the Days of European Film is an exceptional phenomenon abounding in incontestable qualities, bearing many signs of originality compared to other international film festivals. Pessimists once predicted that European cinematography would suffer a crushing defeat and sink in competition with overseas film studios, mainly in Hollywood. However, these dark visions have fortunately not come true. Europe has very strong roots in film production that cannot be eradicated and that make a solid base for European film development, even in the 21st century.

Thousand-year-old traditions and the existence of great cultures on our continent, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome, the Celtic culture, the fundamentals of Slavonic unity, Renaissance imagination as well as the grandeur of the Baroque – all have undoubtedly been reflected in the European film. You will find there a mirror of human solidarity and reciprocity, efforts not to live for one's own sake only, but to perceive other people's feelings as well. This is why I am pleased that Prague can offer a versatile festival of the best cinema created by European cameras and scripts in European studios, within the Days of European Film. I am convinced that all viewers will find topics, authors and artists that appeal to them and that absolutely no-one will leave the cinema with a hint of disappointment.

I wish you all the most beautiful film and artistic experiences possible.

MUDr. Pavel Bém
primátor hlavního města Prahy