Opting to screen Sweden’s contemporary romantic movie, “Grabben I Graven Bredvid (The Guy in the Grave Next Door),” at the by-invitation only opening night of Cine Europa 12 on Sept. 10 underscores the desire of the annual film festival’s organizers to cater to more Filipino audiences.

“Grabben I Graven Bredvid” tells the story of a modern lady librarian and a simple farmer, and how they overcome their differences in backgrounds and lifestyles to let love into their humdrum lives.

Filipino films with similar storyline have become box-office hits because most Filipinos strongly believe that opposites attract and love conquers all. However, unlike locally produced movies, Sweden’s contribution to the yearly festival of cinematic treats from the European Union-member nations is more direct to the point and less gimmicky.

Cine Europa 12 is collectively presented by the European Union States’ Embassies, the Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines and Shangri-La Mall. It runs from Sept. 11 to 20 before it moves to Liceo de Cagayan de Oro (Oct. 2 to 4) and Ayala Center Cebu (Oct. 9 to 11).

Film buffs who queue up annually for free screenings of choice European films at the Shangri-La Plaza mall since Cine Europa’s inception in 1998 will have 18 reasons not to break the tradition.

Participating with Sweden in the Cine Europa 12 are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Movie stars Keira Knightley and Marion Cotillard, who are familiar to moviegoers in the country, add buzz to the United Kingdom’s “The Duchess” and France’s “Toi et Moi (You and Me).”

The London, England, native Knightley is known internationally as the feisty leading lady in the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise and the recipient of multiple acting awards and nominations for “Pride and Prejudice” and “Atonement.”

“The Duchess” is based on the life of Georgiana Spencer, the Duchess of Devonshire famed for her beauty, fashion sense and love affairs.

Cotillard is a Paris, France, born actress who made waves in Hollywood with her award-winning performance as legendary chanteuse Edith Piaf in 2007’s “La Vie en Rose” and played Johnny Depp’s romantic interest in “Public Enemies.”

“Toi et Moi,” which is about two sisters’ quest for true love, was released in 2006.

Spain’s “Rec” and Germany’s “Die Welle (The Wave)” are tops on the must-see lists of cinephiles. The former is a horror flick which, according to its Wikipedia page, has garnered 95 percent approval rate from movie review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. The latter, a thrilling drama that tackles fascism best taught outside the classroom.

Cine Europa 12’s opening night held on Sept. 10 at the lobby of Shangri-La Plaza’s second floor was marked by speeches by Ambassador Alistair MacDonald, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines; Mr. Alvaro Trejo, Deputy Head of Mission of Spain representing the Presidency of the European Union; Atty. Andy Bautista, Chairman and CEO of Shangri-La Plaza Corporation; and Ms. Lala Fojas, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of Shangri-La Plaza Corporation.