FACE was established in 2024 uniting 23 film academies across Europe. The Federation emerged from a desire to formalize the relationships between these academies, which have been collaborating since 2006 through the Film Academy Network Europe. Members of this network, all of whom are bodies presenting their respective national or regional film awards and the European Film Awards – have been meeting regularly in order to share insights and developments, and to develop ideas for joint activities to promote European cinema, join efforts to integrate diversity, inclusion and sustainability into their work, and to strengthen collaboration on film education and audience development within Europe.

Under the umbrella of the new Federation, the European film academies are joining forces to represent their shared interests together, and where possible synergise the range of work they do for the various parts of the industry. The future of European film needs to be jointly defended and supported by film academies all over the continent. This includes film education, membership engagement and film heritage projects, all in which sustainability, diversity and inclusion are key elements. The new structure will allow the academies joint and more concerted actions on the European and international stage.