It is a great honour for the city of Osaka to once again, for the fifth time, play host to the Osaka European Film Festival.

Since its debut in 1994, this Festival has welcomed many talented guests, and has consistently offered the people of Osaka a vivid image of contemporary Europe. For the citizens of Osaka this event has become a main feature of the autumn season.

By choosing an excellent selection of celluloid masterpieces this festival continues to contribute to the deepening of our knowledge of European societies and cultures. I would like to express my respect and gratitude to all those whose efforts and passion for art have made this event possible. Notably I would like to thank the Chairman of the Festival, Mr Patrice Boiteau, and his staff for their dedication and enthusiasm in organizing this admirable event.

It is our wish, that in the coming 21st century, the City of Osaka, which already enjoys much history and tradition, will turn itself positively toward the world by even more extensive fostering of the arts. This wish has already been nurtured, Osaka having been chosen to be Japanese representative in the bidding to host the 2008 Olympic Games. We are vigorously working towards this goal, and would like to ask for your cooperation and support.

Again, it is with deepest pleasure and honour to declare the Fifth Osaka European Film Festival officially open. With this opening I hope that through the concerted efforts of all participants the broader cultural ties that bind us will be strengthened.