Author: Gert Hermans

In the picturesque alpine setting of Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, the legendary birthplace of the literary hero Kekec, a new initiative is taking shape this summer: the Kekec International Children’s Film Festival (pilot edition: July 3–5, 2026). The festival fills a gap in the Slovenian film landscape by establishing a dedicated, child-centered platform and creating a meeting point for European professionals dedicated to promoting, distributing, and producing films for young audiences.

 

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With more than a hundred members in attendance, ECFA held its Annual General Meeting in Berlin on February 14. This AGM took on extra importance because an ongoing transition process was discussed, initiated due to the retirement of Felix Vanginderhuysen from his long-held position of ECFA’s figurehead (informal) and Secretary-General (official). This is a crucial moment for the organisation, when new individuals must take over the work he has done for such a long time.

 

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From 9–11 July 2026, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa will host an international Film Education Conference in Porto. The event aims to bring together researchers, educators, and practitioners to exchange research and best practices on film education and media literacy.

 

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From GORDON & PADDY to WHO’S WRONG to THE APE STAR… Swedish director Linda Hambäck’s films never fit into the mould of classic animation, but her original narratives turn the world upside down and make light of the dull predictability of everyday life. And that’s the least you can say about DANTE.

 

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At the Diagonale Film Meeting – the industry platform of Austria’s National Film Festival in Graz – children’s film will take centre stage. With a dedicated focus on filmmaking for young audiences, this year’s programme aims to spark fresh momentum and meaningful, long-term change.

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While the ECFA Awards 2026 were on display in Berlin, the first nominations for the next edition were already being selected in India, Belgium, and Portugal. Nominees for 2027 have been announced in all three formats: feature, short, and documentary.

 

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Young Horizons Industry, the Warsaw-based co-production forum focused on films and series aimed at children and youth, opened its call for projects ‘In Development’ or ‘Work in Progress’ to be presented during a pitching. The event, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, will take place from 28-30 September, as part of the Young Horizons Int’l Film Festival. 

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On Saturday, February 14th, ECFA announced the winners of the annual ECFA Awards in three categories. Winner of the Best Feature Award was LIVING LARGE (by Kristina Dufková, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, France), the Documentary Award went to CIRCUSBOY (Julia Lemke & Anna Koch, Germany), and the Short Film Award was taken home by HANNAH & THE CROCODILE (Lore Mechelaere, Belgium). Awards were handed out at the Berlinale in a festive ceremony.

 

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