European Film Festival in Abuja 2012 - opening night, speech by Ambassador MacRae, and movie schedule

The 2012 edition of the European Film Festival in Abuja opened with a Cocktail Party on 10th May 2012 at the Silverbird Entertainment Centre. It was followed by a screening of the first movie from Denmark entitled Babette’s Feast – a touching but humorous tale of a woman who finds joy in cooking. 

A total of 26 films will be screened from May 10 to 23, 2012, two each night (except on the first and last days) at 6:00PM and 8:00PM. (Scroll down for the complete timetable of the line up of movies to be shown.) As in the previous editions of the festival, there will be a raffle draw where movie goers will have a chance to win a round trip ticket to Europe from one of the sponsors, AIR FRANCE KLM.

ADMISSION IS FREE. 

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SPEECH BY THE HEAD OF EU DELEGATION TO NIGERIA, AMBASSADOR DAVID MACRAE, AT THE OPENING COCKTAILS FOR THE 5TH EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL IN ABUJA ON 10 MAY 2012

His Excellency Ambassador David MacRae,

Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, 

at theOpening Night of the European Film Festival in 

Abuja, held at the Silverbird Entertainment Centre 

on 10th May 2012 (Photo by Inside Track Abuja)

"Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

"I welcome you to this cocktail which flags off the Fifth European Film Festival in Abuja.

"The European Union Delegation to Nigeria, the EU Member States and the Embassies of Switzerland and Serbia, are jointly presenting a brand new taste of European culture and its people to the Nigerian audience through this film festival. The European Film Festival has now become a permanent feature on our calendar as part of activities to mark celebrations of Europe Day 9 May.

"Culture serves as a bridge between nations and peoples. In Nigeria and Europe people share the same passion for cinema. Movies are – as you know – universal and we can irrespective of background find common grounds in the artistic world, to share experiences and emotions that define our common humanity.

"We have been encouraged by the success of the previous editions and we are convinced that this year’s will be even more entertaining. Last year, 20 movies from different countries of Europe were shown to a large, appreciative Nigerian audience. This year we will show 25 films from Denmark, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Poland, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. More films and more participant countries than never before. The Film Festival which begins today, May 10 – after this cocktail – and will run for 14 days to end on 23 May. Two movies will be shown per day.

"This year’s edition will also extend to other Nigerian cities, namely Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Jos so that those residing in these cities can be a part of the thrill which it has come to represent.

"I would like to thank everybody that has believed in this initiative and has made it possible: the EU Member States, Switzerland and Serbia who have provided the movies, EU Delegation, and our sponsors: Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers who sponsors this cocktail, Air France-KLM, Setraco, Dana Air, Nokia, Zenith Bank and Fresh Network.

"Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends, I would like to invite you tall to watch with us and enjoy this Film Festival. And now, please join me in raising a glass to the success of the 2012 European Film Festival.

"Thank you."