The European Film Academy is making significant changes to the awards landscape, moving the European Film Awards (EFAs) from December to January. This shift aims to align European cinema more closely with the global awards season, enhancing visibility for films from the continent. With notable titles like Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, Oliver Laxe’s Sirat, and Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident emerging as Oscar contenders, European talent is now commanding attention on the international stage.
According to Matthijs Wouter Knol, the chief of the European Film Academy, this year has marked an unprecedented surge for European filmmakers. As the EFAs prepare for their 38th edition in Berlin on January 13, 2024, Knol expressed his excitement over the strong representation of European cinema in major award conversations, including the Golden Globe and Academy Award shortlists.
This strategic calendar adjustment aims to leverage the promotional activities that traditionally benefit Hollywood productions. Knol emphasized, “The talent is there—not just the directors and the acting talent, but also the cinematographers, editors, everybody else crucial to making that strong cinema.” He believes that Europe possesses a wealth of cinematic talent that deserves greater recognition and visibility.
Bridging the Gap with Innovative Promotions
The European Film Academy is actively seeking to bridge the gap between arthouse films and general audiences. Knol noted that there has historically been a disconnect, with many outstanding European films failing to reach wider audiences. The recent pivot to the awards calendar has allowed the Academy to better utilize promotional channels to increase visibility.
To this end, the Academy has introduced the “European Award Season,” extending promotional efforts over two months. In a pilot initiative, screenings of nominated films at the Yorck cinemas in Berlin drew enthusiastic crowds, demonstrating strong interest in European cinema. Knol mentioned that similar programs have been successfully implemented in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, and Santiago de Chile, indicating a global appetite for European productions.
Knol’s vision includes not only appealing to Academy members but also to film-loving audiences. The Academy has initiated specific screenings that invite the public, allowing local enthusiasts to engage with nominated films and fostering a deeper connection with European cinema.
Challenges and Opportunities for European Cinema
Despite the growing momentum, Knol acknowledged the challenges of garnering attention for European films in a saturated market. “It’s hard to get talent when they are all traveling and doing their promotion for films,” he stated. The logistics of engaging rising stars across multiple cities can be daunting, necessitating innovative solutions to promote European arthouse films effectively.
The discussion of creating a more robust European star system is crucial for the future of the industry. Knol believes that the European Film Awards can evolve into a significant gathering for talent, showcasing performances from nearly 75 shortlisted films, many of which may not receive nominations but feature outstanding acting.
He remarked, “One thing the Academy can do is develop the European Film Awards into a true gathering of everybody who’s been the face of European cinema of the past year.” By providing a platform for emerging talent, the Academy can help elevate their careers and increase the visibility of European cinema.
As the upcoming ceremony approaches, the political climate surrounding European cinema cannot be overlooked. Acknowledging the continent’s recent challenges, Knol anticipates discussions on pressing issues during the awards ceremony. He stated, “The European Film Academy brings together a continent that has faced a lot in the last couple of years. It’s a natural given fact that people on the stage…start talking about their worries, hopes, and fears.”
Knol emphasized that the Academy has a tradition of advocating for freedom of speech and human values, and this year’s event is expected to reflect those principles. He expressed concern over the rising far-right movements across Europe, urging industry professionals to remain vigilant about the support for cultural initiatives.
In conclusion, the European Film Academy’s strategic pivot to January aims to elevate the profile of European cinema during the awards season. With a focus on promoting talent and bridging gaps between arthouse films and wider audiences, the Academy seeks to foster a vibrant European film culture that resonates both locally and internationally.