DHAKA: A weeklong European film festival began at Star Cineplex at Bashundhara City Shopping Mall in city’s Panthapath area.

A total of 12 movies from 12 European counties are in schedule to be screened during the festival.

The festival, to jointly be organized by European Union and Star Cineplex, began on Tuesday evening.

EU ambassador to Bangladesh William Hanna, eminent cultural personality Aly Zaker and Showmotion Limited chairman Mahboob Rahman were present at the inaugural ceremony.

The speakers upheld the importance of cultural exchanges in building a better society.

The festival opened with the screening of German comedy ‘Almanya’ directed by Yasemin Şamdereli.

Danish thriller ‘A Hijacking’, directed by Tobias Lindholm; French comedy ‘All That Glitters‘, directed by Hervé Mimran and Géraldine Nakache; British drama ‘The Selfish Giant’ directed by Clio Barnard and Italian comedy ‘Loose Cannons’ directed by Ferzan Özpetek will be screened at the festival.

The organizers will also screen Norway documentary ‘99% Honest’ directed by Rune Denstad Langlo; Spanish comedy ‘The Near East’ directed by Fernando Colomo and Swiss comedy ‘Recycling Lily’ directed by Pierre Monnard.

Among other movies, Hungarian drama ‘White Palms’ directed by Szabolcs Hajdu and Czech comedy ‘You Kiss Like A God’ directed by Marie Poledňáková will be screened at the festival to be ended on May 20.

BDST: 1947 HRS, MAY 13, 2014