Festival Highlights
Discover three key experiences of the ÉCU European Independent Film Festival: a professional workshop, an inspiring panel discussion, and a unique music showcase connecting cinema with live performance in Paris.
Workshop
The Art of Pitching with Sam Kadi. Learn how to pitch your creative projects with clarity, confidence, and impact.
Go to Workshop →Panel
#SheShoots discussion panel exploring women in cinema, storytelling, and industry perspectives.
Go to Panel →Music Showcase
Music curated by Cellotree Arts, bringing live performances and film culture together across four days in Paris.
Go to Music →The Art of Pitching
Sam Kadi
Workshop Title: The Art of Pitching
Guest Speaker: Sam Kadi
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 11:30
Focus: Creating a compelling presentation that attracts funders and strengthens your project pitch
Workshop Overview
Join award-winning filmmaker Sam Kadi for a dynamic workshop focused on the art of pitching creative projects with clarity, confidence, and impact. Designed for filmmakers, creators, and storytellers, this session explores how to build a presentation that captures attention, communicates vision, and resonates with potential funders.
Through practical insights and real-world experience, participants will discover how to present ideas more effectively, shape a stronger narrative, and elevate the overall quality of their pitch.
About the Workshop
This workshop is designed for filmmakers, creators, and storytellers who want to strengthen the way they present their projects to potential funders, partners, and decision-makers.
The Art of Pitching offers an in-depth analysis of what makes a pitch truly compelling. Participants will explore how to structure ideas with clarity, communicate passion with confidence, and create a presentation that captures attention from the very first moment.
The session will focus on the essential ingredients of an effective project presentation: storytelling, emotional impact, visual clarity, and strategic communication. Whether you are preparing to pitch a feature film, documentary, animation, or another creative project, this workshop will help you refine your approach and increase your chances of securing funding.
Please come prepared to present your dream project.
About Sam Kadi
Sam Kadi is an award-winning filmmaker based in Santa Barbara, California. He is a writer, director, producer, and speaker with an international career shaped by acclaimed films, humanitarian storytelling, and a strong commitment to cinema as a force for impact.
Kadi is the writer, director, and producer of the critically acclaimed feature drama THE CITIZEN, starring Cary Elwes. The film received five awards on the international festival circuit before being released theatrically worldwide and was named one of the “10 Best Films of 2013” by Examiner.com.
His award-winning documentary LITTLE GANDHI was an Official Selection for Best Foreign Language Film for the 2017 Oscars. The film led to invitations for Kadi to screen and speak before U.S. Members of Congress, Members of the United Nations, Amnesty International, and the Canadian Parliament, where he met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Career Highlights
Animation & International Recognition
Kadi is the producer of the 2023 Oscar-shortlisted animated feature LAMYA’S POEM, which had its world premiere at the prestigious 60th Annecy Film Festival in France.
Human Rights & Public Impact
He has been recognized by the prestigious Cinema For Peace organization for raising awareness of human rights issues through film, and was invited to speak before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Academic & Industry Leadership
Sam Kadi is a professor at the University of Southern California – School of Cinematic Arts (USC-SCA), founder of Sam K Production, a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and serves on the Guild Asian American committee.
Festival & Jury Experience
He is a TEDx speaker and a jury member for multiple film festivals, including the European Independent Film Festival in Paris and the Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles.
#SheShoots
Discussion Panel
Event: #SheShoots Discussion Panel
Date: Sunday, April 26
Time: 11:30 AM
Focus: Women filmmakers, storytelling and industry perspectives
#SheShoots Panel Overview
The #SheShoots Discussion Panel brings together women filmmakers, creators, and industry professionals to explore the evolving role of women in cinema.
This session focuses on the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for women working in directing, storytelling, and film production, while highlighting the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of the industry.
Through an open and engaging discussion, participants will gain insight into the creative journeys of female directors, the realities of working in the film industry, and the ways collaboration and community can empower new generations of storytellers.
The panel encourages dialogue, exchange of ideas, and inspiration, creating a space where voices can be heard and perspectives can be shared.
Music Meets Cinema
Music curated by Cellotree Arts · Paris, France
Event: Music Showcase
Location: Paris, France
Format: Four days of live music woven through the festival
Focus: Live music, community, and creative sync opportunities
About the Music
Where independent film finds its sound. Cellotree Arts is honored to serve as Music Programmer for ÉCU The European Independent Film Festival, bringing together artists from across the globe for four days of live music, community, and once-in-a-lifetime sync opportunity in the heart of Paris.
This special music showcase creates a bridge between musicians and filmmakers, opening space for collaboration, discovery, and authentic creative partnerships throughout the festival.
Artists from across the globe bring their sound to the City of Light, creating a vibrant atmosphere that extends the festival experience beyond the cinema and into the cultural life of Paris.
Music Schedule
Thursday · April 23
20H
Pre-Festival Kickoff Party
The Backstage · 2 Av. Léon Gambetta, 92120 Montrouge
Open to Public · Live Music All Night
Filmmakers, ÉCU staff & musicians all welcome
Friday · April 24
17H — Opening Ceremony
Les 7 Parnassiens Cinema
Festival Opens
21H — Live Music After Party
La Cave Café · 134 Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris
After Party Open to Public
Saturday · April 25
15H — Acoustic Sessions
Les 7 Parnassiens Cinema
Intimate · Acoustic
14H — Sync Ready: How Musicians and Filmmakers Build Authentic Creative Partnerships
Music supervisors, artists & filmmakers
Panel
21H — Live Music Night
Matchaï & Coffee · 10 Rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris
After Party Open to Public
Sunday · April 26
14H30 — Acoustic Sessions
Les 7 Parnassiens Cinema
Intimate · Acoustic
Afternoon — Closing Ceremony & Awards
Les 7 Parnassiens Cinema
Awards
21H — Closing Night Party
Les Disquaires · 4 Rue des Taillandiers, 75011 Paris
After Party Open to Public
Performing Artists
Artists from across the globe bringing their sound to the city of light.