About

Artistic director welcome —

Europe is not just the birthplace of cinema, but throughout the history of the moving image it has helped define and innovate world cinema by offering a much-loved alternative to the dominant forms of visual storytelling established by Hollywood. Cinema from Europe has always been close to the hearts of Australian audiences, whether it be cinephiles wanting to see something new or more casual film lovers seeking an experience of cultures outside of their own. For these reasons we felt a festival dedicated to the very best of European cinema was essential, and my goal in programming Europa! Europa was to represent as many countries as possible across Europe at their very best and most eclectic. Europa! Europa reflects a diversity of countries and cultures, but also of voices and viewpoints. There are films about ageing and youth, films by and about women and men. Many films explore conflict, both historical and recent. There are films about immigration and refugees told from multiple perspectives. Stories of social change and political upheaval are told in dramas, thrillers and razor-sharp comedies, but there are also films about love, family, friendship, art and filmmaking.

I hope you enjoy discovering these films as much as I did.

— Thomas Caldwell, Artistic Director