ÉCU - The European Independent Film Festival proudly provides the platform for independent filmmakers to express authentic, cinematic storytelling in the most compelling ways possible.
As one of the world’s most recognised independent film festivals in the world, ÉCU embraces innovation and creativity and allows directors in competition to showcase their films to audiences who love and appreciate independent cinema. Filmmakers who are selected into ÉCU’s Official Selection join an active community of creatives who are continually pushing the boundaries of independent cinema.
Since its inception in 2006, ÉCU has forged a path for independent film and the scope of its presence has grown to a global scale with the festival often being referenced as the European equivalent of Sundance; an honour that we don’t take lightly.
"Paris has become my second home, and ÉCU my creative family. Mr.Scott Hillier is now the father of my independent spirit. I’m deeply honored and grateful for the Audience Award, and truly moved to see my film open the official 2025 trailer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Fumitaka Otoguro producer of Tokyo Strange Tale winner of the Audience Award 2025
"This festival is an outstanding, welcoming, and attentive event for independent film lovers, catering to both the audience and filmmakers. It devotes considerable attention to the presentation and dissemination of films and their creators, and also meticulously analyzes film themes and content. The team of festival organizers is exceptional, demonstrating great care and responsibility. We are very happy that our film PURGA was featured in this festival. Highly recommended!" - Gintare Valeviciute Brazauskienė, Co-director of PURGA, the winner of the Best European Independent Animation award 2024
"Great opportunity for independent filmmakers around the world, the festival has values and I like the way people engaged and watched all the films with passionate." - Abdulmohsen Almutairi, director of Memories from the North, ÉCU 2023 Official Selection
"It is always an absolute joy to present one's work at ECU. The team are fantastically helpful, the jury extremely competent, and the selection of the highest quality. I would recommend participating to anyone who's in love with indie filmmaking!" - Celina Liesegang, producer of Viscera: Autopsy of a (non)human body, ÉCU 2022 Official Selection
"It was an absolute privilege to be part of the ÉCU Film Festival and in the company of so many incredible and high quality independent films! What truly fantastic programming and as a filmmaker you are really made to feel part of a passionate global community of people who really believe in the same values around story telling and visual expression. Thank you to the whole team behind the scenes." - Karina Astrup, producer of MORGANA, ÉCU 2021 Official Selection
Each year, our festival takes place in Paris during the springtime, which is not only a beautiful season but also an exciting time of year for ÉCU, because that is when we showcase roughly around 60 of the World’s very best independent films. Although ÉCU emphasises European talent, it also recognises the genius of international filmmakers with several categories allocated to non-European films.
The next ÉCU, the 21st edition, will take place on April, 2026 in Paris, France.
ÉCU isn’t just about screening an amazing slate of films over its three-day event in Paris. There are also professional workshops led by experts in the industry, Q&A’s held with the attending filmmakers after every screening session and a chance to network with fellow filmmakers, producers, agents, industry representatives, prospective film buyers and, of course, the cinema-loving public. At ÉCU, there is a dialogue focusing on celebrating but also critiquing the world’s best indie cinema of today.
Though ÉCU’s main event IS the three-day festival in Paris each spring, there is even more! Thanks to our 50+ partner festivals, partner organisations, film centres and film commissions, ÉCU goes on an annual world tour called ÉCU-On-The-Road. This gives award-winning films (as well as many of the Official Selection films) the opportunity for their films to reach a broader, global, international audience.
ÉCU-On-The-Road showcased films in over 80 countries around the globe in 2016 to 2025 at special ÉCU mini-festivals, partner festivals, cultural institutions and film schools, including an amazing seven day special festival in São Paulo, Brazil. The event was made possible through the support of Caixa Cultural, São Paulo and was a huge success. ÉCU also held special events in Berlin (Germany), Atami (Japan) and was part of festivals in Lebanon, Italy, Russia, USA, Romania, Austria, Denmark and other countries. This gives ÉCU filmmakers great exposure to audiences that they may never have reached otherwise.
Since 2006, ÉCU has helped the careers of hundreds of independent filmmakers, actors, DPs, editors, screenwriters and we are honoured to give aspiring film directors the chance for their voices to be seen and heard.
Above all, we are proud to be a filmmakers’ festival!
Prizes range from year to year, but are donated by partners like Beachtek, The Kitchen, O'CD, My Air Bridge, Emily Jolie, InkTip, Write Brothers, Peter D. Marshall, Scriptwriters Network, Luno Color Grade Studios and others.
