The 18th edition of CinEast, Luxembourg’s Central and Eastern European Film Festival, will take place from 10 to 26 October 2025, offering a rich programme of cinema, music, photography, and cultural events.
This weekend's edition of The Melissa Dalton Show features an interview with Cineast Festival Director Radek Lipka. This year’s festival presents 65 feature films and 50 short films, including four international premieres with 20 Central and Eastern countries represented. The festival also features concerts, debates, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and a photography exhibition.
“It’s for the people from this country...for all the international community. We build this festival for everyone”, says Festival Director Radek Lipka.
CinEast aims to be accessible to all audiences in Luxembourg. Most films are subtitled in English, genres range from comedy and drama to animation and documentary, and there are screenings suitable for younger viewers.
Poland as Focus Country
Each year, CinEast shines a spotlight on one country and Poland is the focus for 2025. The programme includes 15 Polish films, two Polish concerts, and 10 Polish guests, offering a broad view of Polish cinema and culture.
Opening Ceremony and Film
The Official Opening Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, 15 October at 7pm at Kinepolis Kirchberg. The evening includes the international premiere of “Chopin, A Sonata in Paris” (Poland, 2025) by Michał Kwieciński. The film portrays Fryderyk Chopin at the peak of his fame in Paris, admired by aristocrats and the King of France, while quietly battling illness and searching for meaning through music and love. The film will be screened in its original version, with most dialogue in French and English subtitles. The event is open to the public, with accreditation available via www.cineast.lu.
Warm Up Weekend
Before the official opening, the festival kicks off with a “Warm Up Weekend” from 10 to 12 October. A highlight is the Opening Concert by Fanfare Ciocărlia, a high-energy brass band from Romania, at Melusina Club on Saturday, 11 October. They will be joined by DJ Tagada, blending Balkan and Eastern European sounds with electro beats. Traditional food will be available throughout the night. Presale concert tickets are available online for €26 (€29 at the door).
Screenings and ticketing
Films will be shown at venues across Luxembourg, including Kinepolis Kirchberg, neimënster, Cercle Cité, Cinéma Ariston, Ancien Cinéma in Vianden, and others.
Ticket prices are €10 for in-person screenings and €7 for online screenings. Discounts are available for those under 28 or over 65. A Festival Pass (valid for 10 screenings in cinemas or online) costs just €45.
Tickets and online screenings are available via the CinEast platform at cineast.eventive.org. For full programme details and updates, visit www.cineast.lu.
Listen to the full interview on RTL Play and catch The Melissa Dalton Show on Today Radio every Saturday morning from 9am to 11am.
