On the final day of the ÉCU Independent European Film Festival, a wide array of activities took place, from awarding the festival winners to providing workshops for guests.

Tonight, the 19th edition of the ÉCU Film Festival took place, hosted at the Cinema Les 7 Parnassiens, in Montparnasse. An exciting day full of activities, workshops, conversations, and more importantly, a love for cinema. 

We had the pleasure of being presented with very inspiring films this year and I personally received the opportunity to interview some of the present filmmakers. 

For instance, Emily Niebuhr gave us some insight about her short movie “Won’t Figure It Out Tonight,” shot in Alaska. In her interview with me, she talked about the dangers behind the shooting of her project, including having to run from a bear. She states: “I had to run from moose, I had to run from bears”; adding: “The good thing about Alaska wilderness is that it allows you to go into places you are not the top of the food chain.”

In a talk with Vicent Zhou, on the topic of his film “I  C U”, a dramatic short movie that tells the story of a Shangai hospital where continuous occult accidents occur, only for the truth to be revealed afterwards during sunrise, he expresses his thoughts: “ I use a story to tell the audience: life comes and goes. It’s just like the sunset. If the sun never sets, the sun won’t rise.”   

We also had the pleasure to talk to Samuel Perry-Falvey, co-director of “Ren – Money Game Part 3”. When asked about his relationship with the musical artist Ren, whom he directed the music video with, he said: “ It’s always great to work with him, he is a genius. He is so inspiring to work with, and every ounce of success he gets, he deserves it more than anyone I’ve ever met.”

A very enriching part of the festival was the workshop available for the event attendees. On Sunday, ÉCU had the pleasure to present the Sync Licensing for Filmmakers workshop, whose goal is to give a solid foundation and introductory overview to the process of finding and licensing music for your next film, as well as providing extensive resources and reference materials. This was held, respectively, by Steph Rushton, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Music Supervisor / Director of Europe & A&R for Seven Seas Music & The Rights Workshop, as well as “Chicago” Mike Beck, Founder and Executive Director for Access Film Music LLC.

The workshop started with a brief presentation of our lecturers, Steph and Mike, who went on to explain to the audience the reasons behind the choice to have (or not to) music on the soundtrack of a film, as well as the importance of Copyright Clearance and the components that make up music publishing. The workshop also taught the audience how to research and understand musical copyrights, in addition to how to organize and document the clearing of said rights.

This workshop would be best described by the words clarifying and didactic, both for filmmakers and musicians alike, as well as for anyone who is interested in cinema, and it ended with the answering of the public personal questions, followed by a round of applause.

Soon after, the #Sheshoots panel took place, where we had the opportunity to listen and learn about being a woman behind the camera, a conversation that was held by our guest-speakers, 8 women in the cinema industry, each one with a very different path, who told us about their story and their work. Lots of issues were discussed, from being a woman in a film set, to the

Vincent Zhou, director from “I C U”

The echoes of applause still resound through the busy boulevards of Paris as the second night of the ÉCU Film Festival came to a close earlier today. The day when the magic of cinema transcended barriers and captivated audiences, leaving a permanent mark on the artistic scene of the city for the 19th time. 

After the initial grandiose of the opening night, the stakes were high. The independent filmmaking scene as well as the crew of ÉCU managed to fulfill critics expectations.

The ÉCU Film Festival unfolded with all the grandeur and charm once again proving its almost two decades-long legacy. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first frame flickered across the screen, the audience was transported into a world of cinematic excellence. The lineup is carefully curated to showcase the best of the independent cinema. On this Saturday evening, the coming-up stars of European film gathered to admire each other’s works and efforts.

Throughout the night, the festival showcased a remarkable array of films, from intimate character studies to sweeping epics, the breadth of talent on display was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Standout performances, thought-provoking themes, and stunning visuals ensured that every film left its mark on the collective consciousness of those in attendance.

The day opened with a morning workshop by the renowned Gareth Jones, tackling the topic of distributing films as an independent creator. Difficulties which are often one of the biggest headaches for young, aspiring filmmakers. Gareth has been involved in the financing, sales and distribution of feature films for over thirty five years. He has financed, sold international rights and/or distributed more than one hundred and twenty independent feature films, including ‘Mona Lisa’, ‘Lock, stock and two smoking barrels’, ‘Psych 9’, ‘4321’ and, most recently, ‘Mum’s list’ starring Rafe Spall and Emilia Fox.

When talking about movie distribution he said: “If you went to the trouble of financing and creating a movie, you will want an audience to see it”. Going then on to describe the production and distribution as being 50% of the work behind a film, emphasizing its importance.

One of the many pieces of advice given by Gareth, specifically related on how to save money while making a film, it’s to choose a specific genre for it, namely, the genres that are popular at the time you are creating your movie. He used the genres of “horror, action and romantic comedies” as examples for the most commonly popular movies.

