European Network of Film Discourse

2026-07-22

"The European Network for Film Discourse (END) is a multi-faceted network dedicated to qualitative engagement with European filmmaking. It aims to promote a critical film discourse by and for a younger generation, to introduce new audiences to a flourishing European film landscape, and to build communities through a variety of activities. The network, initiated by FILMFEST DRESDEN (DE) and VIENNA SHORTS (AT) in 2017 and finally fleshed out and expanded in 2019, consists of an active core and is related to a larger circle of film festivals. What they all have in common is their genuine interest in having ""their"" films written and talked about, and the talents behind them made visible. To provide a good platform for this, the network has launched its own online magazine: ""Talking Shorts"" started in February 2020 as the network's joint outlet to review films, showcase talent, highlight developments, and accompany all of this with an active social media strategy that is always shared by the member festivals. In the first year alone, the site reached more than 120,000 visitors, published 32 reviews and 16 podcast episodes, featured15 young writers, and, despite the pandemic, hosted two workshops and the multi-week project My Darling Quarantine (with 66 programmers and dozens of filmmakers), which was covered by 160 media outlets in 23 countries. The active core of the END that takes care of the magazine and the activities around it includes the Kortfilmfestival Leuven (BE), Vilnius ISFF (LT), FeKK in Ljubljana (SI), and Lago Film Fest (IT). In addition, more than 20 festivals (IDFA, DokuFest, among others) are involved with Talking Shorts as supporting members. Together, the network organises workshops and mentoring programmes for young critics and curators (including a newly developed young critics award) and strives for quality, a fair work environment, sustainable training and innovative community-building to reach new audiences and a new appeal for European films."

Germany

2025-12-15