ÉCU - The European Independent Film Festival sponsorship brochure

OUR MISSION

ÉCU is dedicated to the discovery, projection and promotion of the very best independent films from
around the world.

WHO ARE WE

ÉCU has firmly established itself on the global film festival circuit and prides itself on being a film- mak-
ers’ festival. We are a community that fosters innovation, creativity and the great desire to further the
careers and artistic paths of our bold and visionary directors. Our festival provides the perfect arena for
these independent filmmakers to express authentic and compelling cinematic storytelling to audiences
who actively seek alternatives to commercial-hungry major studio projects.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR COMPANY

ÉCU creates mutually beneficial partnerships and helps bring worldwide exposure to your company
and its brand. This is accomplished through a unique 12 month visual branding experience which ex-
tends far beyond our annual three day festival in Paris, France.

HOW DO WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN

In addition to hosting a well attended and heavily publicized world class film festival, ÉCU also goes
on a 12 month global tour called ÉCU-on-the-Road. During this time, ÉCU uses a mix of classical and
new, ever-evolving promotional marketing techniques:

Your company’s name and logo will appear on all promotional material.
Your company’s name and logo will appear on screen during all screenings throughout the global
tour.
Your company’s name and logo will appear on all social media campaigns with each country toured.

ÉCU creates customized web commercials and other video content (up to one per month) produced by
the most creative independent filmmakers in the world.
Use ÉCU’s impressive talent resources to help propel your company’s marketing campaign forward.

ÉCU 2019

What happened:

* 5-7 April, 2019

* 966 films submitted * 2 Cinemas: * ÉCU-on-the-Road traveled to
(from 98 countries) Les 7 Parnassiens 12 countries
Le Lincoln
* 79 Officially selected * 75% of seats occupied
films in competition * 25 Awards in 14 categories
from 30 countries * 3000 Attendees
* 40% Social media footprint growth

ÉCU 2020

ÉCU was built on the dream of recognizing and spotlighting the phenomenal independent filmmaking tal-
ent that is found not just from one country, but throughout the world. This overwhelming need to captivate
audiences pushes us forward and ÉCU 2020 is no exception. The 15th edition of the festival will yet again
showcase the cinematic excellence that comes our way.

What to expect:

24-26 April, 2020
2 Cinemas: Cinéma Les 7 Parnassiens et le Cinéma Le Lincoln
Around 100 of the best independent films from around the world
3 Professional Workshops
4 Networking Events/Parties
ÉCU-on-the-Road: 12 Month Publicity/Screening Tour

“At last Europe has an answer to Sundance.”

Alan Arrivée, Director of SILENT RADIO, THE ORIGINAL IQ TESTER and ÉCU Jury Member
2009-2014, 2016-2017

ÉCU AUDIENCE

FILMMAKERS

At ÉCU 2019, about 50% of the directors competing in the Official Selection were in attendance. These
filmmakers were not solely from France or other neighbouring European countries. Some travelled all
the way from places like Canada, the United States, Australia and the United Arab Emirates to attend
our event. Professional filmmaking workshops were made available in a number of topics, as were
Q&As, where directors had the opportunity to discuss their work and interact directly with their audi-
ence. Throughout the festival filmmakers were seen collaborating, discussing independent cinema, or
even exchanging ideas with fellow directors and other industry professionals - all in an open and unin-
hibited atmosphere. Interaction and networking with industry professionals is vital in the independent
industry.

INDUSTRY CINEMA-LOVING
PROFESSIONALS PUBLIC

ÉCU’s reputation has grown significantly over the ÉCU is a festival that offers the cinema-loving
past 15 years. Based on this prestige, production public much more than a full program of quali-
company representatives, distributors, buyers, ty and riveting independent films. Every year, the
established producers, and other industry profes- festival provides a unique, inspiring and interac-
sionals come to our inspiring three day event to tive experience that all attendees are encouraged
find raw talent and new projects. to partake in. Whether it is workshops taught by
However, there are also others who look forward industry professionals, in-depth discussions with
to attending the event and seeing the incredible “Official Selection” directors in the Q&As that
films that we screen. follow every screening session or other various
events - there is something for everyone to enjoy.

