The European Parliament Office in Malta and the Euro Media Forum are co-organising My Europe Film Festival being held at Europe House, 254, St Paul Street, Valletta on Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.

Europe is being watched from many different points of view, by many different kinds of people. They are all using the terms “Europe” respectively “European” – but what do they mean? Many people have images, thoughts, ideals, critiques and opinions on what the term “Europe” means and what it is for them.

The My Europe Film Festival brings forth the theme of Europe without borders. It is an opportunity for exchange, sharing and inspiring but also a challenge for defending identities and cultures.

My Europe describes a travelling experience, a cross-over through European dimensions, understandings and perspectives of people from all walks of life.

This is a film contest that encourages people from all countries, be they artistes and film-makers, to reflect and create their views and opinions on a vision of Europe. The film contest seeks to promote discussion about different views and visions on Europe and to raise awareness for short films on a Europe-wide level.

Through the promotion of short films, far beyond their country of origin, contacts can be initialised between professionals in the film promotion/festival and art house cinema sector while providing a platform to encourage short film distribution from eastern and southeastern Europe.

The film festival presents two different film theme programmes. On Wednesday the theme is Politics and Policies. These short films make a statement about borders, conflicts and diplomacy, decisions, consequences, confrontations and compromises.

On Thursday, the programme entitled Living in Europe tells stories about a meeting through time and cultures, on bringing together characters, traditions, expectation, about authenticity and particularities.

This is the film festival where the audience is given the opportunity to vote on the winning film that will receive the Audience Award at the award ceremony held in June 2012 in Berlin.

Entrance is free on both festival nights. For festival enquiries and bookings text on 9960 8361. The evening will be preceded by an introduction followed by a conclusion/discussion.

Local Maltese film-makers are encouraged to submit their own short films for next year’s edition of My Europe Film Festival. More information may be obtained by phone on 7905 1529/9905 2482 or by e-mail: euromediaforum@gmail.com