Egypt: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attended the opening of the European Film Festival, marking its debut in the emirate. Hosted by RAK Art at the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce Theatre, the festival will run until June 6.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was graced by the presence of Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, along with several ambassadors accredited to the UAE and senior officials. The festival is organised by the European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates in collaboration with RAK Art, an initiative of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research. It is supported by the embassies of EU member states and their affiliated cultural institutes in the UAE.
The European Film Festival has returned to the UAE, offering a platform for audiences in Ras Al Khaimah to engage with European cinema for the first time. This year's edition aims to broaden its impact, providing film enthusiasts across the UAE with the chance to experience European storytelling on the big screen.
The festival features a comprehensive programme with award-winning films and emerging voices from Europe. It offers viewers an opportunity to explore various perspectives through the medium of film, highlighting the cultural diversity and creative strength of European cinema.
H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi stated that hosting the festival in Ras Al Khaimah underscores the emirate's dedication to cultural and artistic initiatives that foster intercultural dialogue and promote understanding among different communities. He emphasized the role of arts and cinema as a universal language that can connect societies, inspire new generations, and promote cultural exploration. Ras Al Khaimah continues to enhance its status as a creative and cultural hub, supporting initiatives that enrich both national and international cultural landscapes.
During the event, H.H. attended a special screening of The Theft of the Caravaggio from Malta, directed by Joshua Cassar Gaspar. The film stars Paul Kisson, Stephen Mintoff, and Janet C. Smith and is inspired by the true theft incident from 1984.
The festival's programme includes a diverse range of films, documentaries, and family-oriented features in line with the UAE's 'Year of the Family,' as well as works highlighting emerging talents from Europe and the UAE. Notable films in the line-up include Malta's The Theft of the Caravaggio (2025), France's A Real Job (2023), Romania's The Secret of Pin-Up Island (2024), the Netherlands' Superpowers for Your Mind (2024), and Luxembourg's Kensuke's Kingdom (2023).
Additionally, the festival showcases Emirati short films such as Guardians of the Mountains, Namoos, and Unsaid, reflecting the burgeoning presence of local talent in the UAE's filmmaking and storytelling sectors.