The Montreal World Film Festival is a festival which through its President, Serge Losique - has given so many of us - pleasure for life.

The quality of this festival, has through many, many years given me the possibility of ever rediscovering, grasping and revealing a reality - often far away from my country of Norway.

I regard Serge as a good friend. And with him - in one of the festival's dark movie houses - I have had the opportunity to share my experiences with people from all over the world.

I believe - at least until this present moment - that the images and the visions of the cinema - from the most gifted creators - will fill people with a certain hope : That there is dignity to life. That there are possibilities, opportunities. Even in times like ours. Even in a world - which seems to be governed by mindlessness.

Serge has given - at his Festival, the cultural workers a place where we can still make a difference.

I believe - that belonging - one way or another - to the world of cinema, we have an obligation: Because we are bearing witness to our times.

At late dinners - these thoughts have been shared with me by Serge.

And for this I want to thank you Serge Losique:

Privately for what you have done for several of the films I directed (and acted in). For your graciousness towards me.

And publicly I thank you - because I know - that when you once find a filmmaker interested - you are very faithful.

With admiration and friendship.
Liv Ullmann
President of FERA (European Federation of Film Directors)