ÉCU Thanks You for an Unforgettable Festival – See You Soon!

It’s May, and the festival we had all been waiting for has just closed its doors. While there’s a touch of sadness in the air, it is far outweighed by a deep sense of fulfillment, gratitude, and pride in what we experienced together.

The outdoor space of the cinema Les 7 Parnassiens in Montparnasse, Paris, came alive with conversations, laughter, and connection. Filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema lovers gathered to share ideas, spark inspiration, and celebrate the art of storytelling. Over the course of three unforgettable days, we immersed ourselves in outstanding independent films—not only from Europe, but from across the globe—accompanied by great music, drinks, engaging discussion panels such as #SheShoots, interviews, Q&A sessions, and, of course, lively after-parties across Paris.

From compelling documentaries to groundbreaking short films and powerful feature-length narratives, the 2026 selection showcased the richness and resilience of independent cinema. The winning films stood out for their technical excellence, originality, emotional depth, and their ability to challenge perspectives. Don’t miss the official Press Release featuring all the festival winners—you can explore it here!

As ÉCU 2026 comes to a close, our team is now finalizing the last details before shifting focus and recharging for the upcoming AAIFF Americas’, taking place on August 14th–16th in Mexico City at Cinemania.

Behind the scenes, each department continues to build on this momentum:

Our Graphic Design team is already shaping the identity of AAIFF Americas’, working on vibrant, colorful poster concepts that reflect the spirit and diversity of the festival.

The Social Media team did an incredible job documenting the festival through stories, photos, and videos, capturing its energy in real time. Now, they continue to share highlights from the event, reposting the warm and enthusiastic content from our winners, while also looking ahead to the next chapter: AAIFF Americas’.

The Marketing Department is focused on post-festival promotion, sponsor reports, and expanding outreach. They have already begun connecting with American schools and cultural associations to promote the upcoming festival and its significance.

During the festival, our Channel Coordinator team warmly welcomed filmmakers, musicians, guests, and jury members at the welcome desk. Now, they are reaching out to past filmmakers, inviting them to join our EuroIFC channel—a platform dedicated to showcasing the work of directors from previous editions.

In HR, it’s time to say goodbye to many of the interns who contributed their creativity and energy over the past months, often working across multiple festivals. At the same time, we are excited to welcome new team members: Laurène Fournier (HR), Pia Stoffers (Journalism), Stella Houben (Channel Coordinator), Daria Andrea Sumerano and Camille Terrasson Honeysett (Social Media), and Celeste Garofoli and Sarra Hamila (Graphic Design). Their arrival brings fresh perspectives as we move forward.

The Video Production Department is currently working on emotional recap videos capturing the “faces of the festival,” along with new projects for AAIFF Americas and Africa. They are also preparing a countdown video for submissions using clips from previous festival trailers.

Our Event Management team played a crucial role in ensuring everything ran smoothly—from managing screenings and technical checks to preparing French subtitles and coordinating sponsors. Now, they are sending out awards to winners and beginning the selection process for films submitted to AAIFF Americas’.

The Journalism Department has officially concluded its podcast series “Meeting the Official Selection”—you can catch up on all episodes on Spotify and YouTube. During the festival, our journalist Chiara hosted interviews and Q&A sessions with directors, now available on our social channels. This month, the team will launch new podcast episodes featuring ÉCU winners, before turning their focus toward the Americas. New articles are also on the way—don’t miss the latest piece on animation and stop-motion, exploring the differences between North and South America.

Our Sponsorship Manager continues to strengthen relationships with partners, ensuring smooth coordination of awards and maintaining long-term collaborations. Working closely with Events and Graphic Design, they ensure sponsors are seamlessly integrated into the festival’s identity and communication.

Everything we achieved this year would not have been possible without your support, enthusiasm, and presence. Thank you for being part of ÉCU 2026.

And this is only the beginning—AAIFF Americas’ is just around the corner.

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.

See you very soon,

The ÉCU Team 🎬

Book Film Club:

This month, the team has taken the Letterboxd platform even more seriously, curating a list of each member’s favorite films from their own nationality! It’s now ready to be shared with you… hidden gems, underrated titles, and films just waiting to be appreciated by true cinephiles. Don’t miss the upcoming updates here! A new great forgotten film might resurface from memory and be added to the list at any moment. 🎬

And now it’s time for this month’s recommendations:

BUSH (2025) – RONEN ELDAR

Winner of the ÉCU 2026 Best Independent European Music Video award, Bush is a fierce, body-positive music video for Iranian-American artist Dornika. Through bold choreography, stylised visuals, and a defiant pop sound, Bush challenges beauty norms around hair and proudly affirms self-expression. The whole team still can’t get the dance music and the colorful, provocative visuals of the video out of their heads. Don’t miss this feast for the senses on YouTube!

The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026) – DAVID FRANKEL

The comeback of a cult film is finally here, and it was well worth the 20-year wait. The Devil Wears Prada 2 marks a triumphant return, bringing the iconic cultural figures Miranda Priestly, Andy, Nigel, and Emily back to the screen. We never thought this moment would come, but it has and it is sharper, funnier, and more charming than ever. What could be better than watching a film that blends nostalgic memories with a modern twist and just the right amount of humor? So, what are you waiting for?

Les Petits Monstres (2024) – PABLO LERIDON

As a winner of the Best European Independent Comedy at ÉCU 2025, this short film pictures a visually impaired teenager Erwan that can’t wait to get to school to declare his love for Agathe. Unfortunately, he first has to share a medical transport van with David, a wheelchair-bound suck-up, who tries everyday to make friends with Erwan, quite unsuccessfully. When David tries to make sure they never arrive, war is declared. Definitely a must-watch if you’re looking for a good laugh while also gaining insight into a genuinely sensitive topic.

What about you cinephiles ? Any good recommendations for us? 

Tell us in the comments below and stay updated to not miss anything !