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. Open to all films made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. Films may be submitted in any language, however if the film is NOT in English, it must have English subtitles. The films selected to be screened at the festival, must have English and French subtitles. Please note that French subtitles are only required if the film gets into the Official Selection. Appropriate subtitles are required to ensure the best screening for our audience.
A synopsis of no more than 180 characters, in English and French, a screenshot from the film and a short director's biography also in English and French are requested upon submission. The films must be completed since August 1st, 2024.
European Dramatic Feature (by individual)
短編映画と長編映画 >30'
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期70€64.4€
57.4€
21 11月 25
標準80€73.6€
65.6€
19 12月 25
延滞95€87.4€
77.9€
16 1月 26
拡張110€101.2€
90.2€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
12.6€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. This category is open to all European feature films made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. “What a great festival! I had a fantastic time enjoying great films. I just want to thank you so very much for all the effort you guys put into making it happen. It was GREAT!” – Alberto Sciamma, Special Jury Mention, I Love My Mum “I’m so happy to be a part of ÉCU. I’m fascinated as it is a really, really strong festival and it genuinely has an independent sensibility about it.“ - Duncan Ward, director of HERE LIES, one of the films in the European Dramatic Feature category and winner of Best European Independent Film at ÉCU 2015.
European Dramatic Feature (submitted by production company
短編映画と長編映画 >30'
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期110€101.2€
90.2€
21 11月 25
標準120€110.4€
98.4€
19 12月 25
延滞135€124.2€
110.7€
16 1月 26
拡張150€138€
123€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
19.8€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. This category is open to all European feature films made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. “What a great festival! I had a fantastic time enjoying great films. I just want to thank you so very much for all the effort you guys put into making it happen. It was GREAT!” – Alberto Sciamma, Special Jury Mention, I Love My Mum “It is important that festivals do as they say, when they say they're indie. Not just to look cool, and feel indie, but promote indie filmmaking because the movies that ÉCU screened this weekend, all deserve to be seen and it is importantt that people back that up and put it on the screen, at let everyone see it. - Felipe Rodriguez, director of “Kidnap Capital“, winner of Best Non-European Independent Dramatic Feature at ÉCU 2016.
European Dramatic Short
短編映画 30'<
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期50€46€
41€
21 11月 25
標準58€53.36€
47.56€
19 12月 25
延滞66€60.72€
54.12€
16 1月 26
拡張74€68.08€
60.68€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
9€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. Open to all European short films made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. Running time cannot exceed 30 minutes. “Thanks again for an incredible festival – well done!” – Charlie Reader, Audience Award, Everything You Didn’t Say I had such a great time at the festivals. Really, amazing films, interesting filmmakers. It was an inspirational visit for me. Thanks to you all for your enthusiastic and truly supportive organization! You're awesome! - Martijn Winkler, director of #tagged, winner of Best Director award at ÉCU 2018
European Documentary
短編映画と長編映画
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期60€55.2€
49.2€
21 11月 25
標準70€64.4€
57.4€
19 12月 25
延滞85€78.2€
69.7€
16 1月 26
拡張100€92€
82€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
10.8€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. Open to all European documentaries made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. “I would like to thank you for this wonderful weekend full of new experiences and film watching. The festival team provided a great, creative and welcoming atmosphere. It was wonderful to meet so many interesting and creative personalities all together. I would like to thank you for appreciating my work and efforts!” - Rita Broka, Director of M FERMA, winner of Best European Independent Documentary at ÉCU 2012. Thank you very much for selection our shortmovie Has#tag at the ECU Film festival. We had a wonderful evening on the openingnight on Friday! And yes: also the party was great. Keep on going with the good and independent vibes! I really love what you guys do!" - Kevin Hoed, director of Has#tag, winner of Best Director award at ÉCU 2018
European Animated Film
短編映画と長編映画
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期40€36.8€
32.8€
21 11月 25
標準48€44.16€
39.36€
19 12月 25
延滞56€51.52€
45.92€
16 1月 26
拡張64€58.88€
52.48€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
7.2€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. Open to all European animated work in the moving image field made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. “It is fantastic to be part of ÉCU, it has been my dream for quite some time now to have a film screen in Paris. Also, to have a screening at such a prestigious festival as well, it is more than a dream come true, it is amazing!“ - Rachel Moore, Director of UP IN A PLANE, part of the Official selection in the European Independent Animated Film category at ÉCU 2015. "I'm honoured to be amongst such crafted filmmakers…such wonderful people." - Daniela Leitner, director of LATE SEASON, winner of Best European Independent Animated Film 2017.