ÉCU’s “Official Selection” films are original and represent the best quality, creativity and innova-
tion within the independent film industry. This level of excellence has helped to create a well-re-
spected film festival whose focus is to discover fresh and cutting-edge filmmaking talent. This
dedicated search goes beyond Europe: it is a global hunt for those that foster the ÉCU mission.

ÉCU 2019 had a total of 966 films submitted from 98 countries. 79 films qualified for the 2019
“Official Selection” and represented 30 countries. Films competed for 25 awards, including the
festival’s most prestigious award: “Best European Independent Film”.

16.7% 1.8% 2.3% 1.7%
13.1%
8.5%

5.5%

14.3% European Dramatic Short Film (14.3%)
Student Film (16.7%)
10.3% Experimental Film (12.3%)
European Documentary (8.5%)
12.3% European Dramatic Feature (5.5%)
Non-European Dramatic Short (13.1%)
8.4% 5.2% Non-European Dramatic Feature (10.3%)
Non-European Documentary (8.4%)
European Music Video (5.2%)
Animated Film (2.3%)
European Comedy (1.7%)
Arab Special Selection (1.8%)

3% 2%
2%

15%

Europe (53%) 53%
North America (25%)
Asia (15%)
South America (2%)
Australia, Oceania (3%)

25%

MARKETING AND
COMMUNICATIONS

ÉCU WEBSITE

The ÉCU website, www.ecufilmfestival.com, 60000 Total visits to the ÉCU website (6
is an essential resource for independent film- 50000 months leading up to the festival: Oct.
makers, their audiences and the general public. 40000
The website provides daily updates, articles, 30000 2018-Mar. 2019)
clips from recently submitted films, ÉCU-gen- 20000
erated video material, and most importantly, 10000 Oct.
all festival information. The popularity of the 2018
website increases at an impressive rate with 0 Nov.
each successful year that passes. 2018
Dec.
In 2006, during the website’s humble begin- 2018
nings, there were an average of 1,420 visits Jan.
per month. 2019
Feb.
In 2019, there were around 50,000 website 2019
visits per month. Mar.
2019

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is a fast-moving and ever-changing phenomenon. ÉCU’s virtual community has seen ex-
traordinary growth with our website’s increasing popularity and the festival has become a cultural event
that independent filmmakers cannot miss. ÉCU disseminates its mission and activities across a vast array
of platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Vimeo and other notable sites. In the
last year alone, ÉCU’s YouTube views have more than doubled and all other social media channels show
equally promising rates of growth.
 

  0.6% 12% 21.6% 9% 4% 3%

Female 52% 13-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+

Male 4  8% 0.3% 8% 20.5% 12% 5% 4%

 Facebook likes by age and Gender

PUBLICITY

Leading up to the festival, ÉCU distributes press releases to all of the major media organizations
throughout the world via the festival’s publicists. Tailored media proposals are presented to consumer
and trade media groups as well as freelance journalists and bloggers. This expands the festival’s audi-
ence base and makes the festival and its partners more widely known. All media groups are provided
with electronic press kits, which include festival information, promotional trailers, image galleries and
statistics.

ENGAGING
COMMUNICATIONS

Day-to-day communications play a vital role in ÉCU’s online marketing strategy. The festival strives
to provide interesting, thought-provoking and engaging content on a daily basis. Throughout the year,
the ÉCU blog and its other social media networks feature articles on a variety of topics. From inter-
views with directors to the latest filmmaking technology, the blog provides entertaining and necessary
information for filmmakers and the festival’s audience. Amusing and non-film related content, such
as ÉCU’s very own guide to Paris, are also made available. Monthly newsletters highlighting the best
content from the festival’s blog are sent out via our e-mail database, which consists of more than
50,000 contacts, including filmmakers, film students, film industry professionals and others.

ÉCU 2019
LAUNCH PARTY

The 2019 ÉCU Lauch Party was held two weeks prior to the festival, at La Pomme d’Eve club in Par-
is. This was an opportunity for directors to network, promote their work and make their artistic voice
known to media representatives in an informal setting. The event also offered a lively ambiance for all
other participants, whether it be through discussion, networking, or just pure enjoyment. Social media
material was buzzing throughout the night and feedback from attendees was extremely positive.
 

