09/05/2003

The MEDA funded Euromed Audiovisual Regional Programme will for the first time be present at the Cannes Film Festival, whose latest edition will be held in the French Riviera resort from 14 to 25 May. Two information stands will be devoted to Euromed Audiovisual within the EU Pavilion, one for the Programme as a whole and another for the Europa Cinémas project. Furthermore a round table on ‘World Cinema: Europe as Partner’ will be held on 15 May at the Festival as part of a European Day, and will be opened by European Education and Culture Commissioner Viviane Reding. Participants will include film-makers, producers as well as government and corporate decision-makers from the EU and the developing world, notably Tunisia’s Ahmed Attia of Cinétéléfilms production company, and the General Manager of Morocco’s Centre Cinématographique, Souheil Benbarka. Current EU support to the film sector in developing countries and suggestions from partners around the world will be discussed. The debate should contribute to future EU co-operation in this area.