At the Biennial of Animation Bratislava 2024, Felix Vanginderhuysen was awarded the Albín Brunovský Honorary Medal, an honour he owed not only for his role as a distributor in the international dissemination of animation films, but also for playing his crucial role within ECFA.
“Within ECFA, Felix leaves leadership to a changing set of presidents, but as General Secretary, he permanently directs and supports the operation. As a result, he is generously and cross-generationally embraced by the international children’s film community as a reliable companion de route. Asked about his legacy, Felix replied, ‘I have never been a creative genius myself, but I created opportunities for many people working in this field’.”
With a series of Honorary Medals, the Biennial paid tribute to a host of people who made significant contributions to the affirmation of animated film as one of the most vibrant segments of the film industry. Also – but not exclusively – for young audiences.
As was expressed in a laudatio, Felix’s greatest tour de force occurred internationally with the founding of ECFA. “Since 1988, ECFA continued to grow under varying presidencies, with currently some 160 members. As its first and only Secretary General, this is what Felix himself considers ECFA’s greatest achievement: “the creation of a children’s film community where friendship and cooperation prevail over business and competition.”
Mlčoušek Michal, Executive Director of the Biennial of Animation, spoke of ‘the beginning of a journey’, showing a willingness to continue supporting ECFA’s mission for quality films for young audiences in increasing numbers.