I am Kishio Ezawa, the Mayor of Iiyama City. On the occasion of the 15th Miyuki-no Film Festival in Madarao, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all. We wholeheartedly welcome everyone who has come to Madarao Kogen in Iiyama City from all over the country. Madarao Kogen is a major snow resort with abundant snowfall, attracting many visitors seeking high-quality snow not only from Japan but also from around the world. In recent years, amid the suspension or reduction of social activities worldwide due to the novel coronavirus, this film festival has made efforts to continue by adopting measures such as holding screenings without an audience and online broadcasts. In recent years, the festival has provided opportunities for high school student filmmakers to receive guidance from professional filmmakers abroad, steadily advancing meaningful activities that open up the future for young people. This film festival, now in its 15th year, is unique in that it features screenings of Nordic and Japanese short films in a snow theater constructed with snow screens. Set in the tranquil natural environment of the snowy highlands, the festival creates a magical atmosphere, and I hear that many fans look forward to this event each time. Japan and the Nordic countries are far apart, and there are few opportunities for regular interaction. However, through these film screenings, this festival offers a valuable chance to experience a glimpse of the history, culture, climate, and lifestyles of not only Japan but also the Nordic countries. In addition, this year, in addition to professional short films, nine films by Japanese high school student directors from high schools across the country will be screened. I hope that the young filmmakers will continue to enthusiastically engage in their work and achieve great success in the field of visual arts in the future. In conclusion, I extend my warmest greetings by wishing for the continued growth and success of the Miyuki-no Film Festival and the good health of everyone involved.