L’Auberge espagnole is the cult student film of the early 2000s. At the time of the European Union’s enlargement, Cédric Klapisch's film portrays the lives of young people from different EU countries who, through the Erasmus programme, study, live, and grow together in Barcelona. The film is not concerned with institutions or political processes, but with the impact of a European student exchange programme on young people’s lives. With enthusiasm and humour, it captures a sense of renewal, cultural diversity, and shared European identity – and is now regarded as a significant and inspiring cinematic portrait of a new European generation.

In his introduction, Steve Hoegener places L’Auberge espagnole and its impact in the context of its time. He also discusses other examples from film history that explore the theme of understanding between peoples, particularly in the aftermath of intra-European conflicts in the 20th century.

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L’Auberge espagnole

France 2002 | Cédric Klapisch | vostFR | 122’ | digital | Cast : Romain Duris, Judith Godrèche, Kelly Reilly, Audrey Tautou, Cécile de France | Best Young Actress (C. de France), César 2003

Xavier, 25, decides to spend his final year of studies abroad and goes to Barcelona. There, he moves in with seven other international students…