ÉCU 2025 - 20th European Independent Film Festival

ÉCU 2025 - 20th European Independent Film Festival is now open for entries!

ÉCU 2025 - 20th European Independent Film Festival : ÉCU – The European Independent Film Festival, one of the world’s most recognized independent film festivals in the world, is calling for submissions for the 20th edition of the festival.

➜ Short description

The ÉCU European Independent Film Festival , one of the world’s most recognized independent film festivals in the world, is calling for submissions for the 20th edition of the festival. 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.

ÉCU – The European Independent Film Festival proudly provides the platform for independent filmmakers to express authentic, cinematic storytelling in the most compelling ways possible. Submitted films must be completed since August 1st, 2023.

This competition is open to all films made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster.

ÉCU embraces innovation and creativity and allows directors in competition to showcase their films to audiences who love and appreciate independent cinema.

The Festival is competitive and focuses on original and independent works that demonstrate quality, creativity and innovation across fourteen categories:

➜ European Dramatic Feature (submitted by an individual)
➜ European Dramatic Feature (submitted by production company)
➜ European Dramatic Short
➜ European Documentary
➜ European Animated Film
➜ European Experimental Film
➜ European Music Video
➜ European Comedy Film
➜ Non-European Dramatic Feature (submitted by an individual)
➜ Non-European Dramatic Feature (submitted by production company)
➜ Non-European Dramatic Short
➜ Non-European Documentary
➜ Student Film
➜ Arab Special Selection
➜ Feature Script Competition
➜ Short Script Competition

Filmmakers who are selected into ÉCU’s Official Selection join an active community of creatives who are continually pushing the boundaries of independent cinema.

Submitted films should be independent in spirit and original in perspective.

The 20th edition of the ÉCU – The European Independent Film Festival will take place on May, 2025 in Paris, France.

➜ Submission requirements:

➜ 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 the 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.

➜ Who may enter?

This competition is open to all films made with less than 50% participation by a major studio or television broadcaster.

➜ Prize:

There will be lot of prizes that range from year to year and are donated by Beachtek, The Kitchen, O'CD, My Air Bridge, Emily Jolie, InkTip, Write Brothers, Peter D. Marshall, Scriptwriters Network, Luno Color Grade Studios and others.

➜ Entry fees:

Submission fees start from 20 Euro and vary depending on the competition category and the submission deadline.