Alliance Française welcomes the 13th edition of the Puerto Rico European Film Festival

From left, Hon. Robbert Jan Van Hartingsveldt, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Puerto Rico; Hon. Luís Noel Saldaña Román, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Sweden in Puerto Rico; Dr. Paula Jeff, spouse of the Secretary of State of Puerto Rico (Mr. Marrero Díaz); Omar Marrero Díaz, Secretary of State of Puerto Rico; Hon. Judith Ann Gordon Conde, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Puerto Rico; Hon. Celinda Zárate Vargas, Honorary Consul of Peru in Puerto Rico; Hon. Eric Stubbe, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Puerto Rico; Hon. Luis Enrique Santaliz-Ruiz, Honorary Consul of Malta in Puerto Rico.

By Judy Gordon-Conde and Jennifer Conde-Powers

Recently, at the breathtaking Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, the Alliance Française of Puerto Rico (AFPR) kicked off the 13th edition of the Puerto Rico European Film Festival (PREFF), popularly known in Spanish as the Festival de Cine Europeo de Puerto Rico, with more than 25 films from 15 European countries and Puerto Rico.

Cinephiles and movie buffs mixed and mingled while discussing the importance of the arts in Puerto Rico and toasting the new wave of films, including several award-winning premiers as well as the annual Puerto Rican short film competition, Cortadito 2022, presented by TotalEnergies, and the French Film Festival for Youth, Festinema Junior 2022, presented by UBS.

Carine Delplanque, the executive director of the Alliance Française of Puerto Rico, explained that this year’s edition of PREFF stands out for its renewed vision and a reinvigorated European presence. Deplanque also thanked the unwavering support of institutional and private companies, including the embassies and consulates of Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Malta, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Sweden. Moreover, the Department of State of Puerto Rico’s dedication helped elevate this exceptional cultural journey for those who are passionate about cinema on the island.