European Film Festival kicks off in Libya's Tripoli

TRIPOLI, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- An European Film Festival kicked off in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday.

The six-day event, sponsored by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Libya and the Libyan General Authority for Cinema, Theater and Arts, will screen films from Spain, Italy, Malta, France, Germany, and Libya, according to the EU Ambassador to Libya, Nicola Orlando.

"This is a unique opportunity to celebrate and promote Libya's rich cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary activity," said Orlando.

"We hope that this festival will become a tradition between Libya and Europe, inspiring a new generation of men and women and creating a greater mutual understanding between our countries and cultures," he added.

Abdul Basset Abu Ginda, chairman of the Libyan General Authority for Cinema, Theater and Arts, said the festival is a "positive step in the path of partnership between Libya and the European Union."

"We also hope for more cooperation in the field of technical training and harnessing arts to serve children and families, emphasizing human rights and calling for the rejection of wars and conflicts in order to achieve a world of peace," Abu Ginda said during the opening of the festival.

The festival is taking place amid a political stalemate in Libya, where the country remains divided between two rival governments based in the east and west. ■