Amman, Jordan— Intended to open up a space for intercultural cooperation, the 34th edition of the European Film Festival (EUFF) began at the Haya Cultural Center in Amman.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, EU Ambassador to Jordan Maria Hadjitheodosiou said the 34th edition of the European Film Festival, the longest-running film festival in Jordan, since its creation has been the EU’s flagship event on the cultural calendar in the country.
“Each year, we bring the Jordanian and European communities together, opening up a space for intercultural cooperation, exchange, diversity, dialogue and enhancement of our shared values,” Hadjitheodosiou added.
“Together with EU Member States’ embassies and cultural institutes, we bring to the public in Amman, the opportunity to discover Europe’s people, landscapes and traditions, and to marvel at productions that do not reach commercial cinemas. This year we present 15 recent European productions, and an award-winning Jordanian movie,” she explained.
Hadjitheodosiou said cultural diversity is an integral part of the values of the European Union and the EU is strongly committed to promoting a global order based on peace, the rule of law, freedom of expression, mutual understanding and respect for fundamental rights.
Accordingly, promoting diversity through international cultural relations is an important part of the EU’s role as a global actor, she added.
She lauded Jordan’s role in promoting cultural appreciation and understanding, protecting diversity and cultural heritage, and fighting extremism is commendable. And it is for these reasons – and the wonderful landscape- that in the field of cinema, Jordan, almost every year is chosen by numerous European productions as a filming location.
The RFC Managing Director, Mohannad Bakri, said Cinema was born in Europe and Europeans were the pioneers of the motion picture industry, which dates back 130 years.
“This year, we are to take part in screening a couple of the festival’s movies at our film centers in the governorates, namely Irbid and Aqaba.”