ESFA, The European Science Film Association (aka EURASF)

ESFA is a non-profit European Network by and for the Science Film Industry, promoting transnational exchange within the European Science Film community.

Originally, it was founded as EURASF (The European Academy for Science Film), an association officially registered in Austria in 2015. Very recently restructuring, it has been re-organized, renamed  and registered in Geneva, Switzerland with a main office at one of the member film festivals, CineGlobe, within the walls of CERN, The European Organization for Nuclear Research.

The Association welcomes numerous types of members, whether it be festivals, scientists, producers, filmmakers, distributors, web platforms, science communicators, journalists or consultants… Historically, the Academy has been an interest group trying to go beyond the existing working and financing relations when it comes to science film, lobbying for quality production in the field, looking for curated content, new forms and new talents, circulation of finished films and enhancing the visibility of European initiatives and capacities.

EURASF had for several years proposed a wide range of industry activities. Partner festivals have organized programs beyond film screenings, collaborating with schools and universities, science institutions and public and private organisation: workshops, panels, keynotes, speed-dating, trainings, incubating of new science films are some of these activities.   For individual members, the organisation aimed for improved market access and visibility via the negotiation of free accreditations or delegations at partner events, communication of highlighted projects or finished films, a workshop or information about opportunities (pitches, funding, festivals,…).

On the fundaments of the previous organization, ESFA‘s main ambition is to continue to connect professionals, and foster exchange, talent and creation within the industry.

Today, the main purposes are to:

°Promote “Science Film” within Europe (audiovisual works of all formats)

°Share knowledge and best practices in festival organization and in the science media industry between members

°Facilitate exchange between filmmakers and scientists

°Share and support opportunities for talent development and funding

°Increase mobility of professionals and members, as well as audiovisual works between festivals

°Encourage diversity and ethical practices in programming, production and management

Contacts during m:brane March 2025 in Malmö:

Christine Reisen, Vice-Chair
Maya Nadri, Board member and coordinator of Pariscience Festival
Davide Ludovisi, Board member, filmmaker, journalist and Science communicator
Markus Nikel, ESFA member and Senior Consultant at RAI Produzione Documentari, RAI International Relations and RAI Prix Italia presso Rai – Radiotelevisione Italiana
Quentin Lazzarotto, ESFA member and director, producer, science communicator, President at Good to know Studio
Pauline Mazenod, ESFA member, Founder, CEO and Head of Film Acquisitions and Sales of Windrose, General Secretary of the European Coordination of Audiovisual Distributors
Costanza Julia Bani, ESFA member, filmmaker, producer, Assistant Professor in Film and Media Production at the Stockholm University of the Arts, and panelist at m:brane 2025