In an era marked by global uncertainties, the partnership between India and Europe has demonstrated remarkable resilience, particularly in the spheres of trade, employment, and education. This strength is underscored by tangible figures: bilateral trade in goods has nearly doubled in the last decade, reaching 120 billion euros. Furthermore, European Union foreign direct investment in India has also seen a significant surge, doubling over five years to hit 140 billion euros in 2023.
Beyond Business: Cinema as a Connector
While economic metrics are robust, another powerful channel is bringing the EU and India closer together—the world of cinema. The European Union Film Festival (EUFF), a three-decade-old tradition in India, recently concluded its latest edition. It was inaugurated in New Delhi on October 31, showcasing 28 acclaimed European films across four venues for nine days. The festival subsequently travelled to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, running for an additional nine days in each city.
In an exclusive conversation, Hervé Delphin, the EU Ambassador to India, elaborated on the festival's evolving role. He emphasized that over a generation, the event has transformed from a simple movie showcase into a dynamic meeting ground. "It has really become a meeting place for actors, the public, film writers and directors, who wish to exchange their thoughts," Ambassador Delphin stated.
A Platform for Dialogue and Breaking Prejudices
The ambassador highlighted the intangible value of such cultural exchanges. The festival's importance, he noted, extends beyond the screen to the conversations it sparks among attendees. "People come to see movies… but around the film festival they talk, they meet, they discuss ideas," he explained. This positions the EUFF as a unique space for genuine people-to-people interaction, complementing formal government and business ties.
Delphin pointed out that cinema acts as a mirror to society, capable of breaking down prejudices. The universal themes explored in European films, he believes, resonate deeply with Indian audiences, partly due to the shared experience of diversity in both regions. "The more we create bridges to connect India and Europe, the better it is," he asserted, echoing Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's view that the India-Europe relationship holds immense potential for growth.
Supporting Natural Creative Collaborations
When asked about government initiatives to boost cinematic collaborations, the ambassador stressed the importance of organic creative freedom. While acknowledging the need for funding support through programs, he believes the best collaborations happen when filmmakers connect naturally. The festival itself serves as that crucial conduit, fostering an environment where creative minds from India and Europe can converge without rigid frameworks.
The growing cultural dimension of the India-EU partnership is further evidenced by educational trends. Notably, while student flows to traditional destinations like Canada, the US, and the UK have dipped, nearly 100,000 Indian students (8% of all Indian students abroad) now choose EU member countries for higher education. This shift underscores the broadening and deepening of connections between the two regions, where festivals like the EUFF play a pivotal role in building mutual understanding and lasting bonds.
