FACE General Assembly in Mantua

European Film Academies convene in Mantua for FACE General Assembly and announce “Best of Europe” Initiative. 
Académie des César and Flemish Film Academy (The Ensors) join FACE.

On July 10th, 2025, representatives of film academies from across Europe gathered in Mantua, Italy, for the second General Assembly of FACE (Federation of Film Academies Europe). Hosted by the Italian Film Academy Foundation – David di Donatello Awards, and held under the patronage and with the support of the Municipality of Mantua, the assembly took place in the historic setting of the former church of Madonna della Vittoria.

The General Assembly was pleased to formally welcome two new members: The Ensor Academy (Flemish Film and Television Awards) and the Académie des César (France), bringing FACE’s total membership to 23 academies. (Full membership list below.)

The day opened with a keynote speech by renowned journalist, film critic, essayist, and veteran festival programmer Giorgio Gosetti, who called for a unifying cultural project to restore hope and cohesion in Europe. He underlined the role of cinema—and of European Film Academies in particular—as powerful agents in shaping this collective vision.

During the assembly, FACE adopted its official mission statement (attached) and launched a new initiative, “Best of Europe”, which showcases award-winning films from its member academies.

The first edition of “Best of Europe” will take place during the 16th Odesa International Film Festival, held in Kyiv from September 24 to October 4, 2025. A curated selection of five feature films—each a recent winner of the top prize from its national academy—will be presented in a dedicated “Best of Europe” spotlight. With this initiative, FACE not only celebrates excellence in European cinema but also expresses its solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Film Academy, a member of FACE. 
“In these challenging times, the support and solidarity of our European colleagues means more than words can express. Hosting the first edition of Best of Europe in Kyiv is not only a celebration of cinematic excellence — it is a powerful gesture of unity and resilience. We are honoured to welcome these outstanding films to Ukraine and to share in the cultural dialogue that FACE represents.” (Anna Machukh: Co-founder and Executive Director of the Ukrainian Film Academy, General Director of the Odesa International Film Festival)

“Best of Europe” is envisioned as a flexible, evolving program that can be adapted and implemented in a variety of formats and contexts. As part of its broader mission, FACE also plans to launch a streaming platform connected to its newsletter, offering members limited-time access to recently awarded films from across Europe.

“FACE was created to foster exchange, cooperation, and visibility among Europe’s film academies — and Best of Europe brings that vision to life. By showcasing award-winning films from across the continent, we not only celebrate artistic excellence but also affirm the shared values that connect us. Launching this initiative in Kyiv is a meaningful expression of cultural solidarity, and a reminder that cinema has the power to transcend borders.” (Yann Tonnar, chairperson FACE)

MEMBERS OF FACE
·       Austria: Akademie des Österreichischen Films (Austrian Film Academy)
·       Belarus: Белорусская киноакадемия (Belarusian Independent Film Academy)
·       Belgium (Wallonia):  Académie André Delvaux (André Delvaux Academy)
·       Belgium (Flanders): De Ensors (The Ensor Academy)
·       Catalonia: Acadèmia del Cinema Català (Catalan Film Academy)
·       Czech Republic: Česká filmová a televizní akademie (Czech Film and Television Academy)
·       Denmark: Danmarks Film Akademi (Danish Film Academy)
·       European Film Academy 
·       France: Académie des César
·       Germany: Deutsche Filmakademie (German Film Academy)
·       Greece: Ελληνική Ακαδημία Κινηματογράφου (Hellenic Film Academy)
·       Iceland: Íslenska kvikmynda- og sjónvarpsakademían (Icelandic Film and Television Academy)
·       Israel: האקדמיה הישראלית לקולנוע וטלוויזיה (Israel Academy of Film and Television)
·       Italy: Accademia del Cinema Italiano (Italian Academy of Cinema)
·       Luxembourg: d'Filmakademie (Luxembourg Film Academy)
·       Netherlands: DAFF (Dutch Academy for Film) 
·       Norway: Norsk Filmforbund (Norwegian Film Academy)
·       Poland: Polska Akademia Filmowa (Polish Film Academy)
·       Portugal: Academia Portuguesa de Cinema (Portuguese Academy of Cinema)
·       Slovakia: Slovenská filmová a televízna akadémia (Slovak Film and Television Academy)
·       Spain: Academia de las Artes y las Ciencias Cinematográficas de España (Spanish Academy of Cinematic Arts and Sciences)
·       Switzerland: Schweizer Filmakademie / Académie du Cinéma Suisse / Accademia del Cinema Svizzero (Swiss Film Academy)
·       Ukraine: Українська Кіноакадемія (Ukrainian Film Academy)
 

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