombaroli looting artwork. Every frame exudes the austerity and fairytale-like quality of rural Tuscany that is nothing short of escapist. Rough around the edges and strangely baroque, La Chimera It seemed a fitting start to the festival, with its complex portrayal of Italian identity, a place where the past was respected, neglected and all at the same time created.

Festival curator Veronica Flora had earlier spoken about the meticulous process of selecting films that resonate with Indian audiences, films that transcend linguistic divides while celebrating European diversity. This year’s films, he told us, are “deeply embedded in European culture but also explore themes that transcend borders,” referring to last year’s opening film, Saint OmarAnd how it unexpectedly led to a discussion that ended the festival itself “People respond to universal themes. Complex relationships, identity, the messy beauty of life—it sticks, even across language barriers. And it’s magical to see these films spark conversations here in India long after the credits roll.”

I see La Chimera Reminds me of what Flora said about finding universal appeal in niche stories. An image between time and emotion, Arthur Stein seems to be tapping into something singular for the audience. You can feel it in the silent awe as he slips into the world, or the gasps of particularly embarrassing profanity that took us all by surprise.

A still from ‘La Chimera’ Photo credit: Neon

The night ended with a standing ovation, perhaps partly because the audience was reluctant to leave Stein’s warmth for the first breast of a Delhi winter.

The rest of what EUFF has to offer this year seems to reflect a similar brand of soul-stirring cinema. Asked to name a standout, Ambassador Delfin admits, “It’s impossible to pick a favorite.” “My advice is to go into every screening with an open mind — you’ll be blown away by the storytelling, I can guarantee it. That’s where the journey of discovery and cultural immersion begins. I really encourage you to come and see the movie.”

With 26 films in 31 languages, screened across three venues in Delhi till November 16 — India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes and Goethe Institute — the festival promises a rare opportunity for cinephiles in the capital, and eventually Kolkata and Hyderabad, to immerse themselves. A little movie magic that might have remained invisible in the subcontinent.

Showcasing the crème de la crème of contemporary European films, the festival also marks the Indian premiere of several European films, including, What a feeling, because I love Bad Weather, Stairway to Heaven, Death is a Problem for Living, Jim’s Story, Without the Wind, Black Velvet, Last Ashes, Blood on the Crown, Bun, Horiya And The Man Without Guilt.

All films at EUFF 2024 will have English subtitles and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.