The ninth edition of the European Film Festival which, as in the past, is being organised in collaboration with the embassies of the EU member States, will be launched on Saturday and run until Saturday 24 March to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome signed on 25 March 1957.

This edition will feature a variety of films from 21 member States including Malta. Nineteen films are being presented at the Eden Cinemas, St George’s Bay and two at the Citadel Theatre in Victoria, Gozo.

This year’s festival features a number of innovative elements. A full-length feature film in Maltese (with English sub-titles) will be screened on the first night. The film “Gagga”, based on Frans Sammut’s novel ‘Il-Gagga’, was directed by Mario Azzopardi over 35 years ago.

Even though this film was produced by university students in 1971, it remains extremely topical and influential in today’s day and age. It is also one of Malta’s first cinematographic masterpieces which involved a long list of local talent. The

75-minute film was

transferred to digital format and enhanced by Studio 7 Productions.

The second is an evening of Maltese short, recently produced films followed by a discussion on how the EU can help catalyse the film production industry in Malta. Only last week, the EU launched its new MEDIA 2007 programme which provides a €755 million boost to Europe’s film industry for the next seven years.

The festival also includes a film for children, Two Brothers, which will be screened during school hours. This is being presented in collaboration with KRS Film Distributors Ltd. The screening will be followed by a session on film appreciation animated by MA graduate students from the University of Malta. This will give schoolchildren the opportunity of learning how to appreciate the art and science of cinematography from early age.

As in previous editions, the 9th European Film Festival will also raisefunds for a good cause. This year’s proceeds will be collected in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which provides information, advice, support and, where appropriate, financial assistance to anyone affected by cystic fibrosis.

Entrance tickets against a contribution/entrance fee of Lm1 for each show are available at the box office of both venues.