European Parliament Unveils Finalists for LUX Audience Award 2025: A Celebration of Diverse Narratives and Social Issues Through Film

LUX Audience Award 2025: Final Five Films Announced

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The films Animal, Dahomey, Flow, Intercepted, and Julie Keeps Quiet have been named as the finalists for the 2025 Lux European Audience Film Award.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament's first vice-president, Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE), along with Nela Riehl (Greens, EFA, DE), who chairs the Committee on Culture and Education, revealed the five films that made the shortlist. This announcement was held for the first time at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

In response to the announcement, Vice-President Verheyen commented that European cinema mirrors the trials and aspirations of our community. She noted that this year's finalists uniquely highlight the diverse landscape of filmmaking. Their works provide compelling insights into critical topics like women's rights, climate change, historical events, and the conflict in Ukraine. These films initiate significant discussions and encourage us to view the world from varied perspectives.

Nela Riehl, the head of the committee, emphasized the universal nature of film, noting its ability to bridge gaps across different spaces, economic statuses, and social groups. She stated, "Film is accessible to everyone. It's a distinctive mode of expression that leverages emotion, storytelling, and humor to communicate profound, universally understood themes. This is what makes the LUX Awards so captivating – they reflect the diverse aspects of our lives. I'm delighted that once again, people from all over Europe will have the opportunity to appreciate this remarkable art form."

Sofia Exarchou, a Greek director, explores the hidden aspects of the tourist entertainment industry in her film "Animal." Set in an all-inclusive island resort during peak season, the film portrays the relentless and demanding schedules of the entertainment staff, who maintain a cheerful demeanor despite the pressures.

French director Mati Diop's documentary "Dahomey" focuses on the repatriation of 26 royal treasures taken from the Kingdom of Dahomey nearly 130 years ago by French colonial forces. The treasures are being returned to the Republic of Benin. The film captures debates among students at the University of Abomey-Calavi regarding their stance on this historic return.

Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis presents an animated feature titled "Flow," which follows a solitary hero named Cat who finds solace on a boat with other animals. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Cat and his newfound companions must overcome their differences to navigate through mystical, flooded landscapes and adapt to their new reality.

"Intercepted," a documentary by Ukrainian-Canadian director Oksana Karpovych, examines the devastation wrought by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resilience of those who resist and rebuild. The film includes intercepted phone calls between Russian soldiers and their families and friends in Russia, revealing the brutal and dehumanizing effects of war.

Belgian director Leonardo van Dijl's drama "Julie Keeps Quiet" centers on a star tennis player named Julie, whose life is dedicated to the sport. When her coach is investigated and suspended for abuse of power, the club encourages players to speak out. However, Julie chooses to remain silent.

Upcoming Actions

The LUX Audience Award is determined by both EU citizens and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). From September 18th until April 2025, a platform will be available for people to rate the nominated films. The winning film will be revealed during a ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels in April 2025, with the finalists' representatives in attendance.

From September 2024 to April 2025, the Parliament, in collaboration with MEPs, will host film screenings and discussions.

Context

Since 2020, the European Parliament and the European Film Academy have presented the LUX Audience Award, in collaboration with the European Commission and the Europa Cinemas network. The award aims to encourage conversation and interaction between the political sphere and the general public using film as a medium. The films chosen for nomination explore European values and highlight key contemporary social and political issues, including mental health, poverty, climate change, freedom of speech, gender equality, and LGBTIQ+ rights.

Throughout the competition, the European Parliament hosts complimentary screenings of five films chosen by an EU-wide panel of film experts in all 27 Member States. For the 2024 Awards, over 700 showings of the nominated films took place, with discussions that engaged more than 70,000 attendees.

The Young Talent Programme, introduced on September 16, 2024, enhances the Award by involving young film industry professionals in promoting European values and the LUX Audience Award initiative.

Contacts:

Raquel Ramalho LOPES

Hana RAISSI

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