luxembourg City Film Festival Celebrates 15th Edition with Tim Roth and Alejandro Amenábar

The Luxembourg City Film Festival, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg’s premier annual film event, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Often hailed as a hidden gem within the international film community, the festival consistently attracts notable industry figures to a nation of approximately 670,000 residents. Kicking off on Thursday,this year’s edition promises to be another star-studded affair,with tim Roth and Alejandro Amenábar headlining the event. The festival boasts a prestigious jury and a diverse selection of international films.

The Luxembourg City Film Festival has steadily risen in prominence, becoming a key event on the global film calendar. Last year’s festival set a new attendance record, boasting a 10 percent increase, bringing the total to 19,962 attendees. The 2024 edition attracted notable figures such as Viggo Mortensen, Chinese director Wang Bing, Mauritanian director Abderrahmane Sissako, and French director Gaspar Noé, who presented a retrospective and masterclass. The jury included Luxembourg star Vicky Krieps, german actor Sebastian Koch, and U.S. director Ira Sachs.

Roth and amenábar to Headline 2024 Festival

This year, the 15th edition of the Luxembourg City Film Festival will welcome Tim Roth, known for his roles in films such as Rob Roy, Reservoir Dogs, and The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover. Roth will participate in a masterclass and a retrospective.Spanish-Chilean filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar, director of Thesis, The Others, The Sea Inside, and Agora, will also deliver a masterclass and serve on what organizers are calling one of the most prestigious juries to date.

Prestigious Jury Lineup

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, known for The Seed of the Sacred Fig and Manuscripts Don’t Burn, will preside over the jury. He will be joined by Danish actress trine Dyrholm, recognized for her roles in The girl With the Needle, The Party, and The Commune; British screenwriter Paul Laverty, a frequent collaborator with Ken Loach on films such as Sorry We missed You, The Angel’s Share, and I, Daniel Blake; Austrian actress Valerie Pachner, who appeared in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, egon Schiele: Death and the Maiden, and A Hidden Life; Spanish director Albert Serra, director of Afternoons of Solitude, Pacifiction, and The Death of louis XIV; and Jeff Desom, a Luxembourg director, screenwriter, and VFX artist known for his work on Everything, Everywhere, All at Onc.

The festival has previously hosted prominent figures such as Ray Liotta, Margarethe von Trotta, terry gilliam, and Michel Gondry.

The Luxembourg City Film Festival,supported by the Ministry of Culture and the city of Luxembourg,typically showcases highlights from past festivals,national productions and co-productions,masterclasses,and a program designed for younger audiences.

Competition Lineup

This year’s competition lineup includes a diverse selection of films: Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman’s Vittoria,Hélène Cattet and Bruno forzani’s Reflet dans un diamant mort,Denise Fernandes’ Hanami,laura Carreira’s On Falling,Bogdan Muresanu’s The New Year That Never Came,Tato Kotetishvili’s Holy Electricity,Mo Harawe’s The Village Next to Paradise,Radu Jude’s Kontinental ’25,and Huo Xin’s Bound in Heaven.

Building a Welcoming Festival

Gladys Lazareff, managing director of the Luxembourg festival, and artistic director Alexis Juncosa have been instrumental in building the festival and its reputation from the beginning.

The first year, we put together the plan for the festival and the first edition in three months,

Gladys lazareff, Managing Director, Luxembourg Film Festival

lazareff added, We packed the work of a whole year into that period. It was all driven by heart and pride.

Some told us we were crazy,

Alexis Juncosa, Artistic Director, Luxembourg Film Festival

Juncosa said, But we did it and have since then built the festival based on the idea of being very welcoming, so people started pitching us and wanting to come.

The festival prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming to all audiences, irrespective of their familiarity with cinema. We want to be open for everyone, Lazareff said, not just hardcore film buffs. Juncosa emphasized the festival’s relaxed atmosphere: If you want to wear a tuxedo, come in your tuxedo. If you like jeans and a T-shirt,come like that. He jokingly added, Or if you want to come in your sleepwear, we’ll see you in that!

Lazareff and Juncosa describe their programming philosophy as aiming

Luxembourg City Film Festival: A Hidden Gem Shining Radiant on the International Stage

Did you know that a tiny nation like Luxembourg boasts a film festival attracting international stars and renowned filmmakers? It’s a testament to the power of passion and vision.

