The five shortlisted films were announced on Wednesday by the European Parliament first vice-president Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE), and the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education Nela Riehl (Greens, EFA, DE). The announcement event took place for the first time at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Following the announcement, vice-president Verheyen said: “European cinema reflects the challenges and hopes of our society. This year’s finalists, each in their distinct form, showcase the rich variety of the film world. They offer powerful perspectives on pressing issues such as women’s rights, climate change, our history and the war in Ukraine. They pen up important conversations and inviting us to see the world through diverse lenses.”

Committee chair Nela Riehl said: “Film is a medium of expression that transcends spatial, economic and social divides. Film is for everyone. It is a unique form of expression that uses emotion, narrative and wit to convey deeper, more…