The history of the EFC
To date the EFC has trained over 1400 young people in the art and craft of film and TV. Many of its former students are by now well established in the film business, and form a growing network of young film-makers all round the world.
The European Film College is the realisation of a dream shared by a visionary group of Danish film-makers, writers and thinkers. Their aim was to bring together young people from all over the world who were burning to make films. Together they would form a new generation of film-makers, contributing to a vibrant film culture and a successful film industry both in Europe and throughout the world.
The first seven-strong Board was elected at an inaugural assembly in 1989, with film director Morten Arnfred as its Chairman. In January 1990 the Board established an Honorary Committee to support the project, including leading European film-makers such as Bernardo Bertolucci, Milos Forman and Andrzej Wajda. Shortly afterwards they appointed the EFC’s first principal, Bjørn Erichsen.
In October 1990, Ebeltoft was chosen as the location of the College, and in 1991 a team of Finnish architects, Heikkinen and Komonen OY, won the competition to design the college buildings.
The college opened for a four-month pilot course in January 1993. It was officially inaugurated in May 1993, and the first full eight-month foundation course began in September 1993.
Former principals of the college include Kjeld Veirup (1995-2000) and Jens Rykær (2000-2006). The current principal is Søren Høy and the Chairman of the Board is Bo Erhhardt.
