The European Film Academy (EFA) is celebrating the success of its “month of European film” program, a pan-national screening event promoting European cinema. With plans for a U.S.-style awards season for Europe on the horizon, the EFA is looking to further highlight the best in European cinema.
Last year’s month of European film program saw nearly half a million viewers across 108 theaters in 42 European countries, a significant increase from the previous year. The event was created to shine a spotlight on European films that often struggle to match their critical acclaim with box office success. Despite successful local-language films like Spanish comedy Padre no hay más que uno 4 and French period drama The Count of Monte Cristo, Hollywood imports still dominate the European market.
European Film Academy CEO Matthijs Wouter Knol expressed his excitement about the growing visibility of the month of European film, bringing attention to European cinema across the continent. Looking ahead, the EFA aims to establish an annual European “awards season,” culminating in the European Film Awards ceremony. Starting in 2026, the ceremony will be held in January, preceding the BAFTAs and Oscars, marking a new era in European film recognition.
As the EFA approaches its 40th anniversary in 2028, Knol emphasized the importance of deepening awareness of European film culture and bringing Europeans closer together through shared values and cinema. The EFA’s mission is to showcase the diversity and excellence of European cinema, solidifying its place on the global stage.
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