Interviewer: Dr. Anya Petrova, our expert on European film festivals and cultural impact, welcome! The Luxembourg City Film Festival recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, attracting stars like Tim Roth and Alejandro Amenábar. What makes this festival so unique,especially given Luxembourg’s relatively small size?

Dr. Petrova: The Luxembourg City Film festival’s success is a compelling narrative of how a dedicated team can build a world-class event, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. The festival’s uniqueness stems from its combination of a prestigious international profile and an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Luxembourg, while small in population, is strategically located in Europe, making it easily accessible for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

Interviewer: The festival has attracted some truly impressive names over the years. Can you expand on the key factors contributing to its global presence and reputation?

Dr. Petrova: The festival’s global recognition is a result of several key strategies: Strategic programming focusing on diverse, high-quality international films; the establishment of a prestigious jury of respected figures in filmmaking, such as past jury members vicky Krieps and Sebastian Koch, ensuring critical assessment and global visibility; and a dedicated focus on masterclasses and retrospectives by celebrated filmmakers like Tim Roth and Alejandro Amenábar, enriching the experience for attendees and providing opportunities for knowledge-sharing. This fosters a synergistic effect, attracting even more prestigious names in subsequent years, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and recognition. Also, the festival’s commitment to showcasing both established and emerging talent has cemented its reputation as a platform for cinematic revelation.

Interviewer: This year’s jury included Mohammad Rasoulof, Trine Dyrholm, and Paul Laverty, among others. How does the selection of jury members influence the festival’s prestige and impact?

Dr. Petrova: The selection of jury members is pivotal. The festival demonstrably prioritizes selecting jurors with a proven record of critical acumen and industry influence. Choosing individuals like Mohammad Rasoulof, renowned for his socially conscious filmmaking; Trine Dyrholm, a prominent and respected actress; and Paul Laverty, a prolific screenwriter known for his collaborations with Ken Loach, lends authority and credibility to the festival’s selections. This thoughtful curation sends a message about the festival’s commitment to excellence and artistic integrity, drawing in both filmmakers and film enthusiasts seeking a curated cinematic experience. The diverse backgrounds and perspectives of the jury members also ensure a robust and nuanced evaluation of the competing films.

Interviewer: Manny festivals struggle with balancing commercial success with artistic integrity. How has luxembourg achieved this balance?

Dr. Petrova: The luxembourg City film Festival’s success lies in its complex approach to programming, seamlessly blending popular cinematic works with those exhibiting artistic merit. This strategy demonstrates a keen understanding of the need to attract a wide audience while upholding high artistic standards. The festival curators cleverly weave together films that resonate with mainstream audiences and those aimed at cinephiles, striking a careful balance that strengthens the festival’s appeal across a broader demographic. This balanced approach, combined with the welcoming and accessible atmosphere, ensures both commercial viability and artistic credibility.

Interviewer: The festival’s founders, Gladys Lazareff and Alexis Juncosa, stressed the importance of a welcoming atmosphere. What is the impact of this inclusive approach on the festival’s success?

dr. Petrova: The inclusive and welcoming surroundings cultivated by Lazareff and Juncosa is a key differentiator for the Luxembourg City Film Festival. Creating a welcoming environment reduces barriers to entry, fostering a sense of community and attracting a wider range of participants – not just industry professionals but also local residents and international tourists. This has undoubtedly contributed to the festival’s sustained growth and overall success.Their purposeful strategy to appeal to all audiences – from hardcore film buffs to casual viewers—has broadened its engagement, further solidifying its presence on the international cinematic map.

Interviewer: What are some key takeaways for other aspiring film festivals, based on the Luxembourg City Film Festival’s success?

Dr. Petrova: Several key takeaways for aspiring festivals emerge from Luxembourg’s example:

Strategic Programming: Focus on delivering a diverse range of high-quality films capable of appealing to a broad audience range.

Prestigious Jury: Assemble a jury of nationally and internationally respected figures to enhance credibility and attract attention.

Masterclasses and Events: Utilize masterclasses and retrospectives to draw key figures and provide unique opportunities for attendees.

Cultivate a Welcoming Atmosphere: create an inclusive environment that appeals to both film connoisseurs and casual moviegoers.

* Effective Marketing & Partnerships: Form strong partnerships with local and international organizations to maximize your reach and expand your network.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for these insightful reflections.The Luxembourg City Film Festival stands as a remarkable example of how a small nation can make a significant impact on the global cinematic stage. Readers, what are your thoughts on the strategies employed by this unique festival? Share your opinions in the comments below or discuss on social media using #LuxembourgFilmFestival!