Cultural connection: A scene from the movie Finn of the Netherlands. It will be screened during the upcoming European Film Festival in Viet Nam.

HA NOI (VNS) — Europe will show off its diversity and rich cinema traditions through movies to be shown during the upcoming 2015 European Film Festival (EFF) in Viet Nam.

The 16th iteration of the festival will feature 13 films in various genres, ranging from children's films to drama, romance, comedy and documentary. It is a chronicle of the dreams, passion, fear, frustration, fun, joy, mistakes and recognition of every Europe.

A highlight among a set of Europe Days activities, the festival will offer spectators the chance to view films that create a cultural bridge that connects European and Vietnamese people.

"Cinema has shared diverse cultures, people, histories and perspectives with audiences across the globe for over a century," said Ambassador Franz Jessen, head of the EU Delegation to Viet Nam. "As the birthplace of cinematography and home to a number of prestigious international film festivals, Europe is renowned for its cinema heritage. This year again we are proud to introduce a display of European cultural diversity and creativity to Vietnamese audiences."

The EU hoped that by presenting these films to Viet Nam it could break down language and cultural barriers, drawing the two peoples closer together, the Ambassador said.

"The EU is ambitious about an even more solid partnership and brighter future with Viet Nam," he added. "We realise that the cultural bridge is an essential key to that."

Austria will present Rise up! And Dance, which is considered Austria's first dance movie, while Bulgaria will introduce a drama called The Goat.

The Disciple, a psychological fiction movie of Finland is among the works presented during the festival.

The film list also includes the German drama One Day in Europe, the feature Once from Ireland and Luxembourg's historical drama Refractaire.

Poland will showcase its black-and-white movie Ida, while Slovakia will screen the drama Candidate.

Younger viewers can enjoy the Czech movie To See the Sea and the Netherlands' Finn.

The film festival will kick off in three cities – Ha Noi, Da Nang and HCM City – on May 15, 16 and 17, respectively.

Free tickets can be picked up from May 12 at the following address: the National Cinema Centre, 87 Lang Ha Street; the Goethe Institute, 56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street; and the British Council, 20 Thuy Khue Street.

In Da Nang, tickets are available at the Da Nang Cinema and Distribution Centre, 68 Tran Phu Street; and Le Do Cinema, 46 Tran Phu Street.

Movie-goers in HCM City can get tickets at the Goethe Institute, 18 Road 1, Cu Xa Do Thanh, District 3; and the British Council, 25 Le Duan Street, District 1.

Full information on the films can be found at http://25yearseuvietnam.vn/film. — VNS