30/04/2024 - Critics from 13 Latin American countries will choose from a total of 23 titles curated by national film-promotion institutes

Back in January, European Film Promotion (EFP) announced the inaugural Latin American Critics' Award for European Films (see the news). This initiative marks a significant step forward in fostering cultural exchange between Europe and Latin America, amplifying the reach and recognition of European cinema in the vibrant Latin American film landscape.

The organisation has now unveiled the preselected films, a total of 23 European titles, carefully curated by national film-promotion institutes from across the continent. These selections span a diverse range of genres, from compelling fiction to captivating animation and thought-provoking documentaries. Each film has garnered international acclaim, having premiered at renowned festivals or earned recognition at esteemed awards ceremonies in the previous year.

The preselected films are Veni Vidi Vici [+see also:
film review
interview: Daniel Hoesl, Julia Niemann
film profile] by Daniel Hoesl and Julia Niemann (Austria), Holly [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Fien Troch
film profile] by Fien Troch (Belgium), Excursion [+see also:
film review
interview: Una Gunjak
film profile] by Una Gunjak (Bosnia & Herzegovina), Dyad [+see also:
film review
interview: Yana Titova
film profile] by Yana Titova (Bulgaria), Embryo Larva Butterfly [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Kyros Papavassiliou
film profile] by Kyros Papavasiliou (Cyprus), Brothers [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Tomáš Mašín
film profile] by Tomáš Mašín (Czech Republic), The Invisible Fight [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] by Rainer Sarnet (Estonia), Once Upon a Time in a Forest by Virpi Suutari (Finland), The Teachers’ Lounge [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: İlker Çatak
interview: Leonie Benesch
film profile] by İlker Çatak (Germany), Animal [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Sofia Exarchou
film profile] by Sofia Exarchou (Greece), Pelikan Blue [+see also:
film review
interview: Laszló Csaki
film profile] by László Csáki (Hungary), Solitude [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Ninna Pálmadóttir
film profile] by Ninna Rún Pálmadóttir (Iceland), Housewife of the Year by Ciaran Cassidy (Ireland), Phantom Youth [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] by Luàna Bajrami (Kosovo), Wolfkin [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Jacques Molitor (Luxembourg), Forever Hold Your Peace [+see also:
film review
interview: Ivan Marinović
film profile] by Ivan Marinović (Montenegro), Bad Living [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: João Canijo
film profile] by João Canijo (Portugal), Guardians of the Formula [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Dragan Bjelogrlić
film profile] by Dragan Bjelogrlić (Serbia), Observing [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Janez Burger
film profile] by Janez Burger (Slovenia), Together 99 [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] by Lukas Moodysson (Sweden), Reinas [+see also:
film review
interview: Klaudia Reynicke
film profile] by Klaudia Reynicke (Switzerland), Sweet Dreams [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Ena Sendijarević
film profile] by Ena Sendijarević (Netherlands) and Layla by Amrou Al-Khadi (UK).

The adjudication process for the Latin American Critics' Award is in the hands of 34 film critics hailing from 13 Latin American countries. They will meticulously deliberate to select their top-three favourites from the line-up of European films. The ultimate winner will be unveiled and honoured during the Guadalajara Film Festival, scheduled for 7-15 June 2024.

This collaboration between EFP and the Guadalajara Film Festival underscores a shared commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and cinematic excellence. By showcasing European films to Latin American audiences, the initiative aims to spark curiosity, foster understanding and celebrate the universal language of storytelling.

Cineuropa and LatAm are the media partners of the initiative.