The RIFF – Rome Independent Film Festival (16-23 March) hosted the first stop for 2014’s edition of Young European Cinema On the Move, the new project co-financed by the communications department of the European Parliament, which seeks to promote a debate and reflection on Europe through cinema.

When We Leave by Feo Aladag, the story of a woman’s arduous journey towards freedom, was the film chosen to launch the selection dedicated to equal opportunity in Europe. The screening was followed by a debate featuring European MP Silvia Costa, Lorenzo Marsili (European Alternatives) and Anna Verdelocco (Cooperativa Befree/Casa Internazionale delle donne), moderated by reporter and documentary filmmaker Nella Condorelli (Equal Opportunity Commission at the Roman press association).

The Roman programme was completed by films in competition, screened at the RIFF on March 21 and 22, La Herida (Fernando Franco, Spain, 2013), starring a 28-year-old affected by personality disorder; The Stalker [+] (Giorgio Amato, Italy, 2014), about a woman stalked by her ex; documentary Since I was born (Laura delle Piane, France, 2013) and an audiovidual and cellular lab called Imagining Europe, for 14 to 20-year-olds (videos made and screened at the RIFF will be uploaded onto the official web page of the project, available for streaming).

After Rome, Young European Cinema On the Move will stop in Spain (Menorca) between June and September of this year. Each city – through a selection of recent European films – will host a public debate with representatives from European institutions. An audiovisual lab for children will bring up relevant European themes: after gender equality and equal opportunity in Italy, Spain will host a debate on intercultural dialogue and integration.