Thirteen films supported by the European Union's MEDIA programme for cinema are on the big screen at the 66th Cannes International Film Festival, including seven films in competition for the prestigious Palme d'Or. Among them is Le Passé by Asghar Farhadi, who was the winner of last year's European Union Prix MEDIA for the best new film project.

In addition to the seven films in competition as part of the Official Selection, there are four MEDIA films in the Directors' Fortnight (Quinzaine des réalisateurs), one in Un Certain Regard and one in The Critics' Week (La Semaine de la Critique), which aims to discover new talents. Nine out of the past 12 Palme d'Or winners have received support from the MEDIA programme, including last years winner, Michael Haneke's Amour.

Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, presented the 2013 EU Prix MEDIA to Danish director Thomas Vinterberg during the 'European Rendezvous' on Sunday, 19 May. "I am delighted that European films selected for funding from the MEDIA programme are once again in the spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival. MEDIA stands for a strong European film industry and for cultural diversity. It will continue to support our most talented film-makers as part of the new Creative Europe programme. Our films have a very strong record in competition at Cannes and I am sure that this year will be no exception," said Androulla Vassiliou.

(Via Europa Press Release dated 15/05/13)