"Europe can be proud of the cultural diversity and world-wide attraction of its passionate films": José Manuel Barroso, president of the EU Commission, is the "first supporter" of films produced by the EU. Today he will be in Cannes (France), where the international film festival is going on, for the "European Day", dedicated to films made in the old continent, 14 of which have been co-funded by the EU. "Such European productions as La Môme, Das Leben der Anderen, Belle toujours and Kontroll have been received with great enthusiasm by many film festivals" all over the world, explains Barroso. "These films have been viewed by millions of people, spreading in the world the message that Europe is united in diversity". Today the 61st Cannes Film Festival will "showcase" films that have received 900 thousand euros’ worth of funds as part of the EU Media Programme. Barroso, the MEP Viviane Reding and the president of the festival Gilles Jacob will take part in a debate with about ten Ministers of Culture from the EU member states. The Rumanian film director Cristian Mungiu, winner of the 2007 Golden Palm, will be the "sponsor" of the Day.
