Macedonia will host renowned Italian children's film festival "Giffoni" this September. Guests aged 12-18 from seven countries will visit Macedonia and attend screenings of European films, but also take part in debates and workshops towards stimulating their creativity and innovation.

The festival, held under slogan "Forever Young", comes to Macedonia as a result of efforts by the Italian Embassy to Skopje, supported by the Ministry of Culture and the City of Skopje.

Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska said at Friday's press conference the festival would bring numerous benefits for the youth, raising their awareness on film art and modeling their perception about culture and art in general.

Festival managing director Claudio Gubitosi said the festival's arrival in Macedonia came as a result of the engagement and commitment shown by young Macedonians at last year's festival.

The Giffoni International Film Festival is the largest children’s film festival in Europe and possibly the world. It takes place in the little Italian town of Giffoni Valle Piana. Over 2,000 children attend the festival from 39 countries around the world. During the festival, the children and teenagers watch the films, learn about the filmmaking process, and are called to judge them and award the best ones with prizes. Every year the festival attracts 100,000 guests, directors, producers, and movie stars.