Europa Cinemas stands by network member Kino Europa
Zagreb
After the City of Zagreb decided not to extend the Zagreb Film Festival’s contract for Kino Europa, support for the organisation is pouring in from the region and from all over Europe. We reproduce here the letter of support written by Europa Cinemas
Letter of Support from Europa Cinemas (pdf)
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It has come to our unfortunate attention that Kino Europa will have to cease its activities on 1st June, due to the non-renewal of its lease contract, further to a decision taken by the City of Zagreb.
As you may know, Kino Europa has been a member of the Europa Cinemas Network since 2009, supported by the Creative Europe MEDIA Programme (European Union). This cinema is one of Europa Cinemas flagship theatres! In recognition of its high level of film programming and promotional activities, Kino Europa was awarded the Europa Cinemas Best Programming Prize in 2016, placing the cinema at the forefront of the European film industry landscape, ahead of 1078 other network member theatres.
Furthermore, Kino Europa is a key venue of cultural and social interaction between citizens of all communities and age groups of Zagreb.
High profile events, such as the Zagreb Film Festival, the International Film Festival for Children – KinoKino and the Fil(m)harmonija series have brought Kino Europa world-wide fame and recognition, and played a crucial role in putting the city of Zagreb at the top of European capitals.
The Kino Europa team is widely recognized for its knowledge and professional skills and this reputation has spread beyond its national boundaries. Mr. Hrvoje Laurenta, the managing director and programmer, is an internationally recognized adviser and lecturer in the field of cinema exhibition, contributing to workshops and conferences in prestigious festivals such as Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Sundance, Sarajevo, Cluj-Napoca, Sofia and Bologna.
Kino Europa’s example and excellence are strongly appreciated and closely observed by European business and policy makers, from local and regional levels to the highest representatives of the European authorities. Events organized on behalf of the European Commission are often held at the Kino Europa as it is a preferred venue.
We deeply regret that the very existence of the Kino Europa is threatened in its tenth year as a Europa Cinemas member, though fully functioning and highly successful! We believe that Kino Europa fully deserves support from its tutelary institutions.
We strongly hope that Kino Europa will be able to sustain its role as leading cultural and social hub to the inhabitants and guests of Zagreb through your kind and continuous support!
Thank you for your kind attention.
Yours Sincerely,
Claude-Eric Poiroux
General Director
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