It fills me with pride to hear that on the 9th Osaka European Film Festival, my film ’The Discovery of Heaven’, has been received so well by the Japanese audience. I am eagerly anticipating this yearﾕs Festival that will see the Japanese premiere of ’Off Screen’, in which I had the chance to work alongside Jan Decleir, the previous Festivalﾕs Chairman.

Without doubt I take your Festival in high esteem since it has grown to become the forum par excellence in Japan through which so many talented artists can get their story through to Japanese audiences. Your Festival has greatly contributed to values like pluralism and diversity and has given these audiences an unparalleled insight in matters that sometimes may be painted very European though still are very universal.

To be asked to become Honorary Chairman of this Festival is a great honour and I am most grateful to be given this opportunity. I gladly accept it. I wish this Festival every success in its worthy goal of celebrating European cinema and opening up horizons and creating chances for so many people.