09/05/2008

On the occasion of Europe Day, the movie theatre UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles this morning opened the fifth edition of UGC celebrates Europe, in the presence of Jean-Pierre Jouyet, Secretary of State for European Affairs.

Throughout the day, 27 films representing 27 different countries will be screened not only in Paris but also in Brussels, Lyon, Madrid, Rome and Strasbourg. Cineuropa is a partner of the event (see special report).

Before he cut the ribbon and engaged in discussion with students, the Secretary of State gave a short, enthusiastic speech, citing a film by Hungarian director István Szabó as among those that have most touched him in his life. He praised UGC for the initiative, its simultaneous programming in the various European cities, the tribute to German cinema held this week in Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg and the quality of the films selected.

The chosen titles are very recent and offer an impressive taste of the "lively European film industry" characterised by a diversity of approaches that bear witness to the "non-homogenisation" of European film.

As highlighted by the Secretary of State, the range of subjects and genres showcased today is vast . This variety is illustrated by films such as And Along Come Tourists [+see also:
trailer
interview: Alexander Fehling
film profile] by Robert Thalheim (screened at last year’s Cannes), which shows that there is no Europe without reference to past tragedies and without reconciliation, and Diane Kurys’ French film Sagan [+see also:
trailer
film profile], which stars Sylvie Testud as the great writer who, on the contrary, embodied the insouciance of the post-war years.

Jouyet described the event as a citizen-focused initiative because it brings alive the true values of Europe: variety and audacity. He also pointed out that if we can speak today of a "European film industry", this is thanks to the commitment of the European Commission, who have put in place a programme that is a true example of what Europe can bring to the cultural sector. This includes the creation of programmes such as Eurimages and MEDIA and the numerous current directives, both on film funding and the diversity of film production.

The opening concluded with the suggestion that the event could, in the next few years, be extended to include many more European theatres. For the full programme of screenings, visit the UGC website.

(Translated from French)