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European Film Festival Returns to Lesotho for 2024 Edition

The European Film Festival in Lesotho invites you to embark on a cinematic journey, exploring themes of transition, change, and human resilience. Join us as we showcase a diverse selection of European and local films, from thought-provoking dramas to heart-warming comedies.

© European Union in Lesotho

The European Union Delegations to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini, in partnership with the Alliance Françaises de Maseru and Mbabane, present the first binational European Film Festival. Funded by the EU, with the financial contributions of nine EU Member States and their cultural institutes, namely, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, Poland and Spain, the Lesotho festival will run from 13^th to 30^th November 2024.

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 Team Europe-supported film festival will open at Alliance Française de Maseru and the National University of Lesotho on 13^th November 2024 and 19^th November 2024 respectively.

For the first time, the National University of Lesotho (NUL) will host the Festival from the 19^th to 22^nd November 2024.

This year's festival will screen 31 films from various countries including Denmark, France, Estonia, Finland, Ethiopia, Ireland, Kenya, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mali, Senegal, and the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini themselves.

This collaborative effort aims to promote cultural exchange, foster creativity, and strengthen ties between Europe and Lesotho. "Building on the success of previous years, the European Film Festival continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange and cinematic excellence. The festival will present a carefully curated line-up of films that explore contemporary themes and showcase the rich diversity of European and Basotho cinema as well as African cinema", says EU Ambassador Paola Amadei.

Films will be screened across four venues, namely, Alliance Française de Maseru, National University of Lesotho (NUL), Café What?, and The Hub. "This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and engagement with film enthusiasts nationwide, highlighting our long-term commitment to cinema production in Lesotho and expanding access to films for a wider audience, including children and rural populations.", Ambassador Amadei adds.

Admission to all festival venues is free.

A Cinematic Journey Through Diverse Global Perspectives

A novel approach was taken to curate Lesotho's festival programme, involving a collaborative effort between local arts and cultural organisations, media organisations, cultural practitioners, and academic institutions. The National University of Lesotho, Limkokwing University, Sky Alpha HD, the People's Matrix and GEM Institute played key roles in selecting a diverse and engaging film line-up. This collaborative process ensures that the festival resonates with local audiences and reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the European and African regions. This also aligns with the EU's ongoing commitment to fostering youth engagement and university partnerships.

This year's film selection explores universal themes, including identity and self-discovery; family, love, and reconciliation; social justice and human rights as well as environmental awareness and sustainability. From the personal journeys of individuals to broader societal issues, these films offer unique perspectives on the world, highlighting the power of storytelling to inspire and provoke thought. By exploring diverse cultures and storytelling styles, the festival aims to inspire dialogue and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Many of the films feature characters on journeys of self-discovery or grappling with their identities. For instance, the Cypriot film, "The Man with the Answers" depicts a road trip that sparks a connection between two unlikely friends. The Belgian film "Binti" focuses on a young girl finding her place as an undocumented immigrant.

Powerful women take centre stage in films such as Germany's "Trained to See: Three Women and the War", which chronicles the experiences of pioneering female war correspondents who dared to cover World War II, while Italian film "The Girl From Tomorrow" tells the story of a young woman defying social norms in 1960s Sicily and her fight against reparatory marriage.

Complex family relationships are a recurring theme in films such as Ukrainian "Luxembourg, Luxembourg", which explores the complex bond between brothers searching for their estranged father.

Celebrating Local Talentin the two Kingdoms

Additionally, three films produced by Lesotho filmmakers supported by the Sound Connects Fund, a Music In Africa Foundation and the Goethe-Institut initiative, funded by the ACP-EU Culture Programme, will be showcased, celebrating local talent and offering unique insights into the country's culture, history, and contemporary issues.

The opening film, "A Wish for My Daughter," produced by Lesotho's GEM Institute, delves into inheritance rights and the role of Basotho women in family and community structures. This film was initially soft-launched during the EU's International Women's Day event at the National University of Lesotho in March this year.

Two films by the Lesotho Rap Archives will also be screened. "Lerabeng la Mahlanya" delves into the musical journeys of Mahlanya and Morena Leraba - two prominent figures in Lesotho's contemporary music scene who draw inspiration from famo music, a traditional genre rooted in the cultural heritage of Lesotho. The second film, We were always here - A Lesotho Hip Hop Story, serves as a profound exploration of the musical journeys undertaken by rappers in Lesotho, and delves into the rich tapestry of the country's hip-hop culture, tracing its evolution and impact on both local and broader artistic landscapes.

"Baka Ngwane" from Eswatini is a period drama that explores themes of love, honour, and the quest for a homeland, centring on King Matalatala's struggle to lead his people across the Zambezi River while confronting the expectation that his daughter, iNkhosatana, must take the lead.

Partnering for a Brighter Future of Film

This year, the European Film Festival is making a strong commitment to young audiences. From the 14^th to the 21^st November 2024, Alliance Française will host dedicated sessions for children, with an expected attendance of 800 young film enthusiasts.

Alliance Française de Maseru will screen 8 films across 21 screenings, partnering with 16 schools in and around Maseru, including Montessori International School, PCHL Primary School, Thetsane High School, Letlotlo International School, and Prestige English Medium School.

Additionally, 6 short films will be screened at Café What? on the 25^th and 26^th November 2024.

As in previous editions, a seminar for students aspiring to work in cinema will be conducted with Limkokwing University students and the GEM Institute, focusing on film production.

Screening schedules

Film schedule for Alliance Française De Maseru screenings Film schedule for National University of Lesotho screenings

Media Contacts

For more information and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on @EUinLesotho and @Alliance Française de Maseru.

Mookho Makhetha, Delegation of the European Union in Lesotho [email protected]

Elisabeth Douillet, Alliance Française De Maseru,
[email protected]