For the third year in a row, the European Film Screenings (EFS) will open in October (19-27) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the European Delegation to the UAE and Novo Cinemas.

Growing as one of the key independent cultural events in the UAE, the EFS/03 is bringing this year Europe's finest film selections to the UAE through its partnership with the European Film Academy and with Eurimages, two of the most prominent cinema institutions in Europe, which will support the event through a line-up of a carefully curated European films. In addition, and for the first time, EFS 03 will dedicate an entire Arab-European features programme.

Alessandra Priante, Founder and Artistic Director of the event, says, "The European Film Screenings is now settled as one of the most appreciated community events in the UAE, something which makes us very grateful and proud. With almost 20 films from all of Europe to the UAE audiences, we aim at reinforcing the important cultural dialogue existing the UAE, the Arab culture and Europe through the language of cinema. Following the success of the previous two editions and strengthening the relation with Novo Cinemas, this year we are very proud to announce the partnership with the European Film Academy and with Eurimages, who have decided to stand by us and allow us to secure some of the best and most internationally awarded European films in circulation."

Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, CEO of Novo Cinemas, comments, "For the second year in a row, Novo Cinemas is proud to be partnering with the European Film Screenings (EFS) from 19 - 27 October, in select Novo Cinemas locations in Abu Dhabi (WTC Mall) and Dubai (Ibn Battuta Mall and Dubai Festival City Mall). Much like the regions in which we are located and our patrons, this festival is diverse and will offer 18 features films and documentaries from Europe as well 7 Feature Films from Arab countries including the UAE." -

H.E. Patrizio Fondi, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to the UAE, affirms that "The European Film Screenings are one of the moments of utmost visibility of the EU in the United Arab Emirates, being a great occasion to show the diversity of European culture in all its richness and charm to the local and international audience in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I am proud that the event is becoming a tradition, taking place for the third time in a row. This year we are trying to improve even more the quality of the selection as well as the personal participation of European cinema professionals to the screenings. So be ready for this new and exciting ride in the European creativity"

The film screenings will be hosted by Novo Cinemas at its Abu Dhabi-based venue, the World Trade Center Mall Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi from 19-26 October, 2016, and at Ibn Battuta Mall and Dubai Festival City Mall in Dubai from 20-27 October, 2016.

All screenings are free of charge and seats are allocated on a first come/first serve basis.