Ecu AUDIENCE FILMMAKERS At ECU 2023, 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 on a number of topics, as were Q&As, where directors had the opportunity to discuss their work and interact directly with their audience. Throughout the festival filmmakers were seen col la borating,d iscussi ng i ndependentci nema,oreven exchanging ideas with fel lowd irectors and other industry professionals - all in an open and uninhibited atmosphere. Interaction and networking with industry professionals are vital in the independent industry. INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ECU's reputation has grown significantly over the past 18 years. Based on this prestige, production company representatives, distributors, buyers, established producers, and other industry professionals come to our inspiring three-day event to find raw talent and new projects. However, there are also others who look forward to attending the event and seeing the incredible films that we screen. Cl N EMA-LOVING PUBLIC ECU is a festival that offers the cinema-loving public much more than a full program of quality and riveting independent films. Every year, the festival provides a unique, inspiring and interactiveexperiencethatallattendeesareencouraged to partake in. Whether it is workshops taught by industry professionals, in-depth discussions with "Official Selection" directors in the Q&As that follow every screening session or other various events-there is something for everyone to enjoy.
13.1% ECU's"Official Selection"filmsare original and representthe best quality, creativity and innovation within the independent film industry. This level of excellence has helped to create a well-respectedfilm festival whose focus is to discover fresh and cutting-edgefilmmaking talent. This dedicatedsearch goes beyond Europe: itis a global hunt for those that foster the ECU mission. ECU 2023had a total of 966 films submitted from 98 countries. 79 films qualified for the 2023"Official Selection" and represented 30 countries. Films competed for 25 awards, including the festival's most prestigious award: "Best European Independent Film': 8.4% 1.8% 2.3% 5.2% e Europe (53%) 1.7% O North America (25%) Asia (15%) • South America (2%) • Australia, Oceania (3%) • European Dramatic Short Film (14.3%) 0 Student Film (16.7%) 0 Experimental Film (12.3%) • European Documentary (8.5%) O European Dramatic Feature (5 .5%) O Non-European Dramatic Short (13.1 %) 14.3% • Non-European Dramatic Feature (10.3%) 0 Non-European Documentary (8.4%) 0 European Music Video (5.2%) • Animated Film (2.3%) 0 European Comedy (1.7%) 0 Arab Special Selection (1.8%) 53%
ARKEING AND COMMUNICATIONS ÉCU WEBSITE Mar. Feb. D Jan. ec. Nov. O ct. 0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 60000 The ÉCU website, www.ecu"lmfestival. com, is an essential resource for independent "lmmakers, their audiences and the general public. The website provides daily updates, articles, clips from recently submitted "lms, ÉCU-generated video material, and most importantly, all festival information. The popularity of the website increases at an impressive rate with each successive year that passes. In 2006, during the website’s humble beginnings, there were an average of 1,420 visits per month. In 2022, there were around 50,000 website visits per month. Total visits to the ÉCU website (6 months leading up to the festival: Oct. 2022 - Mar. 2023) 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 WKDWLQGHSHQGHQWÀOPPDNHUVFDQQRWPLVVe&8 GLVVHPLQDWHVLWVPLVVLRQDQGDFWLYLWLHVDFURVVD YDVW DUUD\RISODWIRUPVffl)DFHERRN7ZLWWHU,QVWDJUDP3LQWHUHVW<RX7XEH9LPHRDQGRWKHUQRWDEOHVLWHV,Q WKHODVW\HDUDORQHe&8·V<RX7XEHYLHZVKDYHPRUHWKDQGRXEOHGDQGDOORWKHUVRFLDOPHGLDFKDQQHOV show equally promising rates of growth. 12% 8 % 21.6% 20.5% 0.6% 9% 4% 0.3% 13-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+ 12% 5% 3% 4% Male Female 52% 48% Facebook likes by age and gender PUBLICITY ENGAGING COMMUNICATIONS ÉCU 2023 LAUNCH PARTY 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. 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 "lmmaking technology, the blog provides entertaining and necessary information for "lmmakers and the festival’s audience. Amusing and non-"lm-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 "lmmakers, "lm students, "lm industry professionals and others. The 2023 ÉCU Lauch Party was held two weeks prior to the festival, at Black Sheep Co#ee 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 o#ered a lively ambience 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.
ARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS ÉCU WEBSITE Mar. Feb. D Jan. ec. Nov. O ct. 0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 2018 018 2018 2019 2019 2019 60000 The ÉCU website, www.ecu"lmfestival. com, is an essential resource for independent "lmmakers, their audiences and the general public. The website provides daily updates, articles, clips from recently submitted "lms, ÉCU-generated video material, and most importantly, all festival information. The popularity of the website increases at an impressive rate with each successive year that passes. In 2006, during the website’s humble beginnings, there were an average of 1,420 visits per month. In 2022, there were around 50,000 website visits per month. Total visits to the ÉCU website (6 months leading up to the festival: Oct. 2022 - Mar. 2023) 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 WKDWLQGHSHQGHQWÀOPPDNHUVFDQQRWPLVVe&8 GLVVHPLQDWHVLWVPLVVLRQDQGDFWLYLWLHVDFURVVD YDVW DUUD\RISODWIRUPV)DFHERRN7ZLWWHU,QVWDJUDP3LQWHUHVW<RX7XEH9LPHRDQGRWKHUQRWDEOHVLWHV,Q WKHODVW\HDUDORQHe&8·V<RX7XEHYLHZVKDYHPRUHWKDQGRXEOHGDQGDOORWKHUVRFLDOPHGLDFKDQQHOV show equally promising rates of growth. 12% 8 % 21.6% 20.5% 0.6% 9% 4% 0.3% 13-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+ 12% 5% 3% 4% Male Female 52% 48% Facebook likes by age and gender PUBLICITY ENGAGING COMMUNICATIONS ÉCU 2023 LAUNCH PARTY 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. 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 "lmmaking technology, the blog provides entertaining and necessary information for "lmmakers and the festival’s audience. Amusing and non-"lm-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 "lmmakers, "lm students, "lm industry professionals and others. The 2023 ÉCU Lauch Party was held two weeks prior to the festival, at Black Sheep Co#ee 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 o#ered a lively ambience 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 "lmmaking 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 hundreds of thousands of people every month. The festival’s publicity scope has widened signi"cantly 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 EBD THE NEW CURRENT CENTRE DE RUSSIE POUR LA SCIENCE ET LA CULTURE À
MEDIA COVERAGE 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: * 42 global media partners * 35 International Film Festival * 550,000 Mainstream Media Reach *1,000,000 ÉCU & Partners Monthly Social Media Reach *1,461,421 Facebook Reach SOME OF ÉCU’S MEDIA PARTNERS
ÉCU-ON-THE-ROAD The ÉCU-on-the-Road tour gives "lmmakers an invaluable opportunity to promote and screen their "lms 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 "lms in 8 countries around the world at a range of events, including special mini-festivals, cultural institutions and "lm schools. By expanding our "lmmakers’ reach, ÉCU is able to maintain and solidify its reputation as a “"lmmaker’s festival”. The road series gives us the ability to change lives, forge relationships, further artistic expression, and most importantly, encourage a new generation of "lmmaking and "lmgoers around the globe. In January 2015 ÉCU travelled to Saõ Paulo, Brazil in association with Caixa Cultural. 25 "lms, 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 "lm 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 "lmmakers and industry professionals. In October 2022 ÉCU and SAFF made an day-long collaboration screening in which we showed the best of 2022. ÉCU is compelled to encourage young European "lmmaking talent by providing: STUDENT FILM CATEGORY A category that spotlights young "lmmaking 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 "lms. 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 "lm viewings, meet directors and attend professional "lmmaking 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 Uni- versity of Paris, discussing the festival and its work. Screenings of student "lms are also held, followed by Q&As.
ÉCU-ON-THE-ROAD WHERE HAVE WE BEEN? JAPAN Mt. Fuji-Atami Film Festival 28 June - 1st July, 2018 INDIA Mumbai Screening with Alliance Française 31 July, 2018 SPAIN Craft Film Nights 27 July, 2017 Evolution! Mallorca International Film Festival 3 - 12 November, 2016 FRANCE Cannes Film Festival 11 - 18 May, 2018 21 - 27 May, 2017 Avanca Film Festival 25 - 29 July, 2018 LEBANON Cabriolet Film Festival 7 - 9 June, 2019 8 - 10 June, 2018 9 - 11 June, 2017 3 - 5 June, 2016 NDU International Film Festival 6 - 11 November, 2016 15 - 22 November, 2015 PORTUGAL ÉCU-in-Viseu 13 - 14 July, 2018 7 - 9 June, 2017 13 - 15 November, 2015 Avanca Film Festival 25 - 29 July, 2018 UNITED KINGDOM Vault Film Festival 28 January - 5 March , 2017 Papaya Rocks Film Festival 28 February, 2019 Aesthetica Film Festival 7 - 11 November, 2018 8 - 12 November, 2017 3 - 6 November, 2016 UNITED STATES Naperville Independent Film Festival 23 - 30 September, 2017 19 - 23 September 2016 TURKEY ÉCU-in-Istanbul 24 December, 2018 GREECE Aegean International Film Festival 25 - 30 July, 2017 21 - 27 July, 2016 ÉCU-in-Athens 30 August - 1 September, 2017 RUSSIA Russian Indie Film Festival 6 - 7 October, 2018 BULGARIA So Independent Film Festival 26 October - 7 November, 2018
