Asunción is preparing to welcome one of its most anticipated cultural events: the 16th European Film Festival, set to take place from 22 to 30 May 2025. Organised by the Delegation of the European Union in Paraguay, the event celebrates cinematic excellence from across Europe through stories that entertain, challenge, and connect. Most importantly, all screenings are entirely free and open to the public.
The festival will be held at multiple venues, including Cine Villamorra, Centro Cultural de España Juan de Salazar (CCEJS), Alianza Francesa, and the Instituto Cultural Paraguayo-Alemán (ICPA). Additional screenings will be offered at Cinemark and Cine Cañisa. Films will be shown in their original languages with Spanish subtitles, offering an authentic cultural experience.
European Film Festival kicks off in Swedish
This year, the festival opens with UFO Sweden, a science fiction film directed by Victor Danell. Produced by the Swedish collective Crazy Pictures, the film explores a teenager’s search for the truth about her father’s disappearance. Notably, it incorporates a groundbreaking AI-based dubbing technology known as ‘vubbing’, which synchronises lip and facial movements with translated voice tracks, creating a seamless visual and auditory experience.
The film selection spans a range of genres, from compelling dramas and light-hearted comedies to thrilling science fiction. Each screening offers more than entertainment; it invites viewers to explore different landscapes, histories, and ways of life from around Europe.
Film schedule
UFO Sweden, a Swedish science fiction film, playing on Thursday May 22 at 19:30 at Cine Villamorra, in rooms 5 & 6.
On Friday May 23 at 19:30, That They May Face the Rising Sun will be shown at Cine Villamorra, room 1, followed by Mariposas Negras on Saturday May 24 (17:00) at the Centro Cultural de España Juan de Salazar. Later that evening, at 19:30, Les Pas Perdus will be screened at Cine Villamorra, room 1.
On Sunday May 25 at 18:00, Cine Cañisá will host the Italian film Enrico Piaggio, Un Sogno Italiano. On Monday May 26 at 20:00, Flow will be shown at Cinemark, room 5, Un Métier Sérieux screens on Tuesday May 27 at 19:30 at the Alianza Francesa.
Wednesday May 28 at 19:30 will feature Orphea in love at the Instituto Cultural Paraguayo-Alemán, followed by A Bela América on Thursday May 29 at 19:30 at Cine Villamorra, room 1. The festival closes with Under the Volcano on Friday May 30 at 19:30 at the Instituto Cultural Paraguayo-Alemán.
No tickets required
To make the European Film Festival as accessible as possible, no tickets or registration are required. However, entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a seat. And yes, free popcorn will be available at selected screenings, a simple but warm gesture to welcome all audiences.
Recently Paraguayan cinema came to life at Cine de Barrio, where free screenings saluted Independence Day. Whether you are a film enthusiast, student, family, or simply curious, the European Film Festival promises a unique opportunity to travel across cultures from the comfort of your cinema seat.
For the full schedule and updates on the European Film Festival, follow the Delegation of the European Union in Paraguay on Instagram.
