27/03/2024 - The movies reflect individual and collective realities, and explore diversity, resilience and controversies in contemporary European life

European Film Promotion (EFP) is once again teaming up with Hot Docs – Canadian International Documentary Festival for the seventh edition of The Changing Face of Europe. Running from 25 April-5 May 2024, this collaborative effort showcases nine outstanding new European documentaries selected by Hot Docs' programming team. These films offer insights into the cultural, social, geopolitical and economic aspects of contemporary Europe.

Supported by the European Union’s Creative Europe – MEDIA programme and EFP member organisations, The Changing Face of Europe brings together filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences to explore the diverse realities of life in Europe today.

Marie Nelson, president of Hot Docs, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasising the visionary nature of European documentary filmmaking. She highlighted the significance of presenting these exceptional films to Toronto audiences, anticipating their capacity to inspire and engage.

Sonja Heinen, managing director of EFP, reiterated the organisation's commitment to showcasing European stories on the global stage. She emphasised the importance of dialogue and exchange, core elements of The Changing Face of Europe, in fostering understanding and appreciation of European perspectives.

Among the featured documentaries is Kelly – Someone Else’s Dream from Estonia and France. Directed by Helen Löhmus and Leana Jalukse, this film follows Estonian freestyle skier Kelly Sildaru, who made headlines at just 13 years old by winning a gold medal at the 2016 Winter X Games. The documentary explores Sildaru's courageous journey, including her revelations of abuse within her family and coaching environment.

Norwegian Democrazy from Norway, directed by Fabien Greenberg and Bård Kjøge Rønning, offers a provocative glimpse into the world of an Islamophobic hate-group leader. The film delves into the complexities of democracy and societal tensions, providing a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary issues.

Other notable entries include Maja Prettner's Woman of God [+see also:
film review
film profile] from Slovenia; Apolena Rychlíková's Limits of Europe [+see also:
interview: Apolena Rychlíková
film profile] from the Czech Republic, France and Slovakia; László Csáki's Pelikan Blue [+see also:
film review
interview: Laszló Csaki
film profile] from Hungary; Edoardo Morabito's The Outpost [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Edoardo Morabito
film profile] from Italy and Brazil; and Elina Psykou's Stray Bodies [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Elina Psykou
film profile] from Greece, Switzerland, Italy and Bulgaria. Each film offers a unique perspective on various aspects of European life, from migration and activism to existential questions and personal struggles.

Echoing themes of resilience and reflection, Zara Zerny's Echo of You [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile] from Denmark and Emmanuelle Béart and Anastasia Mikova's Such a Resounding Silence from France explore the experiences of elderly individuals and survivors of abuse, respectively. These poignant narratives shed light on the complexities of memory, loss and resilience in the face of adversity.

Media partners, including Cineuropa, POV Magazine, Business Doc Europe and Variety, contribute to the festival's success by amplifying its reach and impact.