ONE of the real stayers in the National Multicultural Festival is the “Windows on Europe” Film Festival, opening today. 

It’s the brainchild of the EU Delegation to Australia and the embassies of the EU member states and they’ve collaborated with Dendy to bring movies from 14 European Union countries – Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, UK, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. This is the 8th such season and seems a perfect match for the Multicultural Festival.

It’s a breathtaking mix, with a preponderance of comedy.

Poland has contributed the prizewinning comedy, “Wonderful Summer,” in which 18-year-old Kitka faces major life choices. Luckily, she can communicate with the deceased, who try to guide her.

The Czech Republic is offering “Perfect days,” in which Erika, a successful businesswoman with her own television show, apartment and freedom, determined to become pregnant.

Croatian director Nevio Marasovi?’s “The Show Must Go On” is a futuristic piece set in Zagreb, 10 years from now. Reality TV producer Filip finds his ratings soaring when a global war breaks out as his show provides some comedic relief to the viewers. He’ll do anything to keep the war a secret from the contestants.

More serious fare is seen in “Florbela,” directed by Portugal’s Vincente Alves do Ó. It’s a 1920s drama in which  Florbela Espanca,  a famous poet, decides  that in order to please her new  husband, she must give up her poetry writing. Bad idea. The tragic subplot concerns her brother Apeles.

In  Karl Markovics’ “Breathing” from Austria, a 19 year old boy Roman Kogler who’s been  in a juvenile detention centre strives to re-socialise himself so chooses to work in a local funeral home.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Windows on Europe Film Festival, at Dendy cinemas,  February 7-13 , for the full list of films and bookings visit  www.dendy.com.au