Restlessly ambitious, emerging directors never fail to surprise with their early mastery and stylistic distinctiveness. These women and men are keen to explore the possibilities of visual language, to reflect boldly on complicated social issues, to let sensitivity and a tenderly romantic attitude in. Most importantly, they offer audiences a fresh perspective and portend a bright future for Europe’s auteur cinema.

Always drawing some of the largest crowds to the cinemas, the Critics’ Choice programme is back this year with the favourites of film critics writing for a variety of prestigious publications. This breathtaking selection includes films that tell extraordinary stories using unique forms and genres. Both renowned and emerging filmmakers find their place here.

Costumes have been an integral part of cinema ever since its inception: clothing helps paint the unique world of the film, it puts the transformations undergone by the central characters into sharper focus, and, when it breaks out of the confines of the screen, it can start affecting us directly. In addition to enabling viewers to read the messages encoded in clothing, this programme also introduces them to some of the most prominent costume designers. Come and witness the evolution of film fashion!