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06/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/11/2025 09:51

Press Release European Film Festival 2025

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Press Release European Film Festival 2025

11.06.2025 Press and information team of the Delegation to BOTSWANA
© EU Delegation in Gaborone

Delegation of the European Union to Botswana and SADC

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Date: 11th June 2025

PRESS RELEASE

The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Botswana and SADC in collaboration with Alliance Française de Gaborone are pleased to present the latest edition of the European Film Festival in Botswana. This event will take place at New Capitol Cinemas Riverwalk from the 18th to the 21st of June 2025 in Gaborone.

The European Film Festival is organised by European Union Delegations worldwide with the aim of showcasing the rich diversity and creativity of the European film industry. Particular interest may be found in such an event as it is able to cultivate beneficial cultural exchange between various European cultures and those of Botswana. This year we will screen nine feature length films and three local short films with an exciting mixture of origin and genre. Viewers may expect to watch an entertaining collection of critically acclaimed romance, comedy, drama, action, documentary, Sci-Fi, and animation films, which they would otherwise not be able to watch for FREE in the Cinema setting.

The European Film Festival 2025 celebrates the richness and diversity of European cinema, showcasing an array of films that represent the artistic excellence and cultural heritage of Europe. This year's festival promises to be an extraordinary experience, featuring renowned filmmakers, movies from across the European continent. We hope that everyone will come and enjoy this illustrious event with us.

Festival Highlights:

  • Opening Night Celebration.

The festival opens Wednesday, June 18, with the Czech historical drama Waves (Jiri Madl, 2024), which was entered for the International Feature Film category at the 2024 Academy Award - Oscars. (By invitation only)

  • Educational Initiative.

The festival will feature two dedicated school screenings, with Calamity (Rémi Chayé, 2020) for Junior and Secondary Schools on Thursday, June 19; and Red Soil (Farid Bentoumi, 2020) for Primary Schools on Friday, June 20.

  • Award-Winning Cinema.

The programme features multiple award winners, including: Flow (Gints Zibalodis, 2024), winner of 1 Oscar, 55 wins and 72 nominations, including 2025 BAFTA awards; Le Comte de Monte Cristo (Matthieu Delaporte & Alexandre De La Patellière, 2024), winner of 6 awards and 22 nominations, including 2025 César Award nominations; and Truman (Cesc Gay, 2015) with 30 awards and 35 nominations, including 2016 Goya Awards.

  • Local Cinema Showcase.

Saturday, June 21, features a special Botswana Short Films Session, highlighting local filmmaking talent with Botswana's Queen Mother by Kabo Seth Gaonakala, Zola: My Beginnings by Tshepo Makgasa and Fishing for a Dream by Teto Mokaila. The session will be followed by a panel discussion with local filmmakers.

  • Engaging Discussions.

The festival will feature two thought-provoking panel discussions. Following Norwegian Dream (Leiv Igor Devold, 2023) on Thursday, June 19, a panel discussion with LEGABIBO will explore themes of identity, workplace relationships, and community solidarity. The Botswana Short Films Session on Saturday, June 21, will conclude with a panel discussion featuring local filmmakers, offering insights into the creative process of Botswana cinema.

The European Film Festival 2025 takes place from June 18-21, 2025, at New Capitol Cinemas, Riverwalk, Gaborone, with free admission to all screenings and complimentary popcorn for the first 50 spectators at each screening.

The complete festival programme is attached to this press release for consultation and planning purposes.

For more information:

The Delegation of the European Union to Botswana and SADC

The European Union and Botswana enjoy long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation. The EU first opened its Delegation office in Gaborone in 1981. Its role was expanded in 1991 following the establishment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat in Gaborone. Over the years, our relations with Botswana and SADC have grown and now cover political relations, security, development cooperation, economic, trade relations, and other areas of mutual interest, including economic diversification and job creation, and green transformation.

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/botswana/european-union-and-botswana_en?s=85

The Alliance Française of Gaborone

The Alliance Française of Gaborone belongs to a worldwide non-profit network and provides French, English and Setswana classes. It is more than just a school, as it offers one the opportunity to experience various cultures through exciting social events and activities.

https://http://gaborone.alliance.org.za/

For press contact:

Samantha Refilwe Pilane

Press and Information Officer-The Delegation of the European Union to Botswana and SADC

Telephone: +267 3914455

E-Mail: Samantha-Refilwe.Pilane@eeas.europa.eu

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