MEDIA COVERage

ÉCU - The European Independent Film Festival has become a dynamic brand with instant recognition
throughout the independent filmmaking industry. ÉCU maintains a strong online presence through the
website, blog, newsletter and other social media campaigns. With help from publicity partners such as:
Film Industry Network, The New Current, AngloInfo and a number of other media companies, ÉCU is
now reaching hundres of thousands of people every month.

The festival’s publicity scope has widened significantly to reach audience members on a global scale.
As previously mentioned, ÉCU also provides tailored proposals to consumer and trade media, as well as
freelance journalists and bloggers. Each is given an electronic press kit, which includes a vetted copy,
festival information, promotional trailers, image galleries and statistics. In expanding the festival’s visi-
bility, we can stimulate growth and broaden our audience base.

  AFFICHE.COM EBD

FORLÌ24ORE.IT

THE NEW CURRENT CENTRE DE RUSSIE POUR
LA SCIENCE ET LA CULTURE À PARIS

Media Coverage (continued)

ÉCU’s international partners are constantly translating articles that we have published. They are then sent
out to their own databases that reach over 500,000 contacts each month.

I  n brief: * 550,000 Mainstream Media Reach Partners
* 1,000,000 ÉCU & Partners Monthly Social Media Reach
* 42 global media partners * 1,461,421 Facebook Reach
 
* 28 International Film Festival Partners

SOME OF ÉCU’S MEDIA PARTNERS

éCU-ON-THE-ROAD

The ÉCU-on-the-Road tour gives filmmakers an invaluable opportunity
to promote and screen their films not only at the ÉCU festival in Paris,
but to a larger and more diverse international audience, as well. Last
year, ÉCU showcased its award-winning films in 8 countries around the
world at a range of events, including special mini-festivals, cultural in-
stitutions and film schools. By expanding our filmmakers’ reach, ÉCU is
able to maintain and solidify its reputation as a “filmmaker’s festival”.
The road series gives us the ability to change lives, forge relationships,
further artistic expression, and most importantly, encourage a new gen-
eration of filmmaking and filmgoers around the globe.

In January 2015 ÉCU travelled to Saõ Paulo, Brazil in association with
Caixa Cultural. 25 films, selected from among winners of the last eight
years of the festival, were screened at Caixa Belas Artes, one of the main
supporters of culture in Brazil. In addition to film screenings, attendees
had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with our own festival
president, Scott Hillier. In September, 20 winners of ÉCU 2016 were
screened at the Naperville Independent Film Festival in the US. In May
2019, ÉCU attends the Cannes Film Festival, where we launch our 2020
call for submissions and networked with filmmakers and industry pro-
fessionals.

ÉCU is compelled to encourage young European filmmaking talent by providing:

STUDENT FILM CATEGORY
A category that spotlights young filmmaking talent and allows stu-
dents’ work to be showcased.

PARTNERSHIPS
The festival partners with a number of other festivals whose aim is
to promote students and their films.

SCHOOL GROUPS
In partnering with travel agencies, ÉCU is able to draw young au-
dience members from neighbouring areas. Students are able to par-
ticipate in film viewings, meet directors and attend professional
filmmaking workshops. Several hundred students attend every year.

SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
ÉCU holds presentations at school locations, like the LISAA -
School of Art & Design and the American University of Paris, dis-
cussing the festival and its work. Screenings of student films are
also held, followed by Q&As.

éCU-ON-THE-ROAD

WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?

JAPAN LEBANON UNITED KINGDOM GREECE

Mt. Fuji-Atami Film Festival Cabriolet Film Festival Vault Film Festival Aegean International Film
28 January - 5 March , 2017 Festival
28 June - 1st July, 2018 7 - 9 June, 2019 25 - 30 July, 2017
Papaya Rocks Film Festival 21 - 27 July, 2016
8 - 10 June, 2018 28 February, 2019
ÉCU-in-Athens
INDIA 9 - 11 June, 2017 Aesthetica Film Festival 30 August - 1 September,
7 - 11 November, 2018 2017
Mumbai Screening with Alli- 3 - 5 June, 2016 8 - 12 November, 2017
3 - 6 November, 2016 RUSSIA
ance Française NDU International
UNITED STATES Russian Indie Film Festival
31 July, 2018 Film Festival 6 - 7 October, 2018
Naperville Independent Film
SPAIN 6 - 11 November, 2016 Festival BULGARIA
15 - 22 November, 2015 23 - 30 September, 2017
Craft Film Nights 19 - 23 September 2016 So Independent Film Festival
26 October - 7 November,
27 July, 2017 PORTUGAL TURKEY 2018

