The 13th International Archaeological Film Festival was opened at the National Museum in Belgrade on Monday evening by Italian Ambassador to Serbia Armando Varricchio and Serbian Minister of Culture, Media and Information Society Predrag Markovic.

On behalf of Italy, this year's guest of honor, Ambassador Varricchio welcomed his colleagues from the diplomatic corps and all film and archeology enthusiasts.

Italy has always been present at this event and it is our great pleasure to act as honorary hosts. Tonight we take you on a journey to ancient Rome, but in a new way, thanks to modern technology, he said.

The ambassador said events such as this one are more proof that Italy and Serbia have good relations in politics, economy and especially in culture.

He recalled the recent Serbia-Italy summit and said he is pleased representatives of the two countries are meeting again in a temple of culture to write another beautiful page in their relations.

Minister Markovic also welcomed the honored guests and said audiences across Serbia will have a chance to see the festival's program.

He reminded that last year's films were seen by 2,500 people at the National Museum and another 7,000 in other cities.

National Museum Director Tatjana Cvjeticanin expressed satisfaction that the museum is the host of the event which is "a meeting of cultures and continents, past and present, history and art."

She said 26 films from 12 countries will be screened by April 3.

The program will also show films from Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia.