Brussels, 15/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - European Parliament Vice-President Gérard Onesta (Greens/EFA, France) announced the 10 films in the Official Selection for the LUX Prize, the European Parliament film prize. The aim of the LUX Prize is to highlight the wealth and diversity of European cinema. The 10 films selected are: “35 Rhums”, “Ander”, “Eastern Plays”, “Für Ein Augenblick Freiheit”, “Katalin Varga”, “Lost Persons Area”, “North”, “Pandora's Box”, “Sturm” and “Welcome”. This year, the European Parliament has become an official partner of the Brussels European Film Festival, which will take place from 27 June to 5 July, and Onesta used this opportunity to announce the selection of films, six of which will be shown exclusively during the Brussels Festival. Three will then be selected to compete for the LUX Prize 2009. These three films will be shown at the European Parliament between 2 and 20 November and the 736 MEPs will cast their votes to determine the winner, who will be awarded the LUX Prize 2009 by the EP President in Strasbourg on 25 November. The winning film will be subtitled in the 23 official languages of the EU and will enjoy unprecedented exposure in all member states. “The idea is to awaken the European slumbering inside each of us; we share a great deal culturally,” Onesta said. He added that the world of cinema expected much of the Parliament which, as supranational legislator, could play a unifying role and help the growth of national cinemas. In future, Parliament would play an increasingly active role in European cinema, organising conferences, seminars and other events, he promised. For further information, go to: http: //http://www.lux-prize.eu (I.L./transl.rt)