PHOTO CRED: European Union in Eswatini, Alliance Française de Mbabane
Cinema lovers in Eswatini were treated to four unforgettable days of storytelling, culture and artistic celebration as the 5th edition of the European Film Festival concluded in spectacular fashion at the Eswatini Theatre Club.
Held from 13 to 16 May, the festival attracted more than 600 film enthusiasts, making it the most attended edition since the initiative was launched five years ago. The annual festival is a Team Europe collaboration involving the European Union in Eswatini, Alliance française de Mbabane and 10 European Union Member States accredited to Eswatini, namely Austria, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Sweden.
This year’s edition, held under the theme “Stronger Together,” celebrated not only the power of film but also the enduring 50-year partnership between the European Union and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Throughout the four-day programme, audiences were immersed in a rich blend of European and local productions that highlighted creativity, diversity and shared human experiences.
The festival opened on 13 May with a full house, drawing nearly 200 attendees on the first evening alone. In a deliberate move to spotlight local talent, organisers opened the programme with four Eswatini short films, including a Swati-Belgian collaboration. Three of the productions had been shot entirely using smartphones, demonstrating the growing accessibility of filmmaking and the emergence of fresh creative voices within the country.
The atmosphere throughout the festival was electric, with movie lovers filling the theatre daily to experience a carefully curated selection of films from across Europe. One of the standout attractions was “Mr Nobody Against Putin,” an Oscar-winning production that drew significant interest among festivalgoers.
The final evening on May 16 proved equally captivating. Audiences were treated to four gripping films, culminating in the screening of Swedish blockbuster “The Dance Club,”which brought the curtain down on the festival in memorable style. Viewers remained glued to the screen throughout the night, and loud applause erupted at the end of the final screening as attendees celebrated what many described as the best edition yet.
Audience reflections after each screening revealed overwhelming appreciation for the festival and its unique ability to connect people through storytelling. Many attendees expressed excitement for the next edition expected in 2027.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Karsten Mecklenburg thanked Alliance française de Mbabane, the participating EU Member States and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event.
He said the festival was aimed at sharing European cultures, in all their richness and diversity, with the people of Eswatini while also creating a meaningful cultural exchange through the inclusion of local productions. “The inclusion of local movies ensures there is an ongoing cultural exchange between Europe and Eswatini,” said Mecklenburg.
During the opening ceremony earlier in the week, EU Political Officer Jose Becerra, speaking on behalf of the ambassador, emphasised the importance of empowering young people through arts and culture. “For 50 years the EU and Eswatini have worked together to build a future rooted in partnership, opportunity and shared progress,” said Becerra.
He revealed that between 2021 and 2027, the European Union had committed more than SZL 500 million towards youth-focused initiatives in Eswatini, including support for skills development and opportunities in the creative industries such as film, music and visual arts.
The festival also celebrated emerging local filmmakers through the Smartphone Short Film Competition held ahead of the event. Mxolisi Hlophe walked away with first prize worth E 4 000, while Siphosethu Sibandze secured second place and Vusi Langa claimed third prize.
Adding another layer to the celebrations was a mobile photo exhibition showcasing the impact of European Union partnership projects implemented across Eswatini over the past five decades.
As the curtains closed on yet another successful edition, the European Film Festival once again proved that cinema remains a powerful bridge between cultures, generations and communities, bringing people together through stories that inspire, challenge and entertain.
