Dear friends of good movies,

The Days of European Film have a 28-year tradition, but they are being held in Ostrava for the second time this year. Last year’s event took place in June, at a time when measures were loosening for a while. Viewers watched films that do not normally make it into the distribution network of cinemas focused on commercial titles. This year’s event is held in uncertain times full of restrictions. However, the organizers of DEF are prepared for possible restrictions and, in addition to screenings in the halls of the Ostrava Minikino and Kino Art, they have prepared a variant with outdoor screenings in compliance with the necessary measures.

The dramaturgy of the festival also responds to the pandemic and especially to the slowing down of life and isolation with a section called To the Point: Seclusion. I like the fact that he is trying to bring a positive view to this topic. Various limitations and the related separation of man, for example, to nature, to discovering beauties for which he could not find time in a hectic life. This is a great example and a guide on how a person can deal with an unexpected situation and find something stimulating in it. But I believe that viewers will also enjoy films from other sections, whether they are music, children’s films or older films made according to successful literary models.

The festival promises spectators a film trip around Europe! Let’s enjoy it!

Tomáš Macura

Mayor of the City of Ostrava