‘A panorama of Europe’... this is what the European Union Film Festival has to offer. Treat yourself to rich, meaningful movies, writes SHARMILA BILLOT.

CINEMA-GOERS looking for something different from the usual Hollywood fare are in for a treat as 19 European movies will be showcased in Malaysia beginning this week.

The 9th annual European Union Film Festival (EUFF), from Nov 13-23, takes place at GSC Mid Valley and GSC Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur and GSC 1 Utama (New Wing) in Petaling Jaya.

It is organised by EU embassies in Malaysia and the delegation of the European Commission, and jointly presented by Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC).

This year’s festival is spearheaded by France, in conjunction with its presidency of the EU for the second half of this year.
Earlier this week, French ambassador Marc Barety, said: “What characterises the European cinema is diversity. Reflecting the old continent’s history and heritage, the European movies have always mixed languages, religions, and cultures.

“From Spain to Czech Republic, from Finland to Italy, the whole panorama of Europe will be represented in this year’s edition of the festival.

“Contrary to Hollywood’s model, which is based upon commercial efficiency and entertainment, the European cinema shows another side of the world.

“It offers a more balanced, a more human-centred view, which is a good introduction to European traditions which are rich in history and culture,” added Barety.

The movies will be screened at RM5 each with the exception of one Spanish movie, which will be free.

From Oscar nominees to award-winners in film festivals, to romantic dramas and action thrillers, some of the featured films have been honoured internationally.

Among them is Denmark’s After the Wedding, nominated for the Best Foreign Film at the Oscars in 2007, Spain’s Get Away From Me which won nine awards, and Paris from France.

The other movies include 9½ Dates (from Hungary), Arabian Nights (Luxembourg), A Chicken Is No Dog and When The Tide Comes In (both from Belgium), The Fever (Italy), Mozart in China (Austria), Double Shift and Bombay Dreams (both from Sweden), How to Cook Your Life and One Day in Europe (both from Germany), It’s a Free World (England), Happy Family and Kicks (both from Netherlands), The Ride and The Snowboarders (both from Czech Republic) and Colorado Avenue (Finland).

All the movies will be screened in their original language but will carry English subtitles.

Tickets can be purchased at participating cinemas or booked online at www.gsc.com.my.

Call the GSC ticketing hotlines in Kuala Lumpur at 03-8312-3456.