European Union Film Festival Returns for a Second Edition in Lesotho and Eswatini

The European Union Delegations to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini, in partnership with the Alliance Françaises de Maseru and Mbabane, announce the second edition of the binational European Union Film Festival (EUFF 2025).

Following its successful debut in 2024, the binational EUFF 2025 will take place in Lesotho from 15 October to 10 November 2025, offering audiences a diverse programme of European and African movies, alongside opportunities for cultural exchange.

Funded by the European Union with the complementary contributions of EU Member States and their cultural institutes - namely by Austria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain, this year's festival sees the addition of the Embassy of Switzerland for the first time.

The EU Member States, through their invaluable support, have enabled the festival to expand its duration and reach a broader audience by venturing into more locations.

The EU Film Festival 2025 - Lesotho will screen at:

• Alliance Française de Maseru, from 15 to 24 October

• National University of Lesotho in Roma, from 28 to 31 October

• The Hub in Morija, on 28 October

• Café What? in Maseru, from 27 to 29 October

Beyond the capital, for the first time - the festival will expand its reach across all 10 districts, bringing screenings to both urban and rural communities to enjoy European and African films close to home.

"The European Film Festival is a vibrant celebration of the European Union's dedication to cultivating cultural exchange and fostering mutual understanding through the evocative art of cinema" says EU Ambassador Mette Sunnergren. "It is more than a showcase of cinema. It is a celebration of cultural connection. By bringing screenings to communities across Lesotho, we are honouring the idea that stories told on screen can inspire understanding, creativity, and friendship. This festival reflects the EU's commitment to strengthen ties with the people of Lesotho and Eswatini, while creating spaces where young people and future storytellers can be part of a larger global conversation," she adds.

A Festival of Perspectives

This year's programme will feature 18 outstanding movies and a selection of short movies from the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini, from Burkina Faso, as well as from Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland).

The line-up highlights the range and artistic vitality of European cinema while creating meaningful encounters with African storytelling traditions. These films offer rich and diverse perspectives that explore themes such as identity, resilience, heritage, and hope. It will be a combination of comedies, dramas, documentaries and animation movies.

Celebrating Local Talent

The festival will open with Ancestral Visions of the Future, a visually poetic and deeply personal film by Lesotho award-winning filmmaker Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese. This cinematic meditation reflects on Basotho culture, memory, and the spiritual journey of belonging. The movie was world-premiered at the Berlinale - Berlin International Film Festival in Germany this year.

Strengthening Connections through the Art of Film

A defining element of the festival's success continues to be its collaborative spirit. Once again, the programme is shaped through the combined expertise of local cultural organisations, creative practitioners, and academic institutions. The National University of Lesotho, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, the GEM Institute Lesotho and Café What? played key roles in selecting a diverse and engaging film line-up that is both compelling and culturally relevant.

A focus on youth

The EUFF also this year marks a strong focus on young audiences. Alliance Française will host dedicated sessions for children, collaborating with 16 schools in and around Maseru. The Hub in Morija will also screen animation movies for young film enthusiasts. Finally, the National University of Lesotho will present seven movies for students and the broader university community.

Inspiring young filmmakers through European Cinema

The EUFF will host workshops for cinema students and emerging filmmakers to foster creativity, dialogue, and lasting ties. These sessions will provide valuable opportunities to learn about the craft of storytelling, explore the filmmaking process, and build connections with professionals in the industry.

We extend a hearty invitation to film aficionados, creative spirits, and the wider public to join us in this cinematic feast, promising a festival that will captivate hearts and minds.

Admission to all EU Film Festival venues is free.