ÉCU – THE EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL 2026’s OFFICIAL SELECTION UNVEILED
Over the course of three days (24th, 25th, 26th April, 2026) ÉCU 2026 will present 50 of the World’s best independent films from 22 countries, competing in 15 categories. A total of 25 awards will be granted, including the highly coveted Europe’s Best Independent Film 2026. Alongside the screenings, attendees can take part in professional filmmaking workshops, engage in director Q&As, and join the female filmmakers discussion panel “#SheShoots”.
Often regarded as Europe’s answer to The Sundance Film Festival, ÉCU celebrates its 21st edition in 2026 by continuing its mantra of discovering, projecting and promoting the World’s best indie films. The festival remains a key platform for discovering some of the most promising voices in independent cinema. These filmmakers — the cinematic story-tellers of our generation — are united by their creativity, passion, and commitment to producing compelling independent films.
This year, ÉCU 2026 opens the conversation to the future of storytelling with the introduction of a bold and much-debated new category: AI Film, where creativity meets technology in unexpected ways.
We are also proud to announce that ÉCU 2026 will host six World Premieres, two International Premieres, three French Premieres and one European Premiere.
Click here for the complete ÉCU 2026 Official Selection
The festival will take place at CINÉMA LES 7 PARNESSIENS, 98 BLVD DU MONTPARNASSE, PARIS, FRANCE – (24th–26th April, 2026)
SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM ÉCU 2026 OFFICIAL SELECTION
ISOLA (Italy)
Category: European Dramatic Feature
Dir. Nora Jaenicke
Starring Joanna Kulig, Marco Rossetti and Fanny Ardant
Joanna, who’s stuck on an island with her disabled and much older husband Oskar, enters into a strange relationship with his caretaker Ada. The two women become entangled in a cat and mouse game with fatal consequences.
CUPS & BALLS (Germany)
Category: European Comedy Film
Dir. Sarah Knoeting
The world of lab technician Vanja is thrown off balance when his best friend shows up at the fertility clinic with her partner. The fact that they want to conceive a baby using a sample from Vanja’s ex-date causes a game of bruised egos to spiral out of control.
AN EXCESS BAGGAGE (France)
Category: European Dramatic Short
Dir. Myriam Garcia Marienstras
Sophie hides her unease within the intense bond she shares with her daughter, Lila. When Lila leaves for summer camp, Sophie finds herself alone for the first time, overwhelmed by separation and emotional dependency.
FREEDOM (Netherlands)
Category: European Animated Film
Dir. Arjan Brentjes
Under fascist rule, what is worth saving?
And how far will you go to save it? Two astronauts try to rescue forbidden art treasures from a totalitarian regime by smuggling them on their mission to Jupiter. During their long space journey they then encounter some mutual disagreements.
For more information: www.ecufilmfestival.com
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