Eleven members and partners of the EUNIC Malta cluster are participating in the event including the embassies of Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, as well as the Alliance Française, Arts Council Malta, the British Council, the European Commission Representation, and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura. Ten screenings over seven days will be held on the theme of Europride Valletta 2023, “Equality from the Heart” at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici stated that this year’s festival, through this collaboration, is bringing together the arts and equality, symbolising a society where people cherish each other, regardless of their personal choices. “Malta’s mission is to contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals and to reflect and give value to the diversity of European cultures and common values through joint European events and projects, whilst continuing to increase accessibility within the culture and creative sector,” he continued.
EUNIC is the European network of cultural institutes and embassies engaging in cultural relations, bringing to life cultural collaborations in more than 100 countries worldwide with a network of 136 clusters.
Parliamentary Secretary for Reform and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg said that this festival will help foster conversations that challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalized voices and surely will help promote solidarity and acceptance. “We stand with the LGBTIQ+ community, affirming the importance of their stories and voices. This will help embrace diversity and unity through the power of storytelling,” she added.
Addressing the event, Mr Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary Ministry for Foreign Affairs said that “Cultural diplomacy is a critical tool for fostering international understanding and promoting gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Cultural dialogue helps in the process of integration, which is imperative in our diverse but inclusive way of life. It is a step in the right direction towards achieving active citizenship, where people from all backgrounds and cultures can contribute to our societies on an equal footing’’.
On behalf of Arts Council Malta, Dr Romina Delia, Internationalisation Executive, stated that “Over the years, numerous industry studies, academic research projects, journalistic accounts and worker testimonies worldwide have indicated the prevalence of inequality, discrimination, exploitation, and exclusion in the cultural and creative industries. What this year’s EUNIC Film Festival aims to do at Spazju Kreattiv’s cinema, through its collaboration with EUROPRIDE, is to provide a platform for voices which are often silenced or unheard of; voices which offer an insight into the colourful, diverse, and beautiful world that we live in’’.
For more information visit Arts Council Malta (gov.mt) and Spazju Kreattiv – Malta’s Centre for Creativity, Valletta (kreattivita.org).
#MaltaDaily