European Experimental Film
短編映画と長編映画
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期20€18.4€
16.4€
21 11月 25
標準28€25.76€
22.96€
19 12月 25
延滞36€33.12€
29.52€
16 1月 26
拡張44€40.48€
36.08€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
3.6€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. Open to all European work in the moving image field that can be deemed experimental made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. “Winning a prize at ÉCU was an excellent surprise and it has had a very positive impact on the film. After this award the film has been selected to many festivals around the world on ÉCU-on-the-Road tour and that is great, because it’s difficult to exist in the independent cinema and it’s difficult to meet the people that appreciate your work.” - Eric Dinkian, director of KORE, winner of Best European Experimental Film at ÉCU 2013. "I had such a great time at the festivals. Really, amazing films, interesting filmmakers. It was an inspirational visit for me. Thanks to you all for your enthusiastic and truly supportive organization! You're awesome!" - Martijn Winkler, director of #tagged, winner of Best Director award at ÉCU 2018
Student Film
短編映画と長編映画
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期35€32.2€
28.7€
21 11月 25
標準41€37.72€
33.62€
19 12月 25
延滞47€43.24€
38.54€
16 1月 26
拡張53€48.76€
43.46€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
6.3€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. Open to all European and non-European student films made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. “We found all of your staff to be incredibly friendly and accommodating. Personally, I felt very welcome and at ease. I greatly enjoyed the Q&A’s and was glad to have the chance to meet with and talk to everyone else about my film. I couldn’t have asked for a better environment in which to showcase my work.” - Michael van der Put, Director of CALLUM, winner of Best Independent Student Film at ÉCU 2012 "I had such a great time at the festivals. Really, amazing films, interesting filmmakers. It was an inspirational visit for me. Thanks to you all for your enthusiastic and truly supportive organization! You're awesome!" - Martijn Winkler, director of #tagged, winner of Best Director award at ÉCU 2018
Non-European Dramatic Feature (by individual)
短編映画と長編映画 >30'
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期90€82.8€
73.8€
21 11月 25
標準100€92€
82€
19 12月 25
延滞115€105.8€
94.3€
16 1月 26
拡張130€119.6€
106.6€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
16.2€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. Open to all non-European feature films made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. “Thank you so much for having us and showing our film! I had so many valuable encounters, the atmosphere was great and the viewing was also very good.” – Martijn Hullegie, ÉCU 2019 Official Selection, Perfect Present "I just wanted to thank you personally for the chance to show and participate at Ecu. I can assume how hard (and fun) as you say to run an indie fest. I hope we will have many more film screenings together!!!!" - Ran Slavin, CALL FOR DREAMS, ÉCU 2018 Official Selection
Non-European Dramatic Feature (submitted by production company
短編映画と長編映画 >30'
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期110€101.2€
90.2€
21 11月 25
標準120€110.4€
98.4€
19 12月 25
延滞135€124.2€
110.7€
16 1月 26
拡張150€138€
123€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
19.8€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. Open to all non-European feature films made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. “It is important that festivals do as they say, when they say they're indie. Not just to look cool, and feel indie, but promote indie filmmaking because the movies that ÉCU screened this weekend, all deserve to be seen and it is importantt that people back that up and put it on the screen, at let everyone see it. - Felipe Rodriguez, director of “Kidnap Capital“, winner of Best Non-European Independent Dramatic Feature at ÉCU 2016. I just wanted to thank you personally for the chance to show and participate at Ecu. I can assume how hard (and fun) as you say to run an indie fest. I hope we will have many more film screenings together!!!! - Ran Slavin, CALL FOR DREAMS, competitor at ÉCU 2018.
Non-European Dramatic Short
短編映画 30'<
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期65€59.8€
53.3€
21 11月 25
標準73€67.16€
59.86€
19 12月 25
延滞81€74.52€
66.42€
16 1月 26
拡張89€81.88€
72.98€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
11.7€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. Open to all non-European short films made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. Running time cannot exceed 30 minutes. “Thank you so much for the great opportunity to take part at the 14th edition of ÉCU, we had such a good time, learned a lot and enjoyed the workshops, the events and most of all the amazing films. We are thankful for your great hospitality and the professional and so friendly work of the festival staff.” – Liat Akta, Best Non-European Dramatic Short 2019, The Mouse "You guys did a great job of organising the event and would love to stay in contact with you all for future projects" - Matt Portman, co-director of PASSION GAP, winner of Best Non-European Independent Dramatic Short Film at ÉCU 2018.
