Taipei, Nov. 9 (CNA) The annual Taiwan European Film Festival opened in the northern county of Taoyuan Friday, attracting over 100 guests and foreign representatives, as well as local government officials.

Hosted by the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO), the festival features 15 European films recommended by different members of the European Union, the most films to be screened since the festival was launched in 2005, according to the organizers.

"Music, art and cinema touch our hearts directly and they remind us that we are all members of the same family, sharing the same emotions," said Frederic Laplanche, head of the European Office, at the opening ceremony.

He expressed hope that the festival will allow the public to gain a better understanding of Europe.

Taoyuan Magistrate Wu Chih-yang, who also spoke at the opening ceremony, said he hoped the foreign participants will also use the festival as an opportunity to get to know Taiwan's culture.

Prior to the ceremony, the organizers took the guests on a tour of the Li Tengfang's Residence, the county's most historic mansion, where the opening ceremony took place. It was followed by an outdoor screening of the Finnish film "Lapland Odyssey" in front of the residence.

The month-long festival will run until Dec. 10 at 29 venues in 11 cities and counties around the country. Admission is free.

(By James Lee)
ENDITEM/J