In a period of major change, ECFA needs strong foundations: transparency, continuity, a clear organisational structure, and a host organisation. Following a call for proposals to all members and a lengthy selection and consultation process, the new home was found in Brussels, at the Filem’On Festival.
Securing the culture, spirit, and structures of the European Children’s Film Association and maintaining its key position as a voice for filmmakers, film educators, distributors, and producers of European children’s film culture has been at the forefront of the work of the ECFA Board throughout the last year. It is a task we have taken very seriously and with great care.
The board has worked hard to secure an open process in regard to the transition of the legal structures of the organisation, moving from a person-based structure built around the dedicated work of general secretary Felix Vanginderhuysen and key partners since 1988 to an updated, modern democratic structure for the 21st century.
This enables Felix to retire from his many volunteer tasks in ECFA after 38 years of service. For this to happen, it is required for other people to step forward and take responsibility.
As a part of this work, the board decided to look for a partner and host organisation, and to design a structure in which ECFA, as a non-commercial organisation, remains independent, and at the same time safe under the umbrella of a strong host organisation.
Throughout the last months, several esteemed and well-established organisations have come forward and offered to host ECFA. We are impressed and touched by the strong and inspiring commitment of all these potential partners. It is a visualisation of the importance and strength of ECFA. Thank you to all of you.
The ECFA Board, after meetings, discussions, and consideration, has decided to move forward with one of the applicants: Filem’On – International Film Festival for Young Audiences in Brussels, Belgium. It is the board’s opinion that Filem’On is the best hosting partner for ECFA to ensure the culture, spirit of volunteering, and the commitment to European film culture for children and youth for the future.
Filem’On convinced us with a well-thought-out concept for the upcoming transformation process, a small but highly motivated team, and the festival’s overall broad acceptance and strong credibility within the ECFA community. The vote on the board was unanimous. Hilde Steenssens (Head of Filem’On): “We believe there is great value in hosting a European organisation that shares our core values: empowering young people, fostering a love for European arthouse cinema in all its diversity, promoting inclusion, and building respectful collaborations based on fair practices. As host organisation, we see our role as supporting and strengthening this shared mission. Through our collaborations with national and international partners, we have learned to navigate diverse interests in a transparent and constructive way. We are eager to bring this experience to the European level. Hosting ECFA would allow us not only to support the organisation, but also to grow alongside it and its members.” Meet the Filem’On team here.
We, the board, look forward to working with the Filem’On team to complete the transition and build our new processes.
The ECFA Board