Non-European Documentary
短編映画と長編映画
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期75€69€
61.5€
21 11月 25
標準85€78.2€
69.7€
19 12月 25
延滞100€92€
82€
16 1月 26
拡張115€105.8€
94.3€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
13.5€
送信
Open to all non-European documentaries made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. “ÉCU was the first to see the film’s merits, the first to grant it an award. What a special time that was in Paris!” - Jeffrey Karoff, CAVEDIGGER, winner of ÉCU 2013; one of eight documentary short films that competed for the 86th Academy Awards. “It is important that festivals do as they say, when they say they're indie. Not just to look cool, and feel indie, but promote indie filmmaking because the movies that ÉCU screened this weekend, all deserve to be seen and it is importantt that people back that up and put it on the screen, at let everyone see it. - Felipe Rodriguez, director of “Kidnap Capital“, winner of Best Non-European Independent Dramatic Feature at ÉCU 2016.
European Music Video
短編映画
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期20€18.4€
16.4€
21 11月 25
標準26€23.92€
21.32€
19 12月 25
延滞32€29.44€
26.24€
16 1月 26
拡張38€34.96€
31.16€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
3.6€
送信
Videos should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. Open to all European independent music videos. The video's budget cannot have been funded more than 50% by a record company or music publishing entity. “I was over the moon to hear about our film winning the Best Editing award! Thank you so much for being so kind and generous recognizing and allowing our film to take part in your festival and also – beyond anything – awarding it!” Savvas Stavrou, Best Editing Award 2019, SUBMISSION I had such a great time at the festivals. Really, amazing films, interesting filmmakers. It was an inspirational visit for me. Thanks to you all for your enthusiastic and truly supportive organization! You're awesome! - Martijn Winkler, director of #tagged, winner of Best Director award at ÉCU 2018
European Comedy Film
短編映画と長編映画
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期50€46€
41€
21 11月 25
標準56€51.52€
45.92€
19 12月 25
延滞62€57.04€
50.84€
16 1月 26
拡張68€62.56€
55.76€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
9€
送信
Films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective. This category is open to all European comedies made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. “It’s always an honour to be nominated for an international film festival, especially one as nice and fun as ÉCU. Wim was selected for ÉCU in 2012 with his short film ‘Beats of Love’ and he has some very good memories of his time in Paris so it’s great to be back with some new work.” - Thomas Baerten & Wim Geudens, Directors of DE SMET, winner of Best European Independent Comedy Film at ÉCU 2015. I had such a great time at the festivals. Really, amazing films, interesting filmmakers. It was an inspirational visit for me. Thanks to you all for your enthusiastic and truly supportive organization! You're awesome! - Martijn Winkler, director of #tagged, winner of Best Director award at ÉCU 2018
Arab Special Selection
短編映画と長編映画
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期55€50.6€
45.1€
21 11月 25
標準65€59.8€
53.3€
19 12月 25
延滞75€69€
61.5€
16 1月 26
拡張85€78.2€
69.7€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
9.9€
送信
For the 9th year in the row ÉCU is highlighting independent Arab filmmakers, competing for The Ahmed Khedr Award for Excellence in Arab Filmmaking. The winner of this “Special Section,” will receive an award for their outstanding creative efforts dedicated to the memory of the late Ahmed Khedr, a talented director and good friend of the festival. "Films should be independent in spirit, original in perspective and made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster. I had such a great time at the festivals. Really, amazing films, interesting filmmakers. It was an inspirational visit for me. Thanks to you all for your enthusiastic and truly supportive organization! You're awesome!" - Martijn Winkler, director of #tagged, winner of Best Director award at ÉCU 2018
Feature Script Competition
Script / Pitch
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期60€55.2€
49.2€
21 11月 25
標準65€59.8€
53.3€
19 12月 25
延滞70€64.4€
57.4€
16 1月 26
拡張85€78.2€
69.7€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
10.8€
送信
We at ÉCU understand that for many talented writers - especially those without representation - it is difficult getting scripts read by the people that matter: directors, producers and heads of development. That’s why we decided to launch ÉCU's Much More than a Script Competition back in 2009. We will read scripts in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian before making an official selection of the very best.
Short Script Competition
Script / Pitch
料金-8%
PRO 18%
初期40€36.8€
32.8€
21 11月 25
標準45€41.4€
36.9€
19 12月 25
延滞50€46€
41€
16 1月 26
拡張65€59.8€
53.3€
06 3月 26
年間パスを取得し、フェスティバルおよび提出料金の最大割引を取得します
提出期限
06 3月 26
保存する
7.2€
送信
We at ÉCU understand that for many talented writers - especially those without representation - it is difficult getting scripts read by the people that matter: directors, producers and heads of development. That’s why we decided to launch ÉCU's Much More than a Script Competition back in 2009. We will read scripts in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian before making an official selection of the very best.
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