Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore said that films and music provided a bridge between cultures that connects people across nations. Film Festivals provided an opportunity to understand different cultures from different regions, the people, their relationships and their emotions through the medium of cinema. The Minister stated this in his inaugural address at the European Union Film festival here today at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. A delegation of European Union including ambassadors from European Union member states was also present on the occasion.The opening film of the festival was famous Danish Film Silent Heart (Stille Hjerte) directed by Bille August. The film was premiered at the San Sebastián International Film Festival where it received a 20 minutes standing ovation. Bille August is a Danish Academy Award-winning film and television director. His film Pelle the Conquerorfrom 1987 won the Palme d'Or, Academy Award and Golden Globe. He is one of only eight directors to win the Palme d'Or twice, winning the prestigious award again in 1992.There was also a musical performance by Neemrana Choir. Neemrana Choir consists of 50 singers of all ages and backgrounds.The festival was organized by DFF in collaboration with the delegation of the European Union of India. The festival would commence from 30th July to 6th August, 2016 and 23 films would be screened during the period. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been organizing film festivals in different parts of the country. National Film Archive of India, Pune one of the Film Media Units of this Ministry had recently organized a European Union Film Festival.