The citywide festival is an unprecedented joint effort by a great number of European countries, including new and aspiring members of the European Union, and is presented in partnership with many of New York's finest cultural institutions.Europe is rapidly becoming more diverse, even as it moves towards greater unification. Reflecting these social and political changes, artists have built strong networks across the continent; many no longer identify themselves by a specific nationality, but are European, as they work together across borders to create and present new work. The European Dream Festival focuses on these new voices and represents the scope and diversity of cultures that define Europe today. As part of the festival, the French Institute Alliance Française will host The Youth of Europe, a four-day series of 12 recent films from 12 different European countries, each shedding light on the life and experience of today's European youth. The series was conceived and organized by a committee representing 17 European countries and curated by Richard Peña of the Film Society of Lincoln Center and Marie Losier of the French Institute Alliance Française.The Swedish film contribution is 14 Sucks (Fjorton suger), an award-winning feature directed by Filippa Freijd, Martin Jern, Henrik Norrthon and Emil Larsson. It is the story of fourteen-year-old Emma, who finds her own friends too childish and prefers to hang out with her older brother's crew. The film explores the anxieties and pitfalls of teenage life, the harsh awakenings and heartbreak that often accompany first love. 14 Sucks (Fjorton suger) by Filippa FreijdFrench Institute Alliance Française55 East 59th Street (between Park and Madison)September 23, 2006, at 4:30 pmFor tickets: www.ticketmaster.comFor more information: www.europeandream.us