ÉCU - The European Independent Film Festival Info Brochure 2020

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-
makers’ 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
audi- ences who actively seek alternatives to commercial-hungry major studio projects.

WHAT WE OFFER

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
extends far beyond our annual three day festival in Paris, France.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR COMPANY

Our partners will be associated with one of Europe’s most cutting-edge and important cultural
events. Also, ÉCU has the manpower and know-how to expose your brand to the world in an original
manner, crossing language barriers and impacting a large worldwide audience.

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

FWasht aFatchtsa: ppened:

* 5-7 April, 2019 * 2 Cinemas: * ÉCU-on-the-Road traveled to
Les 7 Parnassiens 12 countries
* 966 films submitted Le Lincoln
(from 98 countries) * 75% of seats occupied
* 25 Awards in 14 categories
* 79 Officially selected
films in competition * 40% Social media footprint growth * 3000 Attendees
from 30 countries

ÉCU 2020

ÉCU was built on the dream of recognizing and spotlighting the phenomenal independent filmmaking
talent that is found not just from one country, but throughout the world. This overwhelming need to cap-
tivate 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, produc- tion public much more than a full program of quality
company representatives, distributors, buyers, 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
innovation within the independent film industry. This level of excellence has helped to
create a well-respected film festival whose focus is to discover fresh and cutting-edge film-
making 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% European Dramatic Short Film (14.3%)
Student Film (16.7%)
14.3% Experimental Film (12.3%)
European Documentary (8.5%)
10.3% European Dramatic Feature (5.5%)
Non-European Dramatic Short (13.1%)
12.3% Non-European Dramatic Feature (10.3%)
Non-European Documentary (8.4%)
8.4% European Music Video (5.2%)
Animated Film (2.3%)
European Comedy (1.7%)
Arab Special Selection (1.8%)

5.2%

3% 2%
2%

Europe (53%) 15%
North America (25%)
Asia (15%) 53%
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-
erated video material, and most importantly,
all festival information. The popularity of the
website increases at an impressive rate with
each successful year that passes.

In 2006, during the website’s humble begin- 20000

nings, there were an average of 1,420 visits per 10000
month.

In 2019, there were around 50,000 website 0 Oct.
visits per month. 2018
Nov.
2018
Dec.
2018
Jan.
2019
Feb.
2019
Mar.
2019

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is a fast-moving and ever-changing phenomenon. ÉCU’s virtual community has seen
extraordinary 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.

Female 52% 0.6% 12% 21.6% 9% 4% 3%
Male 48%
13-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+

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 consum-
er and trade media groups as well as freelance journalists and bloggers. This expands the festival’s
audience base and makes the festival and its partners more widely known. All media groups are pro-
vided 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 interviews
with directors to the latest filmmaking technology, the blog provides entertaining and necessary infor-
mation 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 con-
tent 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 profes- sionals 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 Paris.
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 recogni-
tion 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 visibility, we can stimulate growth and broaden our audience base.

FORLÌ24ORE.IT AFFICHE.COM EDB

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.

In Brief : * 550,000 Mainstream Media Reach
* 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
institutions and film schools. By expanding our filmmakers’ reach, ÉCU
is able to maintain and solidify its reputation as a “filmmaker’s festi-
val”. The road series gives us the ability to change lives, forge relation-
ships, further artistic expression, and most importantly, encourage a
new generation of filmmaking and film-goers 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
professionals.

