28th Annual Göteborg Film Festival TEXT BY MICHAEL HELANDER One of Scandinavia's most anticipated annual events, the Göteborg Film Festival, marks its 28th year with films and events that continue to attract spectators from around Europe as well as worldwide film and TV executives. The city of Gothenburg will host the event from January 28 to February 7, 2005. With over 20 classifications for the films alone, there is something for everyone. Looking for a great foreign film? Choose from several returning categories such as French Connection, German Stories, Iranian Images, and more! Other classifications are added annually to fit the current trends and to focus on specific countries or issues. New categories for 2005 include thrillers from around the world, films from the newest EU members, political films, Czech humour, and a Greta Garbo retrospective. Film entries from Morocco, Algeria, Angola, South Africa, and Burkina Faso also bring African films to the spotlight at the 2005 festival. One of the most popular and most talked about events from the 2003 festival was when the Gothenburg Symphony played live to Eisenstein's classic silent film, Bronenosets Potemkin, shown on a giant movie screen at the Scandinavium arena. Festival organizers plan to duplicate that success in 2005 when the Gothenburg Symphony will again play live at Scandinavium, this time to Charlie Chaplin's City Lights, a gripping and funny portrayal of money's destructive power, the little man's fight against authority, and love that cannot be tamed. Each year the film festival also brings a much anticipated and last minute announcement of several high profile guests, including film directors and actors. Looking for interactive participation at a movie? The film's director, who more often than not also answers questions from the audience, follows several film viewings with a presentation. Or you may choose to participate in Cinemix, the seminar series held each year at the festival to bring directors, movie executives, film students, and the public together for lively debate and discussion about issues and current trends that directly affect the industry. This year's special guests are yet to be announced, but make sure to login to the Göteborg Film Festival website for more information. Although it may be unusual in the money-conscious global film industry, this film festival also comes with a social conscience. For example, a portion of the proceeds from tickets of the Iranian Images films sold last year were donated to earthquake victims in Bam. The festival's premier in 1979 included 20 films and sold 3,700 tickets. In 2004, the Göteborg Film Festival offered 420 films from around the world and sold 107,000 tickets. But you need to act fast as tickets go quickly and many movie showings sell out the first day that tickets are released. Mark your calendars for this year's ticket release on January 15 at 12:00 noon. This film festival is not to be missed! FAST FACTS Over 400 films Tickets go on sale January 15 www.filmfestival.org © 2006, Swedish Bulletin. All rights reserved