In 2027, the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Programme will celebrate 40 years since its establishment. To mark this milestone, the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes (EPA) and the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) have launched a Short Video Competition inviting filmmakers and creative teams to showcase the history, significance and impact of the Cultural Routes across Europe.
As the European Cemeteries Route has been a certified Cultural Route of the Council of Europe since 2010, the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe warmly encourages all our members, representatives, and local collaborators to participate and showcase the unique cultural heritage of European cemeteries.
About the competition
The competition seeks original short videos that capture how Cultural Routes connect people across borders, foster intercultural dialogue, and shape local communities over the past four decades. Selected films will be featured on the official Council of Europe Cultural Routes website, social media channels, and at anniversary events throughout 2027.
The call is open to individual filmmakers and filmmaking teams based in a member state of the Council of Europe or of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes.
What is expected
Participants should create an original video of up to 3 minutes, with English and/or French subtitles. The video should have an intercultural dimension, reflecting the reality of more than one Cultural Route and more than one country, even if it focuses on a particular local place or experience. Entrants must also ensure that they have the necessary rights and permissions for all material used.
The use of AI tools is permitted for supporting tasks such as research, planning, editing assistance, translation or subtitling, but AI-generated or substantially AI-altered content cannot be used. Any use of AI must be disclosed in the submission form.
How to participate
To enter, applicants must send their video file (or a secure link) together with the completed submission form via email to chiara.sattin@coe.int, with contact@culture-routes.lu in CC.
Submission Deadline: 30 November 2026
The winning videos will be announced on 4 January 2027, with prizes of 1.500 EUR, 750 EUR and 500 EUR for the first, second and third places respectively.
For full competition details, requirements and submission information, please consult the official call for participation at the link below.