Evolution! Mallorca Interna- ÉCU-in-Viseu ÉCU-in-Istanbul
13 - 14 July, 2018 24 December, 2018
tional Film Festival
7 - 9 June, 2017
3 - 12 November, 2016
13 - 15 November, 2015

FRANCE Avanca Film Festival
25 - 29 July, 2018
Cannes Film Festival
11 - 18 May, 2018
21 - 27 May, 2017

SPONSORSHIP
PACKAGES

By sponsoring ÉCU 2020, companies will have the ability to:

* Enhance brand image ÉCU - THE EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT
* Gain visibility as a “good community citizen” company FILM FESTIVAL OFFERS A RANGE OF
* Integrate within our cultural and industrial communities SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITES.
* Receive strategic marketing exposure and awareness
* Potentially boost sales
* Showcase/sample company products/services

ÉCU 2020 PLATINUM PARTNER: EUR 75,000

The festival will be promoted as “ÉCU - The Eu- Three award categories named after YOUR
ropean Independent Film Festival 2020 brought COMPANY (e.g., “Best European Independent
to you by YOUR COMPANY’s NAME.” Feature Film sponsored by YOUR COMPA-
NY’s NAME”). YOUR COMPANY’s products
Distribution of a global press release. will be the prize for all three awards.

Dedicated space in our ÉCU monthly newslet- A one 30-second commercial will be played
ter announcing our partnership. YOUR COM- five times per day on the main theatre’s screen
PANY will retain that dedicated space for the with YOUR COMPANY’s NAME.
rest of the promotional year.
YOUR COMPANY’s logo will be projected on
Continued promotion of our partnership for the the main theatre during breaks eight times per
entire year in all print material, as well as on day.
the ÉCU website, Twitter, Facebook and all our
other social media networks to create an imme- YOUR COMPANY’s logo will appear on all
diate “buzz” within the film and arts industry. printed festival communications material, in-
cluding invitations, brochures and badges.
Reserved space will be provided for YOUR
COMPANY’s products/services at the festi- YOUR COMPANY will be mentioned in all
val’s venue in Paris, France. press interviews and press releases as our “Plat-
inum Partner”.
A one hour demonstration workshop of YOUR
COMPANY’s products/services during the fes- Twenty DVD copies of the “ÉCU 2020 Behind-
tival. the-Scenes” documentary film.

YOUR COMPANY’s representative on stage Fifty VIP invitations to the ÉCU 2020 Festival
as official sponsor during our opening and clos- for YOUR COMPANY.
ing ceremonies.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES (CONTINUED)

IN ADDITION, our Platinum Partner will PLUS, the year-round promotion through
also have naming rights of the following ÉCU’s
events: many global events:

Opening Press Conference and Cocktail YOUR COMPANY will be included in our
Party presented by YOUR COMPANY’s 12 month ÉCU-on-the-Road tour. Following
NAME. our main festival in paris, the festival’s award
winning films will be taken on a global tour
Awards Ceremony and After Party presented and screened in at least ten countries. This is
by YOUR COMPANY’s NAME. a strong and visible branding opportunity that
creates awareness and encourages integration
within the cultural and industrial communities.

ÉCU 2020 SILVER PARTNER: EUR 50,000

YOUR COMPANY’s logo will appear on all fes- YOUR COMPANY’s representative on stage as
tival communications and advertising material. official sponsor during our closing ceremony.

