EU Film Days is a unique film festival showcasing a selection of European films hand-picked by the embassies and cultural institutes of the European Union (EU) Member States in Japan. The 2026 edition features 26 films including recently acclaimed works that have attracted attention at various international film festivals, many premiering in Japan at this year’s festival. For the first time, EU Film Days will also present a special programme of classic masterpieces from several EU Member States at the National Film Archive of Japan. We invite you to embark on a cinematic journey and enjoy the diversity of European culture, from timeless classics to works reflecting our world today.

In Europe, the birthplace of cinema, films that have challenged and redefined the boundaries of cinematic expression have constantly been made. In contrast to Hollywood, which has turned filmmaking into a massive entertainment industry, European cinema is globally recognized as championing and embodying artistry, auteurism and diversity of expression. Such movements as Italian neorealism, the French Nouvelle Vague, New German Cinema and the Czech New Wave have not only profoundly impacted cinematic history; the works of the directors of these movements are also highly valued in Japan. A wide range of genres, from feature films to documentaries, animation, avant-garde films, short films and experimental films have flourished freely and their diverse regional characteristics give rise to rich narratives. Drawing on this rich European history, EU Film Days 2026 will showcase 33 films from the EU, ranging from latest releases that have caused stirs at various international film festivals to classics that have stood the test of time. Of these, 19 will be shown in Japan for the first time. Please join us and do not miss this precious opportunity.