Behind the curtain of
Ardélion
Ardélion European Film Association
The Ardélion European Film Association began its journey in 2012 - back then not as a film festival, but as a video production company. In its early years, the organization focused on creating aftermovies for events and weddings but over time, the company expanded its expertise to include the production of short films, establishing itself as a creative force in visual storytelling.
As the AEFA delved deeper into the world of short film production, a unique tradition emerged: the monthly recognition of outstanding films and filmmakers. These awards, presented as certificates celebrating excellence in filmmaking, were warmly embraced by the creative community.
Inspired by the success of these certificates, the AEFA sought to elevate the experience by creating a celebratory event that brought filmmakers together. This vision culminated in the establishment of the Ardélion Awards Gala. While the AEFA initially focused exclusively on filmmaking, the scope of the awards expanded over time to include the art of screenwriting, reflecting the organization's commitment to celebrating all aspects of cinematic creativity. Later, the AEFA further broadened its activities by organizing live screenings, enhancing its role as a unifying force for filmmakers and audiences alike.
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The origin of Ardélion
The Ardélion European Film Association draw their name and inspiration from the life and legacy of Anton Alexander Ernst van Driel, known as A.A.E. van Driel.
Van Driel, born in 1903 in Haarlem, the Netherlands, was a Dutch writer, speech therapist, and photographer, as well as a cineast whose work left a lasting impact on the art of visual storytelling. In 1956, he co-authored the seminal book ''De film in beeld'' (Film in Images) with two fellow film enthusiasts J.M.L. Peters and J. Muusses. This work introduced people to the medium of film, emphasizing the artistic and cultural significance of filmmaking, and inspired countless readers to explore the rich potential of cinematic expression.
Beyond his contributions as a writer and the lectures he gave about filmmaking, van Driel was instrumental in shaping the way films are consumed and understood in the Netherlands. He was one of the founding figures behind the Dutch ''Kijkwijzer'' system, an innovative classification tool that provides age-appropriate and genre-specific guidance for audiences that is still being used to this very day.
The name “Ardélion” is an amalgamation that serves as a testament to van Driel’s identity and passion. It forms an anagram using the letters of his surname, "van Driel" (-rdéli), while also incorporating the "A" from his first name, "Anton." At the same time, the name draws from the French word ardent, meaning “passionate,” reflecting the devotion to filmmaking and screenwriting of those celebrated by the Ardélion Awards.
Disrupting the status quo of film festivals
Today, the AEFA continues to champion the film industry, fostering talent and bringing together filmmakers and writers from across the globe to celebrate their craft. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Ardélion European Film Association organizes live screenings across Europe through its network of renowned film festival brands and hosts the prestigious Ardélion Awards Gala, held in a different European country for each edition. Each festival maintains its own dedicated office in its respective country, providing filmmakers with a local point of contact for submissions, including physical copies, ensuring accessibility and support for creators from all backgrounds.
A key feature of the Ardélion Awards is its inclusivity, as both professional filmmakers/screenwriters and students or amateur creators are given the chance for recognition. This unique approach allows established professionals to network with up-and-coming talent, while newcomers have the rare opportunity to connect with industry leaders who are often difficult to access. The awards place value on the power of storytelling rather than the technical aspects of production. Films and screenplays are judged based on the impact of their narrative, emphasizing creativity and the emotional resonance of the story, regardless of budget or equipment used.
Through this commitment to storytelling, we will continue to foster a community where creativity, collaboration, and diversity are at the heart of the filmmaking process.