Dear cinéphiles,

European films reflect the cultural diversity and many different ways to approaching similar topics that are typical features of life and inter-cultural exchange in Europe. These are the essential elements of the attractiveness and outstanding quality of the European film industry.

The 19^th European Film Days festival will again be an excellent opportunity to enjoy the creativity of European film directors and actors.

Already for more than two decades the MEDIA programme of the European Union has been supporting high-quality European audiovisual projects and their distribution to European and international audience. Thousands of European professionals benefited from the programme to realise their ideas, gain experience and recognition for their work.

The European Film Days share the same goal of helping films cross borders, gain audiences outside of their home countries and promote the diversity of European culture.

As in previous years, the festival also hosts a special section dedicated to the theme of the European Year. This year, the section "To the point" focuses on active ageing and solidarity between generations.

European population is ageing, that is a fact and a demographic challenge. However, being able to live a longer and a healthier life is something we should be proud of, because it reflects the tremendous progress Europe has made when it comes to the improvement of life standard of its population. So let's turn this demographic challenge into an opportunity. I hope the movies we selected for you in this section will inspire you on how to do it.

The European Commission Representation, together with the Information office of the European Parliament, the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs would like to thank the organizers for actively participating in the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations.

I wish the festival every success and hope that the spectators will enjoy watching the films as much as the producers and actors enjoyed making them.