Film festival reflects European diversity [Archives:2006/998/Culture]
SANA'A, Nov. 9 ) At a Nov. 6 press conference, administrators of the 10th European Film Festival said cinema is an art form that easily translates in other cultures and shows the richness of European culture.
Criticism and evaluating after showing each of the 10 films was one of the most important topics discussed. German House director Guido Zebisch adopted the idea of organizing a committee of Yemeni critics to measure feedback from Yemeni audiences.
Selecting films to screen depends on their success and themes. “The French film, 'To be and to have,' was a great success when shown in France. This film's theme is universal and can fit any society because it's about schoolchildren between ages 4 and 11. It lets us follow the daily life in one of these small mountain schools and their new teaching methods,” says Anne Claire Duperrier, who's responsible for cultural activities of the French Cultural Centre.
“Downfall” was the first film presented. A powerful and provocative war drama, it retells the final days of World War II as recorded in the dairies of Adolf Hitler's private secretary, Traudl Junge, while barricaded with Hitler and his closest confidents in the Fuhrer's secret bunker.
Czech film “Loners” depicts a part of the chaos in young people's lives, as well as the mess in their heads. Following that was France's, “To be and to have,” Italy's “The Postman,” “Shouf Shouf, Habibi,” from the Netherlands, Poland's “Vebank,” Spain's “The Sea Inside,” Turkey's “Distant,” the UK's “The Constant Gardener” and Belgium's “Hop.” These films show the range and commitment of directors who invariably manage to tell moving stories while exploring issues facing their region.
Countries like Turkey and Belgium participated in the European Film Festival as well, although they don't have embassies in Yemen. Belgium participated via the European commission and Turkey participated because it's going to be in the European Union.
Zebisch says festivals reflecting Arab culture and featuring contemporary Arab cinema now have been established in Europe. “There are numerous Arab festivals and Arab film festivals in Europe, such as the Yemeni film presented in Britain, 'A New Day in Old Sana'a,' which I was so pleased to attend,” he notes.
“Arab festivals have been organized in Belgium for a long time, but they only began in Denmark following the Sept. 11, 2001 events, after which people were eager to learn more about Arab culture,” says European Union committee member Barbara Engelstoft.
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