KINGSTON, Jamaica – Movie lovers who turned out for the return of the European Union (EU) Film Festival from October 17 to 22 – the first staging in Jamaica since the COVID-19 pandemic – were enthusiastic about the opportunity it provided to see a variety of captivating films about ordinary people, celebrate cultural diversity, and make connections.

The film festival kicked off with a special screening of the Italian film Perfect Strangers on the lawns of the EU Delegation. EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Marianne Van Steen welcomed guests while Honorary Consul for Italy to Jamaica, Cecilia de Santis introduced the film, which focused on friendships and the secrets revealed through the cell phones of a group of friends.

French Ambassador to Jamaica Olivier Guyonvarch described it as typical of European films “where there is no superhero, only ordinary people like we are, and which shows that life can be more complex than we expect.”

Meanwhile, a cheerful Carla Gullotta, Executive Director of Stand up for Jamaica said she loved the movie for many different reasons.

“It is full of humour, and also puts on the table key values such as the importance of honesty, the impact of betrayal because there are many people living together who pretend to be friends and at the same time betray each other. It also highlights how much we can discriminate against people who are gay,” she stated.

Describing the movie festival as a way of reaching out to Jamaican citizens and residents, EU Deputy Head of Delegation in Jamaica, Piotr Byzcowski said it was an invitation to experience aspects of European life through the eyes of European filmmakers.

“The films selected highlighted varying themes, including family, friendship, migration, discrimination, mental health among others. They demonstrate that the essence of life and living is the same for people everywhere,” he said.

“We all love and want to protect our families, our friendships are tested, we experience pain and suffering in varying degrees. I find that cultural exchanges like movie festivals can help to bring people closer together and improve understanding among people of different backgrounds,” he added.

Subsequent screenings took place at the Palace Cineplex in Sovereign Centre, which saw more movie lovers, creatives, students and teachers of international relations, foreign language enthusiasts, and adventurers, getting the opportunity to see two movies per night, which stimulated conversations on real life issues.

The films, which were hosted by resident and non- resident member states included: School Girls -Las Ninas (Spain), Buko (Czech Republic), Sisters Apart (Germany), Aurora (Finland) Triangle of Sadness (Sweden), Oleg (Latvia), Io Sto Bene (Belgium), Oskar and Lili – Where No One Knows Us (Austria) and, Perfumes – Les Parfums (France).

Deputy Hall Chair at the University of the West Indies Mon, Daena Dawkins was particularly fond of the film Oskar and Lili – Where No One Knows Us.

“It was an amazing movie. The movie was about refugees who are trying to live a normal life. It also shows that family is everything and highlights the importance of mental health. It also sheds light on how important children are in a family and how important family is overall,” she said.

While Cary Reid who viewed multiple screenings was overjoyed, viewing the films reminded him of his connection with friends in Europe.

“It’s great. I really like being here because it helps me connect with my friends in Europe whom I haven’t seen in a very long time,” he said.

The festival was held under the theme, ‘Building Bridges: Connecting People.’