Mumbai: Day three of the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) brought a powerful blend of cinematic storytelling and creativity, captivating audiences in New Delhi. The workshop ‘Character Building in Cinematic Worlds’, led by Lithuanian-American filmmaker Tomas Vengris and Indian novelist-screenwriter Alina Gufran, offered invaluable guidance to aspiring filmmakers, drawing an enthusiastic crowd and inspiring fresh perspectives on narrative creation.

Organised in collaboration with Unbox Cultural Futures, the workshop focused on character development and narrative depth, essential skills for young, independent creatives. Vengris shared his approach to the theme of identity crisis, a common thread in his films, rooted in his upbringing between Lithuania and the U.S. "When someone struggles with a project, it becomes a huge learning curve. Everything is new and challenging. You finish that project, feel like you’ve got it figured out, and then with the next one, it’s like starting from scratch. That sense of constant reinvention is what makes it so thrilling," he remarked.

Gufran, known for drawing from her own experiences in her work, discussed themes like the immigrant experience, interfaith dynamics, and belonging. These personal insights, she explained, shape her storytelling and provide a window through which she explores complex identities.

The workshop saw participation from emerging filmmakers, young creatives, and film students, all eager to deepen their storytelling craft.

Alongside the workshop, Day 3 featured screenings of three acclaimed films: “The Man Without Guilt from Slovenia”, directed by Ivan Gergolet; “Dangerous Men from Poland”, directed by Maciej Kawalski; and “Baan from Portugal”, directed by Leonor Teles. Each film resonated deeply with the Delhi audience, receiving warm applause and appreciation.

The 29th European Union Film Festival will continue in New Delhi until 16 November 2024, showcasing a diverse lineup of films from across Europe.