Pheello Mosesi
Embarking on a cinematic journey, the European Film Festival is coming to Lesotho for primary, secondary, and high school students from November 13 to 30, this year, with screenings held at various venues across Maseru.
Organised by the European Union and Alliance Française, the festival promises to bring “the best of European and Basotho cinema” to Lesotho, showcasing 31 films from 22 countries for a total of 800 students over 13 days.
These students, representing 16 schools from Maseru, Berea, and Leribe, will not only enjoy the films but also have their travel fully funded by the EU.
At a press conference announcing the festival yesterday, Paula Amadei, head of the European Union Delegation in Lesotho, expressed hope that the event would ignite a passion for the arts among students.
“In many countries worldwide, the creative arts and entertainment industries are key contributors to the economy. We want to entertain students while also showing them that careers as artists and actors can provide stable income,” Amadei said.
She also encouraged filmmakers to take advantage of such festivals, noting that many Basotho stories remain untold and urging aspiring filmmakers to create more productions.
Organised by the European Union and Alliance Française, the festival aims to promote cultural exchange, and creativity, and strengthen ties between Europe and Lesotho.
“Building on past successes, the European Film Festival continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange and cinematic excellence. This year’s line-up explores contemporary themes and showcases the diversity of European, Basotho, and global cinema,” Amadei added.
In addition to school screenings, the festival will extend its offerings to approximately 1,000 students from the National University of Lesotho (NUL).
The screening schedule includes Alliance Française de Maseru from November 13 to 22, the National University of Lesotho from November 19 to 22, and Café What? in Maseru on November 25, 26, and 28.
The festival features a wide variety of themes and genres for film enthusiasts. The line-up includes eight animated films for younger audiences, while mature viewers can enjoy 18 films, with six focused on climate change and one dedicated to women’s rights.
