Latest news with #NicolasGaley
Express Tribune
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Film festival showcases European culture
The Francophone Film Mela, an annual celebration of French-speaking cultures through cinema, recently opened with much enthusiasm and cultural fervour in Islamabad. This year's event kicked off with the screening of a Romanian film, setting the tone for a week-long journey through diverse Francophone stories and cinematic styles. The opening ceremony was marked by a warm welcome from French Ambassador to Pakistan, HE Nicolas Galey, who addressed the audience gathered at the venue. In his remarks, Ambassador Galey emphasised the significance of the Francophone Film Mela as a bridge between cultures, fostering mutual understanding and dialogue through the universal language of cinema. "The Francophone Film Mela is more than just a celebration of films," he noted. "It is an opportunity for people in Pakistan to experience the richness and diversity of the Francophone world - from Europe to Africa and beyond - through powerful stories and artistic expressions." The Romanian film, which was presented on the opening night, drew a packed audience of diplomats, film enthusiasts, and members of the public. Chargé d'Affaires of Romania, Eduard Preda, introduced the film to the audience, offering a brief yet insightful overview of its themes, context and cinematic style. "This film offers a window into Romanian society, its values, struggles, and aspirations," he said. "We are delighted to share this part of our culture with the Pakistani audience and contribute to the broader dialogue that the Francophone Film Mela promotes." The film was screened in its original Romanian language, with subtitles in both Urdu and English, making it accessible to a wide range of viewers and adding to the inclusive spirit of the event. The Francophone Film Mela in Islamabad showcases films from across the Francophone world - including countries like France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Morocco and others - highlighting shared histories and unique narratives. Organised with the support of the embassies of Francophone countries and various cultural institutions, the festival serves as an important platform for cultural diplomacy and artistic exchange. Over the coming days, audiences can look forward to screenings of critically acclaimed films, panel discussions with filmmakers and critics and interactive sessions designed to engage students and young creatives with world cinema. The festival continues to be a testament to the growing cultural ties between Pakistan and the global Francophone community. Ambassador of Morrocco and Dean of the African group who also watched the movie, and whose own movie is also to be screened in the coming days, termed the event very successful. He was keen to present the Moroccan movie to the diplomats and especially the Pakistani audiences
Express Tribune
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Eurovillage offers visitors taste of diverse cultures
ISLAMABAD: The EuroVillage was an expansive funfair bringing Team Europe and flavours of European culture, food and music to Islamabad. With thousands of attendees gathering for family entertainment, the PNCA, where the event was hosted, was packed, with barely breathing room in front of each of the stalls. The Ambassador of the European Union, Dr Riina Kionka, said, "We celebrate the diverse cultures and identities that enrich Europe, forming the foundation of our shared values and our relations with the world, including Pakistan. Together, we are stronger, and our partnership in development, trade, and political engagement reflects this commitment." The slogan of the event was "Stronger Together", in all its connotations. As always – this being the 6th edition of the EuroVillage in the capital – each member state of the EU showcased some distinctive attributes of their heritage or culture, sharing them with the public through fun games, quizzes, bite-sized samples of the cuisine and more. The EuroVillage festival was co-organised by the diplomatic missions of the European Union alongside those of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and Spain. The Ambassador of France, Nicolas Galey, said, "Eurovillage is an event that celebrates Europe in its diversity. It is also a popular festival and a meeting with our Pakistani friends. The French stand is happy to share iconic products with Pakistanis, such as cheese or croissants! It is also an occasion to present the opportunities for learning the French language and studying in France, opportunities that we wish to make better known in Pakistan, with the aim of always bringing our populations closer together, our youth in particular!" The Austrian Embassy shared the best of Austria's rich cultural heritage, culinary delights and innovative spirit. The Austrian pavilion created an unforgettable experience of Austrian hospitality as visitors were treated to an array of delicious Austrian delicacies, including the iconic Apfel Strudel, traditional Austrian cookies and Goulash, with a neighbouring stand creating Red Bull mocktails. The German embassy stall also brought a taste of German traditional food to visitors, but the highlight was the Football Wall, a popular German game where participants aimed to score through two goal holes in the wall. This activity attracted many enthusiastic youngsters, who showcased their football skills with great excitement. Poland went a different, and brilliant direction, highlighting the importance of social unity and role of women in science, business, culture, art and sports, by showing pictures of outstanding Polish women including, Maria Curie and Wanda Rutkiewicz, who was the first woman to climb K2 and a recipient of the Sitara-e Imtiaz.