A one 30-second commercial will be played three Ten DVD copies of the “ÉCU 2020 Behind-the-
times per day on the main theatre’s screen with Scenes” documentary film.
YOUR COMPANY’s NAME and logo.
Thirty VIP invitations to the ÉCU 2020 Festival
YOUR COMPANY’s logo will be projected on for YOUR COMPANY.
the main theatre during breaks two times per day.
YOUR COMPANY will be included in our 12
YOUR COMPANY will be mentioned in all month ÉCU-on-the-Road tour. Following our
press interviews and press releases as our “Silver main festival in paris, the festival’s award win-
Partner”. ning films will be taken on a global tour and
screened in at least ten countries. This is a strong
A one hour demonstration of YOUR COMPA- and visible branding opportunity that creates
NY’s products/services during the festival. awareness and encourages integration within the
cultural and industrial communities.
Two award categories named after YOUR COM-
PANY (e.g., “Best European Independent Fea-
ture Film sponsored by YOUR COMPANY’s
NAME”). YOUR COMPANY’s products will be
the prize for both awards.

SPONSORSHIPS PACKAGES (CONTINUED)

ÉCU 2020 PARTNER: EUR 15,000

YOUR COMPANY’s logo will appear on all fes- YOUR COMPANY will be included in our 12
tival communications and advertising material. month ÉCU-on-the-Road tour. Following our
main festival in paris, the festival’s award win-
YOUR COMPANY’s logo will be projected on ning films will be taken on a global tour and
the main theatre during breaks two times per day. screened in at least ten countries. This is a strong
and visible branding opportunity that creates
YOUR COMPANY’s logo will be on the festi- awareness and encourages integration withint he
val’s invitations, programmes and posters. cultural and industrial communities.

A half hour demonstration of YOUR COMPA- One award category named after YOUR COM-
NY’s products/services during the festival. PANY (e.g., “Best European Independent Fea-
ture Film sponsored by YOUR COMPANY’s
NAME”). YOUR COMPANY’s products will be
the prize for the award.

Five DVD copies of the “ÉCU 2020 Behind-the-
Scenes” documentary film.

Twenty VIP invitations to the ÉCU 2020 Festival
for YOUR COMPANY.

ÉCU 2020 PARTNER: EUR 3,000-5,000

YOUR COMPANY’s logo will appear on the ÉCU YOUR COMPANY’s logo and product will
website, newsletter and all social media networks be included in our ÉCU “Faces of the Festival
for the promotional year. 2020” video.

YOUR COMPANY’s logo will be on the festival’s YOUR COMPANY’s logo and product will be
invitations, programmes and posters. included in all ÉCU-on-the-Road promotional
videos, which are screened at more than 55 part-
YOUR COMPANY’s products/services will be ner festivals around the world.
displayed during the festival in Paris, as well as at
our ÉCU-on-the-Road events. YOUR COMPANY’s commercial will be
screened five times per day in the heavy-traffic
One award category named after YOUR COM- foyer area of the main cinema during the festival
PANY (e.g., “Best European Independent Fea- weekend.
ture Film sponsored by YOUR COMPANY’s
NAME”). YOUR COMPANY’s products will be
the prize for the award.

Five VIP invitations to the ÉCU 2020 Festival for
YOUR COMPANY.

History of Venues 2006-2019

BIBLIOTHÈQUE NATIONALE FRANÇOIS
MITTERRAND (BNF)

BNF is a grand library globally known for its innovative design. The
prestigious building consists of a large esplanade and four identical
L-shaped towers, which were purposefully created to resemble the
shape of an open book.

CINÉMA LE GRAND ACTION
Le Grand Action has celebrated independent films since its opening
in the 1970s. This cinema has two auditoriums: “the Salle Henri Lan-
glois”and “the Salle Henri Ginet.”

THÉÂTRE LE TRIOMPHE
The independent Théâtre le Triomphe is situated in the heart of the
Latin Quarter. With its red velvet seats and curtained screen, enter-
ing this gem of a venue is like stepping back into the golden age of

French cinema.

L’ACTION CHRISTINE
L’Action Christine is popularly known for specializing in old American
films and other small works, all of which are shown in their original
language. This cinema also runs a film club for moviegoers to enjoy.
The charming theatre has been used for two editions of the ÉCU Film
Festival.

LES 7 PARNASSIENS
Les 7 Parnassiens was the first cinema in Montparnasse to show films

in their original language. Les 7 Parnassiens has hosted the festival
for the last nine festival editions.

CINÉMA LE LINCOLN
Le Lincoln, based 20 meters from the fabulous Champs Elysées, is one
of the most important cinemas in Paris.

Films and Filmmakers

“I wanted to say how wonderful it is that ‘Syd-
ney’ won Best Dramatic Short. We are all abso-
lutely delighted [...] Independent film making is
hard work. Being accepted to be screened at a
festival and being considered for some kind of
merit for the work, let alone winning something,
is just fantastic. Really. Just amazing.
So just a massive thank you to all for your
kindess. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

- Paul Wyett, writer and director, SYDNEY,
winner of Best European Independent Dramatic
Short 2019.

“I was over the moon to hear about our film wining the Best Editing award on Sunday! I am so gutted I
wasn’t able to attend the festival this weekend and meet everyone in person.
Thank you ever so much for being so kind and generous with recognising and allowing our film to take
part in your festival and also - beyond anything! - awarding it. Gary our editor is a phenomenal editor and
he worked on the film for no money, so this award really means a lot to both him and to me as it’s a way of
me giving him something back for all the fantastic work he did. I never really win anything, so this kind of
recognition is all sorts of invaluable for my work. I really hope to screen with you guys again in the future.
All my very best and thank you again.”

- Savvas Stavrou, director, SUBMISSION, winner of Best Editing Award at ÉCU 2019.

BEST EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT FILM 2019 - PIGGY (Spain)
BEST EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DRAMATIC SHORT - SYDNEY (UK)
BEST EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DRAMATIC FEATURE - RWANDA (Italy)
BEST EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY - THE QUIET REBEL (France)
BEST NON-EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DRAMATIC SHORT - THE MOUSE (Israel)
BEST NON-EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DRAMATIC FEATURE - IN GOD I TRUST (USA)
BEST NON-EUROPEAN INDEPENDET DOCUMENTARY - WOMEN OF THE GULAG (USA)

BEST DIRECTOR - PIG HEART (Germany)

“Thank you so much for having us and showing our film PER-
FECT PRESENT! I had so many valuable encounters, the at-
mosphere was great and the viewing was also very good- a
good reception of the film, nice Q&A. Thanks again, you are
great people!”

- Martijn Hullegie, director, PERFECT PRESENT

“Thank you so much for the great opportunity to take part at
the 14th ÉCU Independent film festival, we had such a good
time, learned a lot and enjoyed the workshops, event and most
of all the amazing movies. We are thankful for your great hos-
pitality and the professional and so friendly work of the Fes-
tival staff.
The cast crew of THE MOUSE, our friend and colleagues,
were happy as us about winning Best Non-European Short
Drama.”

- Liat Akta, director, THE MOUSE, winner of Best Non-Eu-
ropean Independent Dramatic Short 2019.

“Sadly we didn’t win, but we where competing against the best
independent films in the world so it was an honour just to be
here.
Won some great friends, and the three of us had a fantastic fes-
tival experience.
Thank you for your support!”

- Rolv Lyssand Bjørø, director, ANOTHER WORLD, ÉCU
2019 Official Selection

“WOW! Everything is so well organized and at the same
time so full of energy, enthusiasm and desire to shout to
the world how independent cinema is important.
ÉCU is really one of the best Independent Film Festival
in the world! Being here is a great honor for us. Thank
you guys! You make independent movies shine!”

- Marco Cortesi, Actor in RWANDA, winner of Best
European Independent Feature Film 2019.

JURY

Sam Kadi Fabian Marquez Vesna De Vinca Suz Sainty
DIRECTOR, WRITER WRITER AND TV JOURNALIST, WRITER DIRECTOR AND
PRODUCER SCREENWRITER
AND PRODUCER AND PRODUCER

Benjamin Diouris Martijn Winker Korinna Herzig Scott Hillier
SCREENWRITER AND WRITER AND FILMMAKER DIRECTOR,
CINEMATOGRAPHER,
DIRECTOR DIRECTOR SCREENWRITER

Gareth Jones Giada Ghiringhelli Samantha Collins Jonathan Mandel
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FILMMAKER AND SCREENWRITER DIRECTOR

VIDEO EDITOR

Mark Perez Oscar Spierenburg Antoine Vareille Paul Anderson
EXECUTIVE PAINTER AND EDITOR JOURNALIST
PRODUCER AND FILM DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR

“This is about the opposite spectrum. ÉCU is all about independent work - it is not about making
your film in big studios. These are concepts that would never be tried outside of independent film-
making and these are the things that I keep experiencing here every year and that is what sparks me
about it - such unusual projects.”

