European Union Short Film Festival expands to Arts Court Theatre for third annual edition

The European Union Short Film Festival has grown quite a bit in only three years. After turning away audiences due to  overwhelming popularity in 2015, the free three-day short film series and Tastes of Europe sampling nights returns with a third edition that gets underway on May 26 in Ottawa in a new, spacious venue: Arts Court Theatre and Studio. With twice as much seating and accommodations for even more viewers, the newest edition of the Festival offers more of what attracted so many since its inception in 2014: quality short films and a taste of European traditional food.

“We are thrilled to see the EU Short Film Festival has become an annual cinematic rendez-vous for movie-goers in the National Capital Region. The festival is part of the European Month of Culture in May as well as our celebrations this year marking the 40th anniversary of the European Union’s presence in Canada,” said H.E. Marie-Anne Coninsx, European Union Ambassador to Canada. “We are pleased to present an engaging collection of short films that reflects the exceptional European cinematic heritage.”

Each evening from May 26 through May 28, audiences can partake in the Tastes of Europe sampling event starting at 6:30pm at Arts Court Studio, 2 Daly Ave. Following the reception, the audience is invited to the adjoining Theatre at 7:00 pm for an eclectic and engaging presentation of short films from the European Union — including drama, comedy, documentary, animation, and Oscar-nominees. Each night offers a new experience with themed screenings and unique tastes, and is provided to the general public free of charge.

The European Union Short Film Festival is presented by the European Union Delegation to Canada and the diplomatic missions of EU Member States, in collaboration with the Ottawa chapter of the European Union National Institutes for Culture and the Canadian Film Institute. More information about each night of the festival can be found on the Canadian Film Institute website: CFI-ICF.CA . Each film will be presented in its original language with English sub-titles. Those interested in attending are encouraged to arrive early, and younger audiences are not recommended.

Established in 1976, the European Union Delegation to Canada is a fully-fledged diplomatic mission with a public diplomacy mandate designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the European Union as well as EU-Canada relations. Its Ambassador represents the European Union in Canada.