Preparations are underway for the second edition of the European Film Screenings (EFS), one of the most successful cinema community events of last year.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Community Development in the UAE, this edition's host will be the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the UAE together with the EU Delegation to the UAE and Novo Cinemas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Nicole Bintner, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the UAE says: 'What better way is there to bring communities together than with the universal language of film! The decision was an easy one to celebrate Luxembourg's Presidency of the Council of the European Union by bringing the best Europe has to offer in terms of recent film production to the UAE and by linking it to the budding Emirati film sector.

"We are uttermost grateful and honored for the patronage and all the support from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development. And our testimony goes to the EU Member States without whose support and commitment we would not have been able to put together the programme we have now.''

She adds: ''I am particularly happy that the EFS will allow the communities in the UAE to get a glimpse of what the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has to offer in terms of talent and creativity in the film sector, in particular the strong capacity of coproduction with the rest of Europe, something which has been recognized by many international awards and a global reputation."

Patrizio Fondi, the Ambassador of the EU Delegation to the UAE says, "We are delighted to have the European Film Screenings in the UAE for the second year in a row. During ten days, viewers will be able to choose from a wide range of recent, diverse and exciting European films, which have been specifically selected for this event. This year's film screenings showcase how we, Europeans, can be united in our diversity: the films screened originate from different countries, are in a variety of languages, and yet, they are all distinctly European."

19 films from 19 different European Countries, selected in collaboration with the respective Embassies in the UAE, will showcase the best of recent European cinema, with an unprecedented range of diversity in genre and style. The connection with the UAE will be represented this year by Emirati short films selected by the Emirati Cinema Campaign Initiative and will be screened before each European film.

Film screenings will be hosted by Novo Cinemas; through 21-31 October 2015, in its Abu Dhabi- based venue at WTC Mall and from 22 to 31 October at Novo Cinemas in Dubai's Ibn Battuta Mall.

Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, CEO of Novo Cinemas, stated, "We - in Novo Cinemas- have great passion for good films besides our mission in providing quality entertainment to cinema aficionados everywhere. We are glad to join forces with EFS in its second edition as this will give a wider chance for wonderful films that succeeded to receive overwhelming acclaim in other countries."

Prof. Alessandra Priante, who initiated the event last year in her capacity as Cultural Attaché to the Italian Embassy and who this year is on board as Artistic Director and General Manager of the event, states, "I am extremely happy to be part of this incredible experience once again. Last year's success was a true testimony of the importance and power of such cultural events for the community of the UAE. There is a real desire for cultural and artistic diversity and creativity in this amazing Country and cinema is an excellent way of delivering such values".

She adds: "The success of this event is stated by the level of support and collaboration we have achieved this year, by having such great partners like NOVO Cinemas, The National and Abu Dhabi Radio Classics on board with us in such a strong form.

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