EUphoria Film Festival
The inaugural EUphoria Film Festival provides an opportunity for enthusiasts of international cinema in Los Angeles to celebrate and discover contemporary films from across the European Union, featuring award-winning films and domestic box office hits from 13 participating countries of the EU. EUphoria is dedicated to promoting European film culture and the European Union in the United States by expanding awareness of the rich heritage and diversity of cinemas from Europe.
The 2014 edition is comprised of feature length dramatic and documentary films from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Poland. Taking place at the University of Southern California (USC) from September 19th – 24th, 2014, EUphoria is produced jointly by 13 EU Consulates in Los Angeles and San Francisco, European Languages and Movies in America (ELMA), and the USC School of Cinematic Arts. The festival is offered free of charge to film lovers across Southern California, and will kick-off with an opening night reception featuring cuisine from across the EU.
A message from EU Ambassador to the United States, João Vale de Almeida
On behalf of the EU Delegation to the United States, I warmly welcome you to the first edition of EUphoria, an exciting new film festival celebrating European cinema in Los Angeles. We salute the partners: the University of Southern California, arguably America’s top film school, European Languages and Movies in America (ELMA), and the EU Member States Consulates in L.A. and San Francisco for bringing this selection of Europe’s finest recent films to new audiences in the U.S.
The European Union is not just a 28-member political bloc or a trading power, but also a cultural entity. Culture plays an important role in conveying European identity and values: liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. Since the EU’s very beginning, we have been a community based on these common principles, which guide Member States and citizens as they live, work, and interact with each other, with neighbors, and with the wider world.
Our motto, “United in Diversity,” signifies how we Europeans have come together to work for peace and prosperity, while at the same time being enriched by our continent’s many different cultures, traditions, and languages. Much of the originality and success of the European Union stems from our ability to forge common rules that guarantee peace, stability, and prosperity to what was for centuries a volatile and conflict-ridden region, while still appreciating and maintaining our respective cultural identities. In Europe, we are very proud of our shared heritage – the result of centuries of migration and creative exchanges.
Encounters with culture bring meaning and joy to our lives -and challenge the status quo. This is also culture’s contribution to the European project.
Enjoy EUphoria!
Sincerely,
FRI, Sept 19th (Opening night)
7pm – GREECE: Little England, catered reception to follow
Norris Cinema Theatre
~ By Invitation Only ~
SAT, Sept 20th
2pm – IRELAND: The Irish Pub
Norris Cinema Theatre
4pm – LITHUANIA: The Other Dream Team, Q&A to follow
The Ray Stark Family Theatre
5pm – CZECH REPUBLIC: Clownwise, Q&A to follow
Norris Cinema Theatre
7pm – POLAND: Jack Strong, Q&A to follow
The Ray Stark Family Theatre
8pm – BELGIUM: Flying Home, Q&A to follow
Norris Cinema Theatre
SUN, Sept 21st
2pm – AUSTRIA: Taking it Back
Norris Cinema Theatre
4pm – LUXEMBOURG: Blind Spot / Mr. Hublot
The Ray Stark Family Theatre
5pm – GERMANY: The Strange Little Cat
Norris Cinema Theatre
7pm – BULGARIA: The Color of the Chameleon
The Ray Stark Family Theatre
8pm – CROATIA: Sonja and the Bull
Norris Cinema Theatre
TUE, Sept 23rd
7pm – FINLAND: The Finnish Flash – A Teemu Selanne Story, Q&A to follow
The Ray Stark Family Theatre
WED, Sept 24th (Closing night)
7pm – ITALY: Discovery at Dawn, Q&A to follow
The Ray Stark Family Theatre