European Film Festival "Cinedays" opens

The 11. European Film Festival "Cinedays", which is set to present 107 films in several programmes until November 25, opened in cinema Millennium late on Thursday.

In the framework of programme MK&EU, Slovenian film "The Shanghai Gypsy", with Macedonian actor Visar Viska in the leading role, opened the festival. The film, written and directed by Marko Nabersnik, won the best screenplay award at the Montreal World Film Festival.

Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska officially opened the event, saying the festival annually brings the latest film achievements from Europe.

"Cinedays brings European film closer to us. It is an event presenting diverse manuscripts, views, sensibilities. This diversity of European cinematographies refers to the richness of cultures, but also affirmation of the mutual interests in Europe. Cinedays is a field for creative exchange of ideas and energy among actors, producers, directors", said Kanceska-Milevska.

Ten titles by young European authors take part in the official selection, seven in programme CineBalkan, five in MK&EU (European films including directors, screenwriters, actors, producers from Macedonia), and 40 gala-premieres by famous directors and renowned festival laureates on the 40. anniversary of the Youth-Cultural Center, which organizes "Cinedays".

This year's programme "Country in Focus" brings Egypt's cinematography and the screening of documentaries on the Arab Spring.

The official selection jury is comprised of producer Jan Harlan, film critic Sherif Awad and Macedonian director Vardan Tozija.

"Cinedays" will also present several musical documentaries, Macedonian short films, poetic films, films by young Italian directors, as well as workshops and concerts.

The festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the City of Skopje, and the EU Delegation to Skopje.