Empowering audiences across Europe to celebrate and vote for outstanding short films, fostering cultural exchange and unity through cinema.
Since 2019, a group of leading European festivals have been organising the European Short Film Audience Award.
The European Short Film Audience Award (ESFAA) aims to celebrate and elevate the richness of European short cinema by placing audiences at the heart of the recognition process.
Through a curated selection of outstanding short films from across Europe, ESFAA fosters cultural exchange, amplifies emerging and established filmmakers, and connects diverse audiences through a shared cinematic experience.
By touring selected films across leading European festivals and empowering viewers to vote, ESFAA seeks to create a truly pan-European dialogue around storytelling, creativity, and artistic expression. The initiative aspires to strengthen the visibility and appreciation of short films while reinforcing a sense of cultural unity across Europe’s 511 million citizens.
ESFAA envisions becoming a flagship initiative for European short films, where audiences across the continent actively participate in shaping the recognition of cinematic talent. It strives to position short films not only as a creative format but as a powerful medium for connection, dialogue, and cultural cohesion in Europe.
The principle is simple.
Eight short films, nine festivals, nine audiences to charm, a one-year tour, one winner. Watch. Vote.
Decide the European Short Film Audience Award!
Meet the winners
The winners of past editions of the European Short Film Audience Award received € 3,500, offered by the ESFAA Network, supported by Creative Europe Media and by the representation of the European Commission in Belgium.
The Mysterious Adventures of Claude Conseil
Marie-Lola Terver, Paul Jousselin
TONDEX 2000
Jean-Baptiste Leonetti
Sprötch
Xavier Seron
Confinés Dehours
Julien Goudichaud
Une Soeur
Delphine Girard
Nefta Football Club
Yves Piat
Meet the Festival Partners
This network fosters cooperation, knowledge exchange,
and shared cultural initiatives, strengthening the European audiovisual ecosystem.
How to Book
Who can book the ESFAA programmes?
If you are part of the administration of a (student) film club, a feature/short film festival or a film/cultural institution the screening opportunities provided by these bookings might be for you. Especially if you’re looking to diversify your festival/ cultural event by programming more European films.
How can you book it?
If you are interested in booking ESFAA film programmes for your event you can send a formal request to distribution@esfaa.eu.
What does it include (e.g. materials)
You will receive the printed/digital visual materials in formats adapted for social media announcements, announcement texts in various lengths, a trailer, and subtitles in all languages of the participating countries. All films are listed on the ESFAA website, featuring stills, synopses, and participating festivals at www.esfaa.eu.
Where can one find the materials?
After submitting the formal request and proof of payment, ESFAA team will send you all film materials. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at the email address distribution@esfaa.eu or by private message to our social media platforms.
Other activities
Film Distribution
ESFAA features two collections of four short films, each recognised nationally across all festival partners. These programmes are now open for booking by any festival, organisation, or cultural event.
Young Audience Activities
ESFAA presents a curated selection of short films for audiences aged 18–25, followed by a discussion on the programme and its themes led by a mediation and education specialist.
Winner Announcement
Each ESFAA tour begins and ends at the Brussels Short Film Festival. The winner of the 2025/2026 edition will be announced on April 27, 2026, followed by the first screening of the films from the upcoming tour.