Organised by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinema, the LUX Audience Award celebrates European cinema and aims to raise awareness about social, political and cultural issues in Europe. This year’s nominees offer an eclectic mix of themes, approaches and visual thrills. The five films are co-produced by more than 10 countries, further displaying European cultural richness. The movie representatives arrive to the hemicycle during the ceremony of the LUX Audience Awards of this year. Arrival of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and of the movie representatives in the hemicycle; opening speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

Brussels

statement

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

cinema

president's agenda

LUX European Audience Film Award 2023 (T)

LUX Audience Award 2023 ceremony: Arrival of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and of the movie representatives in the hemicycle; opening speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/71158917/1687882760350_I243056Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Good evening. So, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, welcome to the Lux Audience Awards ceremony. We gather here this evening to celebrate the great talents and creativity of European filmmakers. It is an honour to have with us in this hemicycle the directors, actors and producers of the five films nominated for this year's Lux audience Awards.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, You embody the uniqueness of filmmaking in Europe, and your work is acclaimed internationally. Your films have reached hearts and moved souls across the world, across language barriers, with subtitles carefully added by European Parliament. Translators. Over 500 screenings across all Member states organised by the European Parliament allowed almost 50,000 people to view your movies.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, They have sparked thought provoking debates among members of this Parliament, the film industry professionals and cinema lovers alike. And your audiences response has been truly remarkable with a record number of ratings and this is evidence that people wholeheartedly embrace European cinema and common European values presented in these five nominated films.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, So when we use the slogan of the Lux Audience Awards, show your love for European film, we realise that this has taken on its true meaning. The Lux Audience Award is a joint project of the European Parliament and the European Film Academy, organised in partnership with the European Commission and the Europa Cinemas. The awards promotes European films by bringing them to audiences far and wide without language boundaries, but it is also about the issues that filmmakers bring to the table about democracy, equality, justice, respect, tolerance and freedom.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, The films shed light on pressing concerns of our time, and they inspire positive change. cast light, on world events that mirror universe and societal issues because through the power of storytelling, they unite us. They bringing to the forefront shared fundamental principles of freedom of expression and dignity. They speak of the struggle of individuals faced with injustice, inequality or corruption with daring honesty.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, These films showcase the stark realities of our daily world. And in so doing, you remind us that our work in standing for freedom and equality is far from complete. And here I would like to thank the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education, especially its committee chair, Sabina Vijayan, for her tireless work in defending and promoting European cultural diversity, artistic creation and filmmaking.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, I would also like to thank European Parliament Vice President Evelyn Regner, who is responsible for this award, and I cannot but not mention former member of this Parliament, Doris Pack, without whom who is here and without whom this award would not have been possible. Thank you for making this Lux Awards audience happen. It is a reward for all of us through compelling narratives.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, The Five Lux Audience Award nominees inspire us to take action in the face of adversity to challenge the status quo and to be proponents of change. You invite us to strive for a more humane and compassionate world, because together, through collective effort, we can work towards a future that is better for all of us. And in fact, that is also the message of the European Union project as a whole. United and diverse. We weather the storms and come out stronger. That is true for Europe today in warding off multiple crises.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, The Lux Audience Award is the only film prize in the world where the audience vote members of a democratically elected parliament. Citizens award the prize Democracy in Action. You decide. This is just like no more than in one year's time. It is citizens who will decide on the composition of the next European Parliament. At the European elections, you will choose. So, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, let's celebrate European cinema and the message of hope that these films carry. Let us be inspired by them to participate in positive change. Thank you.