best of europe
Highlights of the finest in European cinema
The Federation of Film Academies Europe (FACE) is launching Best of Europe, a new initiative designed to increase the visibility of films that have recently won top national awards from its member academies. The programme is hosted on Festival Scope Pro, a leading B2B streaming platform for film professionals, and offers members of European film academies curated online access to a rotating selection of award-winning titles.
Access to the screening room is reserved for members of the twenty-three national and regional film academies that make up FACE, as well as selected industry professionals. The initiative supports FACE’s mission to celebrate and promote European cinema while highlighting diverse voices, cultures and storytelling traditions across the continent.
Following a successful first selection, five additional award-winning films have joined the programme for the final quarter of 2026, offering members a new opportunity to discover some of Europe’s most acclaimed recent productions.
The First Selection
The inaugural selection, launched in June 2026, featured three award-winning European films:
- Breathing Underwater (Hors d’haleine) – Directed by Eric Lamhène (Luxembourg), winner of Best Luxembourgish Feature Film at the Lëtzebuerger Filmpräis 2025.
- Frontera – Directed by Judith Colell (Catalonia, Spain), winner of Best Film at the 2026 Gaudí Awards.
- Heads or Fails (Aimer perdre) – Directed by Harpo and Lenny Guit (Belgium), recognised at the 2026 René Awards.
These three films remain part of the programme and are available to eligible members until 31 December 2026, subject to territorial restrictions.
Five New Films for Autumn 2026
The second selection introduces five acclaimed films and one on hold from across Europe, representing a wide range of cinematic styles, perspectives and themes.
- Sorda (Deaf) – Directed by Eva Libertad (Spain). An intimate drama exploring motherhood, communication and the experiences of a deaf woman navigating a hearing world. Recognised at the Spanish Goya Awards.
- Facing War – Directed by Tommy Gulliksen (Norway). A documentary following Jens Stoltenberg during his final year as NATO Secretary General, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on international diplomacy and global security. Winner of the Amanda Award for Best Documentary.
- Julian – Directed by Cato Kusters (Belgium). Based on the true story of Fleur Pierets and Julian, this moving drama explores love, identity and the determination to challenge social conventions. Recognised at the Ensor Awards.
- Otec (Father) – Directed by Tereza Nvotová (Slovakia). A powerful drama exploring guilt, responsibility and the devastating consequences of a tragic mistake.
- Perla – Directed by Alexandra Makarová (Austria). Set against the political backdrop of 1980s Vienna, this drama explores identity, exile and the enduring influence of the past. Winner of several Austrian Film Awards.
And the last film on hold
- Second Victims (Det andet offer) – Directed by Zinnini Elkington (Denmark). An intense hospital drama examining the emotional and ethical consequences of a medical error. Recognised at Denmark’s Robert Awards.
Together, these films highlight the richness of contemporary European filmmaking, from intimate personal stories to compelling explorations of social and political issues.
