The European Parliament has nominated three fiction and two documentary films for the LUX Audience Film Award 2025, covering topics like women’s rights, climate change, colonialism, harassment in schools, and the war in Ukraine. The films include “Animal” by Sofia Exarchou, “Dahomey” by Mati Diop, “Flow” by Gints Zilbalodis, “Intercepted” by Oksana Karpovych, and “Julie Keeps Quiet” by Leonardo van Dijl. European Parliament vice-president Sabine Verheyen highlighted the importance of these films in reflecting societal challenges and hopes.
“Animal” offers a fictional glimpse into the hidden world of the tourist entertainment industry, focusing on the lives of individuals working in an all-inclusive resort. “Dahomey” is a documentary exploring the return of stolen royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey to the Republic of Benin. “Flow” presents an animated story of a cat seeking refuge on a boat amidst mystical flooded landscapes. “Intercepted” delves into the Russian invasion of Ukraine through intercepted phone conversations, while “Julie Keeps Quiet” follows a tennis player grappling with accusations of her coach’s abuse.
The LUX Audience Film Award aims to bridge the gap between politics and citizens by encouraging European audiences to attend screenings, engage in debates, and cast votes online from September 18 until April 2025. Votes from both the audience and selected EU lawmakers will determine the winner, to be announced in a ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels. The award serves as a platform to showcase films that spark important conversations and offer diverse perspectives on pressing issues.
In 2024, “The Teachers’ Lounge” by Ilker Çatak won the LUX Audience Film Award, depicting the story of a teacher investigating thefts among her students. The award, established in 2020, has expanded to include the Young Talent Programme to involve young cinema professionals in promoting European values and the LUX Audience Film Award project. The European Film Academy collaborates with the European Parliament to recognize outstanding films that contribute to the cultural landscape and stimulate critical dialogue within society.
The selection of films for the LUX Audience Film Award 2025 underscores the relevance of cinema in addressing complex societal issues such as women’s rights, environmental conservation, historical injustices, and conflicts. The films nominated offer a diverse range of perspectives, from fictional portrayals of everyday life to documentaries shedding light on past atrocities and ongoing geopolitical tensions. By engaging audiences in discussions and voting processes, the award promotes cultural exchange and fosters a deeper understanding of global challenges.
The LUX Audience Film Award serves as a platform to amplify the voices of filmmakers tackling timely topics through compelling storytelling. By encouraging public participation and dialogue, the award not only recognizes excellence in cinema but also fosters a sense of community and shared values among European citizens. As the finalists compete for the prestigious accolade, their works continue to inspire audiences to reflect on pressing issues and envision a more inclusive and empathetic society.
