It is a great honor and pleasure for the City of Osaka to host the 9th Osaka European Film Festival.

With its international reputation as a venue for the first screenings in Japan of the latest films from Europe, for inviting influential guests from the film world to participate in debates with the audience, and for the variety of exciting activities in its programme, this annual event has become one of the most important for cultural exchange between Japan and Europe.

The Festival plays a significant role in deepening understanding of European societies and their diverse cultures through the most recent films. I would like to express my deepest respect for Mr. Patrice Boiteau, Chairman of the Festival, and the many others whose continued devotion and efforts make the event so successful.

The City of Osaka is seeking to employ its rich history and traditions in building an environment that nurtures creativity by encouraging citizens to enjoy culture and the arts. We would like to ask for your cooperation and support to develop an energetic hub for industrial and cultural creativity and exchange of information which will attract visitors from around the world. I would like to close my congratulations with the wish that the Osaka European Film Festival will continue to flourish and grow.