Fri Sep 20 09:13:07 UTC 2024: ## European Parliament Unveils Nominees for 2025 LUX Audience Film Award

**Strasbourg, France -** Five films have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 LUX European Audience Film Award, announced on Wednesday at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The nominees, chosen by a panel of film professionals, represent a diverse range of cinematic styles and tackle important societal issues.

The shortlisted films are:

* **Animal** (Greece), directed by Sofia Exarchou, which explores the unseen struggles of entertainment staff working at an all-inclusive resort.
* **Dahomey** (France), directed by Mati Diop, a documentary examining the repatriation of stolen royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey to the Republic of Benin.
* **Flow** (Latvia), an animated feature directed by Gints Zilbalodis, set in a post-apocalyptic world and focusing on the journey of a solitary cat who finds refuge with other animals.
* **Intercepted** (Ukraine-Canada), directed by Oksana Karpovych, a documentary showcasing the devastating impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine through intercepted phone conversations.
* **Julie Keeps Quiet** (Belgium), directed by Leonardo van Dijl, a drama about a star tennis player who faces a moral dilemma when her coach is accused of abuse.

Sabine Verheyen, First Vice-President of the European Parliament, emphasized that “European cinema reflects the challenges and hopes of our society. This year’s finalists showcase the rich variety of the film world and offer powerful perspectives on pressing issues.”

Nela Riehl, Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, highlighted the universal nature of film: “Film is a medium of expression that transcends divides. It uses emotion, narrative, and wit to convey deeper meanings that we can all relate to.”

The winner of the LUX Audience Award will be chosen through a public vote, open from 18 September until April 2025, with the final announcement taking place at a ceremony in Brussels. The European Parliament will organize free screenings and debates across EU member states to promote the shortlisted films and foster dialogue on European values.

The LUX Audience Award, a collaboration between the European Parliament, the European Film Academy, the European Commission, and Europa Cinemas, aims to engage the public in discussions about contemporary social and political issues through the power of film.

Read More