Renowned German film director Wim Wenders, 67, believes Europe’s rich culture can save the continent from crisis.
Hours before the European Film Awards (EFAs) got under way in Valletta, Mr Wenders outlined his vision for a European Union which focused on emotion and arts rather than economics and administration.
“If any good is to come of this economic crisis, it will be a future Europe based on culture that will connect European people emotionally,” said the president of the European Film Academy, which organised last night’s awards.
Nominated twice for an Oscar, Mr Wenders is known for the classic film Paris, Texas and for his collaboration with rock band U2.
Everywhere Mr Wenders has travelled outside of Europe, he has found deep respect for the continent’s culture and history which is now lacking at home.
Referencing Malta’s rich historical heritage as he addressed journalists in a Floriana hotel, he expressed hope for a European future where “culture is recognised as the cream on the top.”
“The American Dream was formed by American cinema,” he pointed out, questioning why Europeans were not creating their own dream on the silver screen.
As well as organising the EFAs, the academy lobbies hard in Brussels for film to be given its due importance.
It is “horrifying” that countries such as Greece and Portugal are now associated with misery.
“That is where European politics have led us,” Mr Wenders said.
A founding member of the European Film Academy 25 years ago “when the prospects for European cinema were so much bleaker,” Mr Wenders said in many ways the academy had achieved its goals.
“European films are more popular now and more present in people’s daily lives. We have created a family of European cinema,” he said.
All six films nominated for Best European Film last night had been distributed and widely watched throughout the continent, something which would never have happened 25 years ago, Mr Wenders pointed out.
“We have succeeded a little in what we set out to do. But it (the EFA) could be worth more.”
European films will never have the same global reach as Hollywood blockbusters, Mr Wenders said, because even the marketing budgets of American films can dwarf European production budgets.
But sometimes a film made with hardly any money can be better than a blockbuster.
“It is not about big budgets, it’s about big ideas,” said the deep-thinking director.
“The more money you have as a director, the less input you have into what you can do with it.
“There are lots of films I have not made because I did not feel I would be allowed to make them how I wanted them to be.”
Vim Wenders:A life in film
• Awards - Golden Lion for The State of Things (1982)
• Golden Palm - for Paris, Texas (1984)
• Cannes Film Festival Grand Jury Prize for Faraway, So Close! (1993)
• Silver Bear Jury Prize for The Million Dollar Hotel (2000)
• Nominated for two Oscars