SEEfest’s founder and artistic director, Vera Mijojlić, and Pamela Anchang, founder of The Immigrant Magazine
The South East European Film Festival (SEEfest) has officially opened its doors for its 19th annual event, and it’s off to a stunning start with a red-carpet gala at the Writers Guild Theatre in Beverly Hills, California. The Los Angeles premiere of Dragan Bjelogrlić’s “GUARDIANS OF THE FORMULA” a gripping Serbian-French co-production, served as the festival’s opening film, setting the tone for a week-long celebration of cinematic artistry and cultural exchange.
This ethical thriller, described by Variety as “a knotty true story of the first human bone marrow transplant shaped into a superbly mounted ethical thriller,” captivated the audience and laid the groundwork for a festival that promises to be as diverse as it is engaging. The evening also included the presentation of the SEEfest 2024 Legacy Award to Pascal Ladreyt, the founder and executive director of ELMA, in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote and advance the appreciation of European cinema in Hollywood, particularly among young audiences.
Founder and executive director of ELMA, Pascal Ladreyt
During his acceptance speech, Ladreyt emphasized the importance of festivals like SEEfest in building bridges across cultures and promoting a more inclusive society. He highlighted the pivotal role these events play as a window into society, where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, fostering a more just and understanding world.
SEEfest’s founder and artistic director, Vera Mijojlić, spoke to Pamela Anchang, founder of The Immigrant Magazine, about why this festival holds such significance, especially in a world rife with strife and division. Mijojlić noted that this year’s selections resonate with immigrant audiences, who can find reflections of their own experiences and stories on screen. This emotional connection is at the heart of SEEfest’s mission, bringing communities together through shared stories and cultural exchanges.
L-R Charles Anchang, CEO The Immigrant Magazine, Sarai Koo, Ph.D. Project SPICES LLC, Pamela Anchang, and Mike Cho, Senior Principal at U.S. Department of Defense
The festival runs from May 1st to May 8th and showcases 54 movies, with 33 directed by women, from the culturally rich regions of East and South-East Europe. Beyond the films, SEEfest also offers an Industry Accelerator with panels and workshops, a Writers Lab, Art and Music Salons, and Exhibitions, providing a comprehensive platform for both emerging and established filmmakers.
Highlights and Special Offers for The Immigrant Magazine Readers
Some of the major highlights of the festival include Tudor Giurgiu’s “Libertate (Freedom)” from Romania, exploring the chaos in a provincial town during the 1989 revolution, and “Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry” from Georgia, a lyrical and funny love story. Other notable films include “Motherland” from Belarus,
which depicts the heartbreak of parents as their sons are turned into soldiers, and a collection of short films like “Highway of a Broken Heart” from Greece, and the student Oscar winners “Invisible Border” and “Istina/Truth.”
To encourage readers to support the festival, SEEfest has offered special discounts for The Immigrant Magazine audience. Use code imvip for a Festival Pass, granting access to all events, or code im20 for a 20% discount on all tickets. These codes offer an excellent opportunity to experience a week of incredible cinema and cultural enrichment.
Festival Pass – Get it here
20% Discount – Claim it here
For the full program line-up, visit SEEfest’s official website. By supporting SEEfest, you are not only enjoying some of the best films from Europe but also contributing to a movement that fosters diversity, inclusion, and a better understanding of the immigrant experience.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique festival. Let’s celebrate the power of cinema and the beauty of cultural diversity together. Grab your tickets today and immerse yourself in the stories that bring us all together.
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