The five films nominated for the 2025 LUX Audience Award were announced on Wednesday afternoon, with "Animal," a co-production involving Cyprus, among the contenders.

The five shortlisted films were introduced by the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education, Nils Reil, during a press conference in Strasbourg, attended by European Parliament Vice-President Sabine Verheyen. Directors or their representatives from the nominated films were also present.

The film Animal, directed by Sofia Exarchou and co-produced by Greece, Cyprus, Austria, Romania, and Bulgaria, delves into themes such as labor rights, tourism, youth, and intergenerational relationships.

The film Dahomey by Mati Diop (France, Senegal, Benin) tackles colonialism, the plundering of cultural heritage, democracy, education, and freedom of speech.

In Flow, an animated feature by Latvian director Gints Zibalodis (Latvia, France, Belgium), topics such as climate change, the environment, and solidarity are explored.

The war in Ukraine, the rule of law, and democracy are central to Intercepted, a film by Ukrainian director Oksana Karpovych (Canada, France, Ukraine).

Julie Keeps Quiet, directed by Belgian filmmaker Leonardo van Dail (Belgium, Sweden), highlights issues such as gender equality, women's rights, violence against women, and mental health.

The five films competing for the LUX Audience Award are selected by a panel of film professionals from all EU member states.

The films will be screened in cinemas across the EU until April 25 and will be rated by both citizens and Members of the European Parliament. After watching the films, both the public and MEPs can vote online. The film with the highest overall score, with audience and MEP ratings each accounting for 50%, will win the LUX Audience Award.

The LUX Audience Award, the largest film award for audiences in the European Union, is presented annually by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy (EFA), in collaboration with Creative Europe MEDIA and Europa Cinemas.

The aim, according to the organizers, is to strengthen the connection between European politics and the public by inviting citizens to actively participate in discussions with MEPs about the work and achievements of the European Parliament.