Movies
EUFF 2024 concludes Delhi chapter with acclaimed French drama story
Mumbai: The 29th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) concluded its New Delhi chapter with a grand finale featuring Jim’s Story (Le Roman de Jim), the acclaimed French comedy-drama by Jean-Marie Larrieu and Arnaud Larrieu. Adapted from Pierric Bailly’s novel, the film captivated audiences with its profound exploration of relationships and fatherhood, earning thunderous applause at the screening. This cinematic masterpiece, which premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, provided a fitting end to a festival celebrating Europe’s cultural richness and its deep connections with India.
The New Delhi edition showcased 26 award-winning films in 31 languages, drawing packed audiences for screenings, masterclasses, and insightful conversations. Themes ranged from complex human relationships to self-discovery, reflecting the universal language of cinema. The festival, curated in partnership with the European Union and its member states, reinforced the power of storytelling in fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Festival curator Veronica Flora expressed her gratitude, stating, “As we draw curtains on the New Delhi chapter of the 29th edition of the European Union Film Festival, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and fulfilment. This festival has been a distinct exploration of diverse voices, cultures, and stories that transcend borders.” She encouraged audiences to join upcoming chapters in Kolkata and Hyderabad, adding, “The enthusiasm shown by everyone has been truly inspiring, transforming these screenings into immersive community experiences. As the New Delhi chapter concludes, we invite everyone to continue this journey in Kolkata and Hyderabad to seek out these cinematic gems, delve into their worlds, and embrace the diversity that enriches our lives.”
The festival’s New Delhi chapter featured films from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine. These films presented a spectrum of stories, including “What a Feeling” (Austria), “Employee of the Month” (Belgium), and “How is Katia?” (Ukraine).
After its resounding success in Delhi, EUFF 2024 now travels to Kolkata (27 November–13 December) and Hyderabad (6–15 December). Cinephiles are invited to experience this thoughtfully curated festival, a bridge of art and diplomacy, and immerse themselves in the best of European cinema.
Movies
Amay Mehrishi’s short film Abracadabra premieres at Berlinale 2026
London Film School project screens in Generations Kplus at Berlin festival.
MUMBAI: Sometimes the biggest stories unfold in the smallest spaces. In this case, on a school bus. Emerging filmmaker Amay Mehrishi made his international debut with the short film Abracadabra, which premiered at the 76th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival in the Generations Kplus section. The film was developed as Mehrishi’s Master’s graduation project at the London Film School.
Set entirely during a single ride home on a moving school bus, the story centres on twelve year old Agastya, whose day takes an unexpected emotional turn when his best friend Naman chooses to sit somewhere else. What begins as a seemingly small moment slowly unfolds into a delicate exploration of childhood friendship, identity and guilt.
A simple magic trick threads through the narrative, giving the film its title while quietly tying together the emotional shifts that unfold during the journey. The storytelling leans on observation and restraint, capturing the fragile inner world of growing up without grand gestures.
Filming the project came with its own creative constraints. The entire production took place inside a bus in motion and featured 32 young non actors aged between seven and thirteen, bringing a naturalistic feel to the film’s classroom like ensemble.
The world premiere at Berlinale received warm applause from a multi generational audience. Several viewers shared that the film evoked memories of their own childhood journeys and friendships.
Mehrishi described the festival premiere as a major milestone in his early filmmaking career.
“With its world premiere at Berlinale, our film received an immense platform and a global audience to begin its journey. It is a dream as a filmmaker to be considered for such a prestigious festival, and hopefully it will open doors for the entire team,” he said.
Following the debut, Mehrishi has begun developing a satirical drama and has also started research on his first feature film, with plans to work across both independent and commercial cinema in the coming years.
