A tribute to the visionaries of children's film: Jo-Anne Blouin and Felix Vanginderhuysen receive Lifetime Achievement Awards
02. June 2025
For their outstanding contribution to children's cinema, Jo-Anne Blouin from Canada and Felix Vanginderhuysen from Belgium received awards at this year's Zlín Film Festival. Both are among the most prominent figures who have shaped the shape of children's film on the international scene, and their work has influenced generations of young viewers around the world.
Jo-Anne Blouin is the founder and longtime director of Montreal's FIFEM festival, which has been instrumental in supporting independent children's filmmaking in North America. As a founder of the ECFA (European Children's Film Association), Felix Vanginderhuysen has been instrumental in linking European initiatives and developing international cooperation in the field of children's film.
Both honorees share a deep belief that children deserve original and quality filmmaking, and their careers exemplify long-term vision, international dialogue and a genuine passion for young audiences.
The tribute was part of a Q&A session moderated by Gert Hermans and offered an inspiring insight into the life journey of two people who changed the world of children's film.
