. For this exceptional year, this will be the largest edition of the Festival ever in more than 20 years of uninterrupted screening, bringing together a record 21 EU Member States' embassies and three European cultural institutes, demonstrating a strong "Team Europe" approach to cultural exchange in the country. Ukraine, United Kingdom, Armenia and Norway are also participating.

All the 28 European and two Ethiopian short films will be screened at the Italian cultural institute, with the exception of the French film which will be screened at the Alliance Française. Many of the films have been screened at major international film festivals, and demonstrate a fine blend of fiction, documentaries and animation. All films are screened in their original language, subtitled in English.

This year's edition of the Festival is made possible by the generous contribution of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, which is celebrating its customer’s month from January 2 to February 2, as a testimony to a shared commitment to visual arts and culture as a bridge between people and cultures. The opening event is also made possible thanks to the sponsoring of leading private sector goods and services providers.

Journalists are invited to attend the Film Festival Opening starting 04.00 PM at the Commercial Bank Headquarters.

For more Press & Information enquiries

Solomon Kebede, EU Delegation to Ethiopia Press & Information Officer  [email protected] +251911684101

Biruk Feleke, EU Delegation to the African Union Press & Information Officer 

[email protected] +251911514809

Birhanu Hailu, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Corporate Communications, [email protected] +251942017038