The fifth edition of the Euro East Africa Film Festival #EEFF2019 opened this week at the National Theatre in Kampala, Uganda's capital. EU Ambassador H.E Attilio Pacifici officially opened the festival at a special event on August 27.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Amb. Pacifici said: "This year's focus is particularly on short films, a reflection of the festival's commitment towards the development of the film sector across the region. The bulk of East Africa's emerging film industry is of young up-and-coming filmmakers who often start out as short filmmakers before they make the big leap to feature films. We are giving them a platform to showcase their talents."

The festival, a joint venture between different European Missions and the European Union Delegation to Uganda, provides a platform to showcase the cultural heritage of Europe, Uganda and East Africa through the art of film, to audiences in Uganda.  The festival is running from August 27 until September 1, 2019.

The festival seeks to reach young up-and-coming filmmakers and as well as attract larger youth audiences in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and Ethiopia.  A total of over 40 short films representing 15 countries from across Europe and East Africa – including ten from Uganda – have been carefully selected to participate at this year’s festival.

The films, although diverse in terms of their themes, styles and genres, offer a widow into the magical power of cinema to mirror humanity with all its beauty and imperfection. The pool of films this year highlights a number of topical issues ranging from war to religion, as well as shared values between Europe and East Africa.