ÉCU SCHOOL PROGRAMS

ÉCU is compelled to encourage young European filmmaking talent by providing:
STUDENT FILM CATEGORY
A category that spotlights young filmmaking talent
and allows students’ 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 audience members from neighbouring areas. Stu-
dents are able to participate in film viewings, meet
directors and attend professional filmmaking work-
shops. Several hundred students attend every year.
SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
ÉCU holds presentations at school locations, like the
LISAA - School of Art & Design and the American Uni-
versity of Paris, discussing 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 Cabriolet Film Festival Vault Film Festival Aegean International Film
Festival 7 - 9 June, 2019 28 January - 5 March , 2017 Festival
28 June - 1st July, 2018 8 - 10 June, 2018 25 - 30 July, 2017
9 - 11 June, 2017 Papaya Rocks Film Festival 21 - 27 July, 2016
INDIA 3 - 5 June, 2016 28 February, 2019
Mumbai Screening with ÉCU-in-Athens
Alliance Française NDU International Aesthetica Film Festival 30 August - 1 September,
31 July, 2018 Film Festival 7 - 11 November, 2018 2017
6 - 11 November, 2016 8 - 12 November, 2017
SPAIN 15 - 22 November, 2015 3 - 6 November, 2016 RUSSIA
Craft Film Nights Russian Indie Film Festival
27 July, 2017 PORTUGAL UNITED STATES 6 - 7 October, 2018
ÉCU-in-Viseu Naperville Independent
Evolution! Mallorca 13 - 14 July, 2018 Film Festival BULGARIA
International Film Festival 7 - 9 June, 2017 23 - 30 September, 2017 So Independent Film Festival
3 - 12 November, 2016 13 - 15 November, 2015 19 - 23 September 2016 26 October - 7 November,
2018
FRANCE Avanca Film Festival TURKEY
Cannes Film Festival 25 - 29 July, 2018 ÉCU-in-Istanbul
11 - 18 May, 2018 24 December, 2018
21 - 27 May, 2017

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, entering 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. During the 8th edition of ÉCU,
it hosted the Arab Special Section films projection. In the 9th, it hosted
ÉCU Firsts, a screening of first-time filmmakers’ work. In the 10th, it
hosted a special screening of ROSEVILLE, a feature film from Bulgar-
ia, followed by a workshop with the director, Martin Makariev. In the
12th and following editions, it hosted a discussion panel #SheShoots -
Female Filmmakers in Conversation, which focuses on independent
women filmmakers and their work.

Films and Filmmakers

“I wanted to say how wonderful it is that 'Sydney'
won Best Dramatic Short. We are all absolutely
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 fan-
tastic. 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
PERFECT PRESENT! I had so many valuable encounters,
the atmosphere 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 hospitality and the professional and so friendly
work of the Festival 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-European 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 fantas-
tic festival 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, DIRECTOR AND
AND PRODUCER PRODUCER WRITER AND SCREENWRITER
PRODUCER

Benjamin Diouris Martijn Winker Korinna Herzig Scott Hillier

SCREENWRITER WRITER AND FILMMAKER DIRECTOR,
AND DIRECTOR DIRECTOR CINEMATOGRAPHER,

SCREENWRITER

Gareth Jones Giada Ghiringhelli Samantha Collins Jonathan Mandel

EXECUTIVE FILMMAKER AND SCREENWRITER DIRECTOR
PRODUCER VIDEO EDITOR

Mark Perez Oscar Spierenburg Antoine Vareille Paul Anderson

EXECUTIVE PAINTER AND FILM EDITOR JOURNALIST
PRODUCER AND 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 con- cepts that would never be
tried outside of independent filmmaking and these are the things that I keep expe-
riencing here every year and that is what sparks me about it - such unusual proj-
ects.”

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 delib-
erate 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 filmmakers gain unprece-
dented 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 whether
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 BE-
COMING 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 MARKET-
ING GOALS AND NEEDS.

ÉCU IS HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AND PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION
REGARDING 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

SCOTT HILLIER GIEDRE BUMBULYTE

PRESIDENT AND FESTIVAL
FOUNDER MANAGER
giedre@ecufilmfestival.com
scott@ecufilmfestival.com +33 (0)6 18 59 55 84
+33 (0)6 14 56 59 45

108, Rue Damremont
75018 Paris
FRANCE

www.ecufilmfestival.com
Gneral information: [email protected]

Partnership: [email protected]
Press: press@ecufilmfestival

STAY COOL
STAY INDIE

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