Celebrate the richness of cultures and the emotional depth of storytelling as Cine Europa, the longest-running European film festival in the Philippines, returns for its 28th edition. The festival opens on 8 September 8 at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City, with the screening of the acclaimed Polish film “The Peasants.”

Directed and written by DK and Hugh Welchman, “The Peasants” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation of Władysław Reymont’s Nobel Prize-winning novel. Set in a 19th-century Polish village, the film follows a young woman’s struggle for independence amidst societal constraints. Produced using the unique painted animation technique, it promises a cinematic experience unlike any other.

The public is warmly invited to attend the opening screening at Cinema 3, with entry beginning at 5:15 p.m. Admission is free and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cine Europa 28 was officially inaugurated by EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro and Joy Polloso of Shangri-La Plaza.

“Cine Europa is not just about watching films — it’s about sharing experiences, values, and cultures between the European Union and the Philippines,” said Ambassador Santoro. “We are pleased to invite everyone to enjoy 17 carefully curated and excellent films from the EU.”

Presented by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, in collaboration with EU member states embassies in Manila and guest participant Embassy of Ukraine, Cine Europa continues its tradition of bringing award-winning European films to Filipino audiences. Each film has been handpicked to resonate with local viewers, offering a window into Europe’s creative spirit and storytelling brilliance.

Apart from “The Peasants”, which was introduced by Anna Krzak-Danel, Chargé d’affaires, Embassy of Poland, Cine Europa’s roster of films includes: “Family Therapy” (Slovenia), “Beyond the Blue Border” (Germany), “Three Kilometres to the End of the World” (Romania), “Dragonkeeper: Guardiana de dragones” (Spain), “Je’vida” (Finland), “Nova and Alice” (Sweden), “Sea of Hope” (Czech Republic), “Tarrac” (Ireland), “Animal” (Greece), “Four Souls of Coyote” (Hungary), “Jippie No More” (Netherlands), “Fathers & Mothers” (Denmark), “Chiara Lubich” (Italy), “L’Amour et les forêts” (France), “Un métier sérieux” (France), and “Curated Theft” (Ukraine) .

The Manila screenings will run in the Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong City from Sept. 8 to 17. Special screenings will also be held in Cebu, Tacloban and Bacolod ensuring wider audience reach across the country.

Cine Europa’s loyal partners who have been instrumental in the festival’s success are Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Shangri-la Plaza Corporation, the University of the Philippines-Cebu, the Provincial Government of Bacolod, the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod, and the Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban.