The 31st European Film Festival was launched on May 12 in Singapore.
Traditionally, the Festival is opened with a movie of the presiding country in the European Union. This year, the privilege to start the event was given to the Ukrainian film directed by Zaza Buadze “Mother of the Apostles” about the horrible events that took place at the beginning of the Russian aggression in Donbas. The picture, which has already won 51 awards within the different international festivals worldwide, tells a real story of a mother, who goes to the war zone in search of her son.
It is noteworthy that this year, in addition to the traditionally large presence of European guests, the Ukrainian screening was attended by many Singaporeans to express their solidarity and support to Ukraine.
The opening ceremony was marked by the speeches of the guest of honor – the Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry Ms. Low Yen Ling, as well as of the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Singapore H.E. Kateryna Zelenko and of the Ambassador of the European Union to Singapore H.E. Iwona Piorko.
Ukraine is the only country among 23 states participating in the festival, which will present two screenings this year. In addition to the "Mother of the Apostles", viewers will be able to enjoy the musical movie "Hutsulka Ksenia" directed by Olena Demianenko.
The festival will be taking place until 26 May.