Due to current developments of the pandemic situation and prevalent protective measures all over the European continent, the Writers' Room program will be organized fully online, in the second half of October.

The intensive creative work during the workshop will run on a special online collaborative platform.

MIDPOINT Writers' Room 2020 is aimed at writers and creative producers (with experience in writing and the ambition of becoming creators/showrunners) without a particular project in development and is designed not only to train practical skills but also to stimulate the creative process and spark new ideas.

The new LUX Award, from now on awarded by the European Parliament together with the European Film Academy, was launched on 5 September during the Venice Film Festival in Italy.

Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE), Chair of the Parliament’s Culture and Education Committee, unveiled the details of the new award.

European Parliament President David Maria Sassoli (S&D, IT) address the audience via video message.

The Award was jointly presented by Mike Downey, Chairman of the European Film Academy, Claude-Eric Poiroux, General Director of the network of cinema theatres for the circulation of European films Europa Cinemas, as well as LUX coordinator Doris Pack and European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel (remotely).

Starting this year, the LUX Film Prize, founded in 2007 by the European Parliament and awarded each year to celebrate the excellence of European cinema, will merge with the EFA People’s Choice Award and be awarded jointly with the European Film Academy and in partnership with the European Commission and Europa Cinemas. Accordingly, the name of the film prize will change to “LUX – the European Audience Film Award by the European Parliament and the European Film Academy”.

To activate the film community’s collective response to cases of filmmakers facing severe risk, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, International Film Festival Rotterdam and the European Film Academy have joined forces in establishing the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk. 

With civil society in danger around the world, filmmakers are increasingly struggling to make their voices heard. Over the past few years, the world has seen a growing number of filmmakers being threatened, arrested, imprisoned and even killed in an attempt to silence them.

Dear members of the media,

accreditation is now open for the upcoming edition of the Festival of Slovenian Film, which runs from 6 to 11 October 2020 in Ljubljana. Press is welcome to apply for accreditation by 1 October 2020 via our online form. After this, applications will only be accepted from 6 to 9 October at the festival Info Point. 

As has been the case with all other cultural events this year, the format of the festival has changed slightly to adapt to the current situation. The films in the Official Competition selection will be screened in the Komuna Cinema, Ljubljana, while the Panorama Programme will be available online. Q&As with the filmmakers will be held in the conference halls of the Hotel Slon. The line-up of films will be complemented by a series of industry meetings and events.  

The central Slovenian film gathering traditionally provides a unique insight into the latest Slovenian cinema to professionals and industry delegates as well as anyone who shares the love of cinema. All events are compliant with the applicable public health measures and guidance.

With best wishes