As the biggest running film festival in the country enters its 21st year, Cine Europa will kick off for the first time this year in Cebu City on 27 September in Circa 1900, Alliance Francaise de Cebu and Ayala Center Cebu City.
EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said that this new initiative came about to cater to the vibrant cultural landscape in the Visayan region.
“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”, 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 said that 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.
Chairperson Liza Diño of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) affirmed that the agency is pleased to continue its long-standing collaboration with the European Union and promote film diversity.
Twenty-eight movies from 16 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.
But these are not the only Cine Europa treats that are expected for this year. Side events will be organised, such as a poetry festival, lectures on contemporary issues by different European countries and sport activities are planned this year.
“Padyak para sa Kalikasan” (Biking for the Environment) which has already gained a large following in Palawan is expected to jumpstart in October in Puerto Princesa city with European diplomats joining the bike tour.
Cine Europa 21 will for the first time feature the movie “The Lease” an Italian-Filipino paranormal thriller by filmmaker Paolo Bertola which is starring Ruben Maria Soriquez and Filipina actress Garie Conception, while Austria will screen short films “Mathias”, “Fuddy Duddy” and “Wannabe” in addition to its full-length film “Mademoiselle Paradis (Licht)”.

Cine Europa Press Screening: “Bienvenido , Mister Marshall”
For the press screening, the featured film is the Spanish entry “Bienvenido, Mister Marshall” a comedy that features a village whose inhabitants are disguised as Andalusians to welcome a personality. The fun starts with the good-natured mayor who is seeking means to improve life in the village.

This black and white film has received awards and citations, including the International price of good humor, with a special mention for the scenario and for the scriptwriters (Prix international du film de la bonne humeur avec mention spéciale pour le scenario) at the 1953 Cannes Film Festival.
Film Festival Opening: “A Holy Mess”
The festival will start in Cebu with a reception on 27 September featuring the film “A Holy Mess” from Sweden.

The Swedish film “A Holy Mess” asks the question how tolerant the Swedes are. A warm comedy about the modern Swedish family and their continual struggle to “do things correctly”.
Cine Europa Roadshow
Cine Europa can boast of the fact that it is the longest and most comprehensive film festival in the country as it takes place in nine cities in a variety of venues from theaters to malls and universities.
After Cebu, the festival will be transferred to Tacloban City from 2 to 7 October, then to Iloilo from 9 to 14 October; to Leyte from 16 to 21 October; to Palawan from 23 to 28 October, then onwards to Naga City from 6 to 11 November, and to Baguio City from 26 November to 2 December.
Manila screenings will be at the Film Development Council of the Philippines from 20 to 25 November and at the Shangri-La Plaza from 7 to 16 December.
The festival is presented by the EU Delegation to the Philippines and the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom, as well as Alliance Francaise in Manila and in Cebu, 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 Film Development Council of the Philippines, Arts Council of Cebu, Ayala Center in Cebu, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Corporation, the Ateneo De Naga, University of the Philippines- Visayas in Tacloban, the Visayas State University in Baybay Leyte and the Provincial Government of Palawan and Palawan State University.