This multi-award-winning film has been financed by contributions from a number of European governments and the European Economic Community. Shot in fifteen countries in western and eastern Europe, it touches upon all aspects of conservation, including lost treasures, restoration, new uses for old buildings and new construction, both harmonious and incongruous, traffic (congestion, parking and pedestrian areas), the pressures of tourism, unsightly advertising and other 'eyesores,' technical and financial problems, and the activities of local authorities and conservation societies.
Reviews
'...a beautiful film, directed and edited with great flair and skill. From its opening montage of glories that have survived the assaults of war, decades of neglect and the depredations of developers, to its end above the water of threatened Venice, the changes of pace and the violence of contrasts keep your eyes very wide open. Teachers of history, social studies, liberal studies and current affairs will find obvious uses for the film. Europa Nostra is a powerful indictment of those whose judgment of our architectural inheritance is determined by whether they will make money faster by knocking it down rather than allowing it to stand for our pleasure. The quality of our lives is our responsibility - and that is a political and moral lesson every school should teach. Europa Nostra is as good an aid as you will get for putting it across.' Times Educational Supplement, London
Awards
Gold Award, Special Award, British Architectural Heritage Year Silver Plaque, Chicago Grand Prize, Silver Trophy South Africa First Award BISFA, London First Prize, Ouistreham Bronze Award Interfilm Award, Berlin
Credits
Director: Charles Mapleston Narration: Michael Middleton
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