EU Film Festival in Alexandria -Europe Month 2024

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EU Film Festival in Alexandria -Europe Month 2024

23.05.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to EGYPT

© EU

EU Film Festival in Alexandria

Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 13May 2024

Remarks by

Ambassador Christian Berger,

Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt

Dear guests and partners,

First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude for hosting us tonight. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a great venue and what better place to have you among the partnersof EU Film Festival in Alexandria, a city where cinema arrived in Egypt just one year after film had been invented in Paris. The Library certainly is one of the most attractive cultural venues in Alexandria allowing that the Festival is well attended by the filmmaking community of Alexandria.

Promoting cultural international relations is an important part of EU's role as a global actor. Cultural diversity is part of our DNA as a union of 27 member states. We can offer a wealth of cultural expressions, quality artistic creations and vibrant creative industries and we are proud to bring to Alexandria a piece of it every year.

Film is a powerful medium. It transcends borders, languages, and cultures. Through the stories it tells, it allows us to see the world through different eyes, to experience emotions that resonate across nationalities, and to connect with humanity in all its complexities. This festival, with its diverse selection of films from across Europe, is a perfect embodiment of this power. It is a celebration of Europe's rich tapestry of cultures, its vibrant artistic expressions, and its commitment to storytelling.

The films you will see over the coming days will showcase the creativity, innovation, and talent of European filmmakers. They will transport you to different countries, introduce you to new perspectives, and make you laugh, cry, and think.

This festival is more than just entertainment. It is also a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. It allows us to learn from each other, to understand our shared values and experiences, and to build bridges between our communities. And this is why as part of the programme, also a seven day workshop will take place at the Jesuit Cultural Center. 17 participants have been selected to participate in the fully funded workshop How to tell your Story. We sincerely wish that many of them will also be screened at film festivals around the world soon!

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organisers of this festival for their dedication and hard work. They have curated an exceptional programme that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. In a world that can often feel divided, the power of cinema to bring people together is more important than ever.

Please take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourselves in the world of European cinema. Explore the films, engage in discussions, and let yourselves be transported by the power of storytelling.

Thank you!