Last month we spent an amazing time with all of you at All Americas’ Independent Film Festival which was held from August 15–17 at Cinemanía in Mexico City. It was truly an incredible experience! We want to thank everyone who attended and supported the festival — your enthusiasm made it unforgettable. Over the course of three days, we had the chance to discover and celebrate many talented filmmakers from across the Americas, showcasing a wide range of creative and inspiring independent films.

Check the full list of this year’s winners on our website here: https://aaiffamericas.com/winners-2025/

What else can you look forward to?

The ÉCU team is busy preparing for the second edition of the All African Independent Film Festival, scheduled to take place at the French Institute in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 10–12. The official film selection was revealed on our website. Where you can also find out more about the upcoming festival- aaiffafrica.

Do not forget that submissions for the 6th annual All Asian Independent Film Festival are opened. The festival will take place at the Legend Cinema in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from December 5th-7th . While it’s still some time away, don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in submitting, or check out our website aaiffasia.com for more information. 

We would also like to let our readers know what is happening in Paris during September, especially in regards to cinema and independent filmmaking: 

L’Étrange Festival, running September 2–13 in Paris, is a goof idea for fans of bold and unconventional cinema. Celebrating its 31st year, the festival shows unusual and creative films from around the world, including restored classics and new premieres. Visitors can enjoy exciting discoveries, competitions, and films that are different from usual cinema.

From September 4 to 13, 2025, Paris Design Week is back. For ten days, the city turns into a hub for design and decoration trends, with exhibitions in galleries, cultural institutions, and unique spots across the whole Paris.

On September 6 and 7, 2025, Paris will host a historical celebration with parades, open-air cafés, dances, and a festive village. 

We would like to thank  to our partners and sponsors for help with All Americas’ Independent Film Festival:

Beachtek

Beachtek, was established in 1997 to provide a solution for recording high quality audio on the new generation of DV camcorders that were released in the mid 1990’s. In 2009, they developed the world’s first adapter for a DSLR camera. BeachTek has become the “missing link” for connecting professional audio gear to today’s DV camcorders and DSLR cameras.

ÉCU – The European Independent Film Festival

Proudly provides the platform for independent filmmakers to express authentic, cinematic storytelling in the most compelling ways possible. Filmmakers who are selected into ÉCU’s Official Selection join an active community of creatives who are continually pushing the boundaries of independent cinema. 

Zs2 Media Group

Zs2 Media Group, led by Scott Hillier, ex-war cameraman, award-winning director of ‘Behind The Eyes of War’ and ‘Stop. Listen. Breathe’ as well as co-cinematographer of the Academy Award winning documentary ‘Twin Towers’, A Tough Business travels the World making films for clients as diverse as Netflix, HBO, CBS, BBC, McKinsey&CO, General Electric and Boeing.

El Bar de Hobos 

El Bar de Hobos is a place where art, design, and music converge. The lighting, urban décor, and cozy space create the perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy a memorable night with friends and great music. Our stage comes alive every night with the talent of local musicians and guest artists. From intimate acoustic sets to full bands, our music selection is designed to take you on a sonic journey that blends the best of every genre.

11:11 Studios

11:11 Studio is a London-based creative and technology agency that helps founders, startups, and brands bring ideas to life through strategic design and digital innovation. They specialize in branding, UX/UI design, web and app development, and digital strat egy—combining decades of global agency experience with a lean, agile approach. From building visu al identities to launching full digital products, 11:11 Studio delivers smart, elegant, and impactful work that connects with audiences and drives real results.

Lomography 

Lomography is a globally active organization dedicated to analogue, experimental, and creative photog raphy. Lomo is not just a visual aes thetic—it’s a mindset. It encourages people to let go of perfectionism, to explore, to experiment, and to embrace the unexpected. This unpredictability is at the heart of the Lomography spirit. Made up of a community of over 1,000,000 members from all around the world, it represents the rebellious side of photography. Through a constantly expanding range of analogue and instant cameras, artistic lenses, film, and innovative accessories, it allows you to capture the world with a truly creative approach.

WriterDuet

WriterDuet is a powerful, cloud-based screenwriting platform designed for seamless collaboration. With real-time co-writing, industry-standard format ting, and intuitive outlining tools, it’s the ideal workspace for screenwriters, playwrights, and creators of all kinds. Write anywhere, sync effortlessly, and bring your story to life—together.

CECC

      Since 1981, at CECC Pedregal we have been training creative young people to become leaders in communication, advertising, design, fashion, film, and marketing. We believe that great ideas are born out of passion and perfected through practice. From the very first semester, with every project, every class, and every experience, you will grow, create, and leave your mark. Life is a creative adventure, and to tell its story, you need the best tools and the best teachers. At CECC, practice makes perfect.

CINEMANÍA

CINEMANÍA is an independent cinema with four screens, showcasing the best of Mexican and international cinema with cutting-edge image quality.