23rd EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL IN MALAYSIA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

The 23rd European Film Festival (EUFF) was officially launched yesterday, ready to entice all movie buffs with 17 films from 20 European countries over the next two weeks.

The opening ceremony was held at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) at Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur. Ms Koh Mei Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) welcomed the guests. The festival was officially opened by Mr. Timo Goosmann, Deputy Head of Delegation on behalf of the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia. 

“Life imitates art,” said Ms. Koh Mei Lee in her welcoming speech. She talked about learning the core values for the survival of humankind from cinema, “The everyday stories of the human strength, resilience, and of love – be it filial love or romantic love, stories of family bonds, the dramas on screens mirrors life itself. It reminds us to be humble, kind, and considerate to each other and celebrate every day as it comes.”

Mr. Timo Goosmann, Deputy Head of Mission, Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia said that “through EUFF, we put culture at the centre of our relationship between the EU and Malaysia that connects our own shared experiences and interests through the cinema.”

He further added, “The motto of the European Union is ‘In varietate concordia’, which translates to ‘united in diversity’. As Malaysia is a multicultural and multilingual country itself, I hope the European Film Festival can serve as a bridge between our continents to connect the people of Malaysia with Europe, not only offering entertainment, but also creating a deeper understanding of the cultural diversity Europe offers.”

In solidarity with Ukraine, director Zaza Buadze’s Mother of Apostles opened the 23rd EUFF in Malaysia. This year’s festival will screen 17 features and documentaries from 20 European countries between 3 – 16 November in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. 

The launch event also featured a Polish-Ukrainian exhibition entitled ‘Mom, I don’t want war’ from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland. Historical drawings of Polish children from 1946, which are a record of their experiences during World War II and contemporary drawings of Ukrainian children, related to the war currently taking place in Ukraine, were presented. 

The EUFF will take place at selected GSC outlets in Kuala Lumpur (GSC MidValley, GSC MyTown, and GSC 1Utama) from 3 – 13 November followed by Penang (GSC Gurney Plaza) from 10 – 16 November. 

Tickets are sold at RM9.50, and can be purchased via GSC E-payment at www.gsc.com.my, GSC Mobile Apps or at participating GSC outlets. For movie details, screening schedules, and more information on the European Film Festival, visit www.euff.com.my or www.gsc.com.my.