Dear friends of good European films,

this April we can, already for the 26th time, watch 40 best “Made in Europe” films. These films are a result of European cooperation, were conceived and born in Europe, often with the support of individual states, private investors and the MEDIA programme financed by the European Union.

The Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic is a proud and traditional partner of this unique festival, which, to my great pleasure, becomes more popular every year.

The 2019 is an important year when the Czechs have an opportunity to reflect on several important historical milestones: we have had a freedom of choice for the last 30 years, we have been (voluntarily) NATO members for 20 years and on the 1st of May it will have been 15 years since we freely decided to join the EU.

In May, on the 24th and the 25th to be precise, we will, once again, have the opportunity to elect our representatives to the European Parliament. And given the recent tendencies across Europe, this time the elections will be of an utmost importance. This time we cannot just “wait it out” and hope that it will “work out somehow”. This time our future and our children’s future is in our hands.

This is also why we have given this year’s “To the point” section a motto “Freedom of choice”. This section, which we proudly support, will focus on the ever changing media picture of political developments and the topic of elections – not only today, but also in the past.

I hope that we will all carefully consider the opportunities offered not only by the programme of the festival, but mainly by the programmes of the candidates running for the European Parliament, and that we will use, once again, the freedom of choice we have had for last 30 years.

I believe you will choose wisely, and not only at the festival,

Dana Kovaříková

Head of the Representation of the European Commission in the Czech Republic