ÉCU invites you to party with us this month !!
Written by Chiara de Liberti
Spring is finally on its way, and so the ÉCU Film Festival is fast approaching. Time is running by, but our team is keeping up without missing a beat, with the right determination (thanks to the countless cups of coffee consumed in the office) and the drive to create opportunities that can change the lives of hardworking directors striving to see their films on the big screen.
Find out what we’ve been up to in this March newsletter! Events, interviews, articles, new campaigns and designs, extra chairs around our desk, and much more.
First of all, we are thrilled to invite you to ÉCU’s 2026 Launch Party, which will take place on March 25th at Matchaï & Coffee, 10 rue La Boétie, Paris, from 19:00 PM.
Be among the first to discover the official selection! If you work in the film industry or are simply a true cinephile, you’ll have the opportunity to meet talented directors and celebrate in great company.
What are you waiting for? Our event department really did a great job, so do not disappoint us and
SAVE THE DATE!
The most rewarding part of our work is having the pleasure of engaging in discussions with the great artists who have taken part in our festivals, seeing through their eyes a deeper cinematic experience that opens up new perspectives as well as direct exchanges between different techniques and interpretations.
The final Friday of the month, February 27th, our journalist Chiara dedicated the Friday Live Podcast to exploring various animation techniques, ranging from stop motion and hand-drawn rotoscope to even AI. During the conversation, with the anticipated participation of five guest animators from previous editions, we placed special emphasis on storytelling, which lies at the heart of every creative project, before moving from one technique to another and highlighting their expressive qualities.
Don’t miss this brilliant episode, available on Spotify and streaming live on our YouTube channel.
And that’s not all! Are you familiar with the 2016 trend? An article had already been published about it, and to expand the campaign we organized what I would dare to call a “family-style” discussion with our 2016 alumni. Reconnecting with artists who left their mark, listening to their progress, works in development, and the life choices that, after their victory, led them to where they are now was both comforting and nostalgic.
This episode is also available on our Spotify and YouTube channels.
Speaking of journalism, Chiara is thrilled, already looking ahead to the launch party evening and the many interviews awaiting her. Are you as curious as she is to discover the official selection? Then make sure to keep an eye on our blog and Substack account!
And while you’re at it, take a look at her latest article as well. It also explores the Animation theme discussed in the podcast, but with a specific focus on stop motion in America, analyzing the differences and distinctive features between North and South, between industry and craftsmanship.
Take your time and enjoy reading it here!
The Video Production Department never gets a break. Immersed in the search for the perfect branding that reflects the soul of the ÉCU – The European Independent Film Festival, they carefully study every video, selecting the right ones to be screened in the theater, along with the ideal fonts. Every detail is sacred and carries a precise meaning.
The team’s work is primarily focused on developing an innovative promotional campaign that captures attention and intrigues the audience, making them eager to learn more about the incredible sensory journey that the festival will be. But that’s not all: submissions for the 2026 AAIFF Americas’ are officially open, and at the same time the department is producing videos for the earlybird deadline on March 13th, reminding talented directors to submit their work now to receive a discount.
For this task, our team’s irony and creativity led to the creation of a sketch featuring jerky camera movements reminiscent of the famous series The Office. The scene follows a girl rushing out of the office because she suddenly remembers she has forgotten to do something extremely important!
In short, there’s no need to run — we’ve warned you in time. Submit your work and show your art to the world!
The social media team has come up with a new series of posts; you can now scroll through fresh content on our platforms featuring behind-the-scenes insights into our favorite works, as well as a new “cinefacts” format whose graphics were developed in collaboration with the graphic department.
You can keep up with us across all platforms: be sure to check out our Instagram, Spotify, X, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube pages, all carefully curated by our team.
Our sponsorship department is truly determined in the search for promising collaborations, and just like investigators, they are getting in touch with various educational institutions whose values and spirits resonate with those of ÉCU. Hoping that our mantra: to make the world a slightly better place one independent film at a time, will be recognized, appreciated and disseminated!
We know you can’t wait to lay your eyes on the official poster for this edition—good news! Our graphic design team is ready to proudly reveal the hard work of these past months.
We’re starting with the poster, currently in print, which carries the responsibility of representing the festival’s visual identity while extending its reach through catalogs, pamphlets, and the design of T-shirts and stickers.
The inspiration for this campaign came in a simple and spontaneous way: walking through the streets of Paris, observing everyday life in the great City of Lights through the eyes of a young international.
That said, enough spoilers—hold tight. Soon you’ll be introduced to the new face of ÉCU.
