Experience European Cinema with the LUX Audience Award in Malta and Gozo
In Gozo, screenings take place on five consecutive Sundays, having started with Intercepted and Animal and will continue with Julie Keeps Quiet on 23 March and Flow on 6 April at The Citadel Cinema. In Malta, screenings began on 18 March at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta, featuring Intercepted. The lineup follows with Animal on 26 March, Dahomey on 3 April, Julie Keeps Quiet on 10 April, and Flow on 15 April.
For film lovers visiting Malta and Gozo this spring, the LUX Audience Award campaign presents a unique cultural experience. Organised by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, this annual event showcases some of the finest European films while covering cross-border discussions on contemporary social issues. Best of all, the screenings are completely free of charge!
The 2025 edition of the LUX Audience Award brings five outstanding films to Valletta and Gozo, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the richness of European storytelling. Not only can audiences enjoy these thought-provoking films, but they also have the opportunity to rate them by April. By participating, viewers stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including an exclusive trip to the European Parliament in April to attend the prestigious LUX Award Ceremony. This includes meeting the directors and film crews behind the featured films.
Each film selected for this year’s event highlights different aspects of European society, history, and contemporary issues:
The five nominees:
Intercepted (Canada, France, Ukraine; 95 min) directed by Oksana Karpovych, contrasts two worlds: scenes of war-torn Ukrainian towns after liberation and intercepted phone calls between Russian soldiers and their families in 2022.
Animal (Greece, Austria, Romania, Cyprus, Bulgaria; 116 min), directed by Sofia Exarchou, follows Kalia, a leader at an all-inclusive Greek resort, as tensions rise during the summer season. The film reveals her darker struggles beneath the surface of the showbiz façade.
Dahomey (France, Senegal, Benin; 67 min) directed by Mati Diop, explores the return of 26 royal treasures looted by France in 1892 to Benin. It captures the debate among university students about the significance of their return.
Julie Keeps Quiet (Belgium, Sweden; 100 min) directed by Leonardo van Dijl, centres on Julie, a top tennis player who stays silent when her coach is suspended, forcing her to navigate the consequences of her choice.
Flow (Latvia, France, Belgium; 85 min) directed by Gints Zilbalodis, tells the story of a cat seeking refuge on a boat after a flood devastates its world. Amid mystical landscapes, the cat must unite with other species to survive.
This event highly encourages engaging in dialogue about pressing social and political issues affecting Europe today. Whether you are a casual moviegoer or a passionate cinephile, the LUX Audience Award screenings offer an enriching experience during your visit to Malta and Gozo. For showtimes and further information, visit the websites of The Citadel Cinema and Spazju Kreattiv. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy exceptional European cinema and have your say in selecting this year’s LUX Audience Award winner!
