"Cultural diplomacy is an essential aspect in nurturing the bilateral relations between the European Union and the Philippines, especially following the entry into force of the Philippines-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement this year", EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said.

"Cine Europa is one of the most effective means for the EU to reach out to the Filipino people. It is a unique way to showcase European cultural diversity in the Philippines", he said.

This year's Cine Europa film festival is organised in connection with the celebration of the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018.

Ambassador Jessen together with the EU Member States' Ambassadors, Ms Lala Fojas, Vice-President, Shangri-La Plaza Corporation, Ms Liza Dino, CEO, Film Development Council of the Philippines, inaugurates the Cine Europa in Manila.

Twenty-seven movies from 15 European Union Member States -  Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom as well as Norway - will be screened this year.

BACKGROUND

The festival is also presented by the EU Delegation to the Philippines with the EU embassies, as well as Alliance Francaise in Manila, the British Council, the Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes, and the Philippine Italian Association.  Cine Europa has earned a niche among film enthusiasts in the country because of its strong collaboration with local partners, including the Shangri-La Plaza, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Arts Council of Cebu, Ayala Center in Cebu, SM Corporation, the Ateneo De Naga University, the Visayas State University in Baybay Leyte and the Provincial Government of Palawan and Palawan State University. This year's film festival started in Cebu and finishes in Manila on 16 December.

Website:   http://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/philippines

Facebook: EU Delegation to the Philippines