History of Venues 2006-2023 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 "lms since its opening in the 1970s. This cinema has two auditoriums: “the Salle Henri Langlois” 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 "lms and other small works, all of which are shown in their original language. This cinema also runs a "lm 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 "rst cinema in Montparnasse to show "lms in their original language. Les 7 Parnassiens has hosted the festival for the last 12 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 ‘Sydney’ won Best Dramatic Short. We are all absolutely delighted [...] Independent "lm 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 and member of the jury from 2019. “I was over the moon to hear about our "lm 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 "lm to take part in your festival and also - beyond anything! - awarding it. Gary our editor is a phenomenal editor and he worked on the "lm 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. EUROPE’S BEST INDEPENDENT FILM 2023 - THE RED SUITCASE (Luxembourg) BEST EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DRAMATIC SHORT - FERRARRIE (France) BEST EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DRAMATIC FEATURE - THE FIRST TWO (Hungary) BEST EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY - SAVAGE WATERS (France) BEST NON-EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DRAMATIC FEATURE - YES REPEAT NO (USA) BEST EUROPEAN EXPERIMENTAL FILM - BOY (Estonie) BEST EUROPEAN ANIMATED FILM - CARAMELLE (Italy) BEST NON-EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY - MEMORIES FROM THE NORTH (Saudi Arabia) BEST NON-EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT DRAMATIC SHORT - MIDDLE EASTERN STORIES : FATHER (Iran) BEST EUROPEAN MUSIC VIDEO - ITALY (Italy) BEST EUROPEAN COMEDY FILM - BABEL (Spain) BEST DIRECTOR - LOVE (Germany) BEST STUDENT FILM - LENA (Romania) ARAB SPECIAL SELECTION - TRANSIT (Iraq) AUDIENCE AWARD - INTERNAL (UK) BEST FEATURE SCRIPT - L’ETE BEST SHORT SCRIPT - 1918 2023
“Thank you so much for having us and showing our "lm PERFECT PRESENT! I had so many valuable encounters, the atmosphere was great and the viewing was also very good- a good reception of the "lm, 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 "lm 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 sta#. 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 "lms 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 O!cial 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.
Korinna Herzig FILMMAKER OSCAR SPIERENBURG PAINTER AND FILM DIRECTOR GARETH JONES EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FABIAN MARQUEZ WRITER AND PRODUCER PAUL WYETT GIADA GHIRINGHELLI FILMMAKER AND VIDEO EDITOR SAM KADI DIRECTOR, WRITER AND PRODUCER MARK PEREZ EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR REBECCA CALDER KORINNA HERZIG VESNA DE VINCA TV JOURNALIST AND WRITER PAUL ANDERSON JOURNALIST GIEDRE BUMBULYTE NIKOLA BOZADZHIEV ANTOINE VAREILLE EDITOR SA MA NTH A COLL INS SCREENWRITER SCOTT HI L L IER DIRECTOR, CINEMATOGRAPHER, SCREENWRITER SU Z SAINT Y DIRECTOR AND SCREENWRITER LORENZ MERZ DIRECTOR JURY MEMBERS
“This is about the opposite spectrum. ÉCU is all about independent work - it is not about making your "lm in big studios. These are con- cepts that would never be tried outside of independent "lmmaking and these are the things that I keep expe- riencing 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 2023, for the seventh time in festival’s history, ÉCU proudly hosted #SheShoots, a discussion panel comprised of the female "lmmakers in competition at ÉCU 2023. For women in the "lm 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 "lmmakers had the chance to share their experiences, discuss their "lms, 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 "lmmakers.
THE EUROPEAN INDEPENDENT FILM CHANNEL The European Independent Film Festival, Europe’s leading event for independent cinema, launched The European Independent Film Channel (EuroIFC) to international audiences in 2013. The European Independent Film Channel (www.euroifc.com) o#ers high quality independent "lms that push the boundaries of creativity and originality, o#ering 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 "lmmakers gain unprece- dented exposure to distributors and lovers of independent cinema. plus de 150 "lms indépendants plus de 35 pays représentés plus de 40 000 vues ARAB SPECIAL SELECTION In 2013, ÉCU created an award to honour the memory of a talented "mmaker, 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, "lm or sport. Ahmed hated sameness and anything bland. He strove to do things di#erently, 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 "lmmaking. Too good. Too young. Too soon.” - Scott Hillier, Festival President )$&(6,17+(681GLU3DU)DUDK6KDHUJDJQDQWGX©3UL[ Ahmed Khedr pour l’Excellence de la Réalisation Arabe »
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 108, Rue Damremont 75018 Paris FRANCE www.ecu"lmfestival.com Information générale: info@ecu"lmfestival.com Partenariat: partners@ecu"lmfestival.com Presse: press@ecu"lmfestival SCOTT HILLIER PRÉSIDENT ET FONDATEUR DU FESTIVAL scott@ecu"lmfestival.com +33 (0)6 14 56 59 45 RODRIGO ESTRADA BEDWELL MANAGER DU FESTIVAL festivalcoordinator@ecu"lmfestival.com INFORMATIONS CONTACTS
SCREENING THE WORLD’S BEST INDEPENDENT FILMS WWW.ECUFILMFESTIVAL.COM SCREENING THE WORLD’S BEST INDEPENDENT FILMS WWW.ECUFILMFESTIVAL.COM LIVE. BREATHE. INDIE.