AWARD-WINNING movies are featured in the 12th Cine Europa film festival, running at the Shangri-La Plaza mall in Mandaluyong until September 20.

This year?s event showcases 18 feature films from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The UK film, ?The Duchess,? which top-bills Hollywood stars Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, won Best Costume Design in the Oscars and Bafta this year.

The Finnish entry, ?Christmas Story,? won the Audience Awards in the Sarasota Film Fest and Madrid?s Children Film Fest, and the Grand Prix and Best Feature Film in Armenia?s International Film Fest for Children and Young People last year.

?Rascals on the Road,? from Switzerland, also topped several youth film fests: Best Feature Film in Anvers; Special Jury Prize in Tehran; and Grand Prix in Montreal. It also won awards in competitions in its native Switzerland.

The Spanish film, ?Rec,? which was remade into the Hollywood thriller ?Quarantine,? won two Goya trophies for Best New Actress and Editing.

From Tel Aviv to Tokyo ?You and Me,? from France, participated in film fests in Tel Aviv and Tokyo, as well as in Vienna, Mexico, Prague, Kiev, Hong Kong, New York and Seattle.

?Just Another Love Story,? the Danish entry, won Best Cinematography, Supporting Actress, and Editing from local awards groups like Bodil and the Robert.

The German entries also figured in international festivals: ?The Wave,? which had its world premiere in the Sundance film fest last year, won the Special Jury Prize in the Istanbul film fest.

The other German film, ?The Blind Flyers,? won the Crystal Bear Special Mention in the Berlin International Film Fest. It also won the Adult?s Jury Award in the Chicago Film Fest, Honorable Mention in the Cinekid Film Award and Outstanding Children?s Film in Germany.

?Love is All,? from the Netherlands, received the Golden Calf Best Film and Best Director in the Netherlands Film Fest in Utrecht.

The opening film, ?The Guy in the Grave Next Door,? received the first prize for Best Actor in its native Sweden.

Last year?s Cine Europa attracted 14,000 cineastes, according to Martin Macalintal of the French Embassy.

After Shangri-La mall in Metro Manila, the fest moves to Cagayan de Oro, October 2 to 4; and Cebu, October 9 to 11.

E-mail: bayanisandiego@hotmail.com