KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — European Union Film Festival (EUFF) 2016 has officially kicked off in Malaysia following its launch yesterday evening at GSC Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur.

Attended by GSC CEO Koh Mei Lee, Spanish Ambassador and Head of Delegation Maria Castillo Fernandez, Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Abdul Aziz, and more, the evening began with a welcome speech by Koh.

Guests registering for the launch ceremony at GSC Pavilion KL.

The ambassadors and ministers present during the EUFF 2016 launch.

This year’s opening film is the Goya Awards-winning comedy written and directed by David Trueba, Living is Easy with Eyes Closed.

It was only fitting that a Spanish movie was chosen to be the opening film, as Spanish ambassador to Malaysia Carlos Domínguez stated, the country is known for its extended involvement in the film industry. Spain was previously the location for the filming of movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones.

Head of Delegation H.E. Maria Castillo Fernandez also gives a speech, saying that EUFF will have something for everyone to enjoy.

Fernandez also gives a speech, saying that EUFF will have something for everyone to enjoy.

Those who did not get to watch the movie last night, fret not, it is part of the line-up for this year’s EUFF and it will be screened for free at selected GSC locations in Klang Valley from today onwards.

The 17th European Union Film Festival takes place in Klang Valley until 30 October, before heading to Georgetown, Penang from November 3 to 9. It will then run in Kuching, Sarawak from November 17 to 23, followed by Kota Kinabalu, Sabah from December 1 to 7.

Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, in collaboration with the embassies and cultural institutions of 17 European Union Member States, Norway and Switzerland, EUFF is also supported by local partner organisations Golden Screen Cinemas, EUNIC Malaysia, Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu and Cinema Online. — Cinema Online