This month our office is getting more and more crowded. HR welcomes new interns ready to make their mark: the new and highly sought-after position of Web Manager has finally been assigned to Anastasia Soulele, coming from Greece, whose task will be to handle the website by refining the layout and design and organizing its sections. Valentina will no longer be alone, as she will be joined by Katharina Lieb from Germany in the HR role, bringing a new perspective to the upcoming interviews. After sadly saying goodbye to the Event Manager and Social Media departments, the positions won’t be left to gather dust for long, as they will soon be joined by Penelope Green and Spyros Zoukas respectively.
Now enough talk—we’ll see you at the Launch Party! 🎉
Book Film Club:
This month as well, we’ve gathered some film recommendations for you straight from our Letterboxd accounts. The selection was tough and the debates were many—after all, nothing beats a heated discussion between cinephiles.
Here are the chosen ones! 🎬
Città di pianura (2025) by Francesco Sossai
It is a 2025 drama road movie co-written and directed by Francesco Sossai.The film had its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 21 May 2025. It tells the intriguing story of two stormy fifty-year-olds meeting Giulio one night, a shy architecture student, whose way of seeing the world and love will change as the trio wanders from one bar to another in Veneto. It’s a film that plays with time, almost erasing it—a journey toward carefree moments just around the corner, one bar after another—ending with an inexplicable sense of nostalgia.
Predator (2025) by Javier Fesser
Winner of ÉCU Best European Independent Dramatic Short 2025, Predator follows two friends traveling through a lonely place when their car suffers a tragic breakdown. From such a brief premise, no one quite knows what to expect—certainly nothing like what Javier had in mind. Be ready for anything and enjoy the warm, chaotic atmosphere of this short film. Now available on YouTube.
Querida (2025) by Santiago Sierra Soler
A love letter to Mexico City, Best Student Film From The Americas’ 2025. In the heart of the city, at the legendary Barba Azul Bar, a shy office worker, grappling with a sexual identity crisis, dreams of love and adventure. Lost and uncertain, he seeks guidance from a mysterious tarot card reader, who sets him on a journey of self-acceptance and courage. This movie, with its bright and neon colors, is a deeply emotional and visually vibrant film that explores identity, self-discovery, and the transformative power of confidence. You can watch it on the official website here !
Witches (2024) by Elizabeth Sankey
Due to the lunar eclipse and the first blood full moon of spring—known as the Worm Moon 🌔— we recommend that all women watch Witches, in which Elizabeth delves into the portrayal of witches in cinema, using her own personal experiences with motherhood and mental health as a powerful lens. Drawing on an extensive archive of film clips from classics like The Wizard of Oz and Suspiria, she explores how cultural representations of witches reflect deeper societal views on women, motherhood, and mental illness.
What about you cinephiles ? Any good recommendations for us?
Tell us in the comments below and stay updated to not miss anything !
ÉCU 2026 Partners:
Zs2 Media Group is a Paris-based film & TV production company that meets your video-related needs.
Le concept O’CD repose sur des valeurs de partage, d’humilité et d’ouverture : tous les styles de musique, de films et de jeux vidéo sont présents chez O’CD, sans distinction, pour plaire autant aux experts qu’aux néophytes. Chacun est libre d’avoir son goût propre voire d’en changer si cela lui chante.
I am a filmmaker and film directing coach from Vancouver, Canada. I have worked in the Film and Television Industry for over 45 years – as a Film Director, Television Producer, First Assistant Director and TV Series Creative Consultant.
The mission of Access Film Music is to connect Music–makers with Film–makers.
Au cœur du XVe arrondissement, accessible 7/7 jours et 24/24H, Tigre Productions met à votre disposition un important parc de matériel de tournage et de post-production.
Legend Cinema is the no. 1 and the first International Standard Cinema in Cambodia, created and operated by Khmer since 2011. Our rapid growth and expansion from 1 to 13 cinema locations in the past 12 years across the country, has shown our strength in delivery and influence in the film and entertainment industry.
Agence française pour la promotion de l’enseignement supérieur, l’accueil et la mobilité internationale
A companion for the curious, the chaotic, the human photographer, the Lomo MC-A is a reminder that everybody is equal before the lens – and behind it.
Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts Cambodia
Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts is a government ministry that supports the arts and culture in Cambodia. The ministry oversees 25 provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts.
Offering a prime city center location, the Park Inn by Radisson Kigali is the premier hotel choice in Rwanda’s capital city.
LaCinetek is a VOD (video on demand) website dedicated to the greatest films of the 20th century.
Intellect is a fiercely independent academic publisher for scholars and practitioners teaching and researching in the arts, media and creative industries.
Impactful storytelling inspires and elevates
Tap into decades of award-winning global agency and brand experience. Combined with agile, forward-thinking, startup sensibilities. Delivering insightful world-class work at every level to activate your audiences.
Rwanda Media Project is a training program for Rwandan filmmakers and media enthusiasts.
English
Leave a Reply