Alan Arrivée, director of SILENT RADIO and THE ORIGINAL IQ TESTER and jury member
2009-2014, 2016-2017.

THE #SHESHOOTS DISCUSSION PANEL

In 2019, for the third time in festival’s history, ÉCU proudly hosted #SheShoots, a discussion panel
comprised of the female filmmakers in competition at ÉCU 2019.

For women in the film industry, 2017 was a time of overdue recognition for the inequalities they have
dealt with for years. The magnitude of the sexual harassment and abuse present in the industry was
exposed, and people were forced to confront the problem. The following years have been all about
empowering, rather than silencing women.

ÉCU recognizes the importance of giving women a chance for their voices to be heard, and that is
our primary objective for this panel. Female filmmakers had the chance to share their experiences,
discuss their films, and answer questions from the audience. Attendees were able to ask questions
and contribute to the discussion. At this event, people had the opportunity to learn from each other’s
journey and deliberate on what the next steps could be to promote the success of female filmmakers.

THE EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT FILM CHANNEL

The European Independent Film Festival, Europe’s leading event for independent cinema, lauched
The European Independent Film Channel (EuroIFC) to international audiences in 2013.

The European Independent Film Channel (www.euroifc.com) offers high quality independent films
that push the boundaries of creativity and originality, offering a cinematic experience that is much
more rewarding than found on mainstream video channels. This legal platform allows spectators
from around the world to view thought-provoking and entertaining cinema for free, while filmmak-
ers gain unprecedented exposure to distributors and lovers of independent cinema.

more than 150 indie films over 35 countries represented over 40,000 site views

ARAB SPECIAL SELECTION

In 2013, ÉCU created an award to honour the memory of a talented fimmaker, excellent storyteller
and a good man, Ahmed Khedr, who died in November 2012 at the age of 33.

“Ahmed was a producer/director who worked for 03 Studio in Dubai and I directed a documentary
with him about the Sheik of Dubai for four months in 2011. Ahmed was always pushing hard wheth-
er it be in politics, film or sport. Ahmed hated sameness and anything bland. He strove to do things
differently, do them better, and to be the best. With these mantras in mind, our hope is that this award
will help transmit his philosophy and champion excellence in filmmaking. Too good. Too young. Too
soon.”

- Scott Hillier, Festival President

FACES IN THE SUN, dir. by Farah Shaer, Winner of “Ahmed
Khedr Award for Excellence in Arab Filmmaking” 2019

Further Information

WE WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET AND DISCUSS YOUR COMPANY BECOMING PART
OF OUR FESTIVAL!

THIS BROCHURE IS JUST A GLIMPSE OF ÉCU - THE EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
AND WHAT WE CAN BRING YOU, YOUR COMPANY AND THE GLOBAL WORLD OF FILM AND THE
ARTS.

OUR GOAL IS TO PARTNER WITH CREATIVE AND ENERGIZING COMPANIES. LET US KNOW HOW
A PARTNERSHIP COULD BE BUILT TO MEET YOUR COMPANY’S MARKETING GOALS AND NEEDS.

ÉCU IS HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AND PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION REGARD-
ING ÉCU - THE EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL 2018 AT ANY TIME. THIS MAY INCLUDE
FESTIVAL MATERIALS SUCH AS:

* PRESS KITS (ELECTRONIC AND PAPER)
* DIGITAL COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS FROM PREVIOUS FESTIVALS
* PROGRAMMES, POSTERS AND/OR INVITATIONS

CONTACT INFORMATION GIEDRE BUMBULYTE

SCOTT HILLIER FESTIVAL
MANAGER
PRESIDENT AND [email protected]
FOUNDER +33 (0)6 18 59 55 84

[email protected]
+33 (0)6 14 56 59 45

108, Rue Damremont
75018 Paris
FRANCE

www.ecufilmfestival.com
General information [email protected]

Partnership: [email protected]
Press: press@ecufilmfestival