The European Film Academy Celebrates European Cinema with Successful Event
The European Film Academy (EFA) is heralding its “Month of European Film” initiative as a significant achievement. This pan-European screening event, aimed at shining a light on European cinema, seeks to emulate the success of awards seasons seen in the United States.
A Growing Audience for European Films
Last year’s Month of European Film captured the attention of nearly half a million viewers, marking a dramatic increase from the previous year. The program, which took place in 108 theaters across 42 countries, saw substantial growth from the inaugural year of 2022 when only 61,000 admissions were recorded across 35 participating partners.
Addressing the Gap in European Film Recognition
This initiative was established to bridge the significant gap between the critical acclaim of European films and their box office performance. Recent nominees and winners at this year’s European Oscars, including titles like Emilia Pérez, Flow, Conclave, and The Girl With the Needle, exemplify the high-quality storytelling that is characteristic of European cinema. Despite these accolades, Hollywood films continue to dominate audiences, making cross-border success for European projects a rare occurrence.
Comments from the EFA Leadership
“With the Month of European Film, we are establishing a network and a platform for the simultaneous celebration of European cinema, bringing the diversity of our films closer to audiences,” remarked Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO of the European Film Academy. “Just three years into this initiative, we are thrilled to see its increasing visibility and growing audience from Norway to Malta and from Portugal to Georgia.”
Future Aspirations for European Cinema
In a strategic move, the EFA aims to position this annual event as the launchpad for a European “awards season.” The culmination of this season will lead to the prestigious European Film Awards ceremony, which, for the first time ever in January 2026, will take place ahead of other esteemed awards such as the BAFTAs and the Oscars.
“In the years leading up to our 40th anniversary in 2028, we will continue to develop a European ‘award season’ with our partners,” Knol stated. “Now is the time to enhance awareness of European film culture and foster a sense of shared cultural identity among Europeans. Cinema has the unique ability to unite us through our common values and experiences.”