It is a great honor and pleasure for the City of Osaka to host the 10th Osaka European Film Festival.

With its international reputation as a venue for the first screening in Japan of the latest films from Europe and for inviting influential guests from the film world, the Festival has always been one of the most important events for the citizens of Osaka since it was initiated in 1994.

The Festival, held annually in autumn for the last 10 years, has played a significant role in deepening understanding of the diverse histories and cultures of Europe through the most recent films. I would like to express my deepest respect for Mr. Patrice Boiteau, Chairman of the Festival, and 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 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 all over the world.

I would like to close my greetings with the wish that the Osaka European Film Festival will continue to flourish and grow.