Behind the curtain of the
European Film Union
The European Film Union
The European Film Union began its journey in 2012 - back then not as a film festival, but as a video production company. In its early years, the organization focused on creating aftermovies for events and weddings but over time, the company expanded its expertise to include the production of short films, establishing itself as a creative force in visual storytelling.
As the European Film Union delved deeper into the world of short film production, a unique tradition emerged: the monthly recognition of outstanding filmmakers who had collaborated on its projects. These awards, presented as certificates celebrating excellence in filmmaking, were warmly embraced by the creative community.
Inspired by the success of these certificates, the EFU sought to elevate the experience by creating a celebratory event that brought filmmakers together. This vision culminated in the establishment of the Ardélion Awards Gala. While the European Film Union initially focused exclusively on filmmaking, the scope of the awards expanded over time to include the art of screenwriting, reflecting the organization's commitment to celebrating all aspects of cinematic creativity.
Today, the European Film Union continues to champion the film industry, fostering talent and bringing together filmmakers and writers from across the globe to celebrate their craft.
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Ardélion Awards
The Ardélion Awards draw their name and inspiration from the life and legacy of Anton Alexander Ernst van Driel, known as A.A.E. van Driel.
Born in The Hague, van Driel was a Dutch writer, speech therapist, and photographer, as well as a cineast whose work left a lasting impact on the art of visual storytelling. In 1956, he co-authored the seminal book ''De film in beeld'' (Film in Images) with two fellow film enthusiasts J.M.L. Peters and J. Muusses. This work introduced people to the medium of film, emphasizing the artistic and cultural significance of filmmaking, and inspired countless readers to explore the rich potential of cinematic expression.
Beyond his contributions as a writer, van Driel was instrumental in shaping the way films are consumed and understood in the Netherlands. He was one of the founding figures behind the Dutch ''Kijkwijzer'' system, an innovative classification tool that provides age-appropriate and genre-specific guidance for audiences that is still being used to this very day.
The name “Ardélion” is an amalgamation that serves as a testament to van Driel’s identity and passion. It forms an anagram using the letters of his surname, "van Driel" (-rdéli), while also incorporating the "A" from his first name, "Anton." At the same time, the name draws from the French word ardent, meaning “passionate,” reflecting the devotion to filmmaking and screenwriting of those celebrated by the Ardélion Awards.