At noon the screenings began with a deeply personal journey into the director’s family’s difficult history. “Beyond The Frame”, is an Italian made film competing in the European Documentary Film category. 

In the second screening hall a Bulgarian experimental. “In Between” discussed the topics of personal identity mixing with societal expectations.

The screenings lasted until late evening, again capturing the imaginations of the audience and other filmmakers alike. 

When talking to some of the guests in the festival, Emily Niebuhr, the director of “Won’t Figure It Out Tonight”, said about her experience at ÉCU: “This festival has been so nice, such a warm welcome.” She then goes on to add: “It’s a chance to really get to know other filmmakers, and then see these amazing musicians afterwards.”, referring to the live concerts given during the festival. 

As the lights of “Les 7 Parnassiens” cinema switch off fo

The night before, the entire focus and effort of the ÉCU crew went unnoticed in the corridors of a Parisian “Les 7 Parnassiens” cinéma in Boulevard de Montparnasse.
Now, however, as the red carpet unveiled – inviting the filmmakers coming from poles apart countries and continents the scene is set. For these 3 days this boutique cinema turns into a site of pilgrimage for all those who want to give a well-deserved thanks to indie filmmakers.

The opening night of the 19th edition of ÉCU film festival greeted the guests with the consistent professionalism, admiration of culture and love for independent film.
For almost a quarter of a century the ÉCU team consists of workers and volunteers – giving all they have with the best compensation being the sight of the joy in the eyes of their guests.

The night opened with strong competition for the Sundays award ceremony, the jurors present and carefully noting every aspect of each film. Guests got to enjoy the results of combined work of independent filmmakers from over 23 countries and the behind the scenes crew.

In between the screenings, our Journalism department got the chance to talk with all the creators and those passionate about film.

We had the pleasure to talk to the director – Arwa Damon and her producer – Guldenay Sonumut of the film “Seize The Summit ”. A filmmaking debut Damon was for years a reporter for CNN. Later she chose to pursue documentary – hoping to reach the audience with a deeper message.
Coming straight from Istanbul we got the chance to ask them some questions about the film.
Damon when asked about the biggest fear regarding her first indie production, she replied :

“A lot of people thought I was crazy”. Later adding :

“I’m more afraid of living with ‘what if’ or ‘only if I tried’ than I am of trying and failing”.

The film tells a story of four survivors of different war zones, climbing the Kilimanjaro Mountain.
She mentioned the difficulties of pulling off an indie documentary “It’s the little logistics”.
She adds about the bureaucratic struggles of filming in warzones –

“I need a permission from the Ukrainian military to shoot close to the frontlines, to get that permission I need to start a production company, another, I’m applying for Afghani visas and they want an official company stamp, so I’m calling my friend at home ‘Can you print me a company stamp’ “.

Different, equally interesting characters –Jacob Polat and Chung Hyun Woo also attended the opening ceremony. The two, respectively, the director and the actor for the Dead Man Walking, Turkish-Korean film participating in the Student Film Category.
The film is Polats graduation project, in our interview he mentioned the beginnings of his journey with cinema – “My dad had a cinema house, so as a child I used to watch lots of films at his house.”
Polat graduated from a Korean film university – his family always had connections to Korea, therefore inspiring him to study there.

He mentioned : “I was the only international student at my university….. I wanted to show the Korean people my city”, when asked about the original motivations behind the film.

Chung Hyun Woo, the main actor in the production, was also present at the Opening Ceremony. He talked about how he gets in character during his roles “Acting is all

SIFF announces lineup, tributes & premieres slated for the

50th Seattle International Film Festival, returning May 9-19

261 films with 18 World, 26 North American, and 14 U.S. Premieres make up the lineup for the Festival’s 50th anniversary, screening at venues across Seattle, including SIFF’s newly opened

SIFF Cinema Downtown

SEATTLE – SIFF announced today the lineup of films included in the 50th Seattle International Film Festival, to be held May 9–19 at venues across Seattle and followed by a week of select virtual screenings on the SIFF Channel May 20–27. The Festival will screen 261 films representing 84 countries/regions, including 92 features, 47 documentaries, five archival features, two special tributes, two secret screenings, and 115 short films.

In addition to the full lineup, SIFF announced today that Seattle native and Emmy®, Golden Globe®, SAG Award®, and Critics Choice Award-winning actress Jean Smart will be awarded The Hollywood Reporter’s Trailblazer Award for her contributions to storytelling on film, television, and the stage. The event will feature a screening of an episode from the new season of the Max Original comedy series Hacks, followed by the Trailblazer trophy presentation and a conversation between Smart and THR Contributing Editor Stacey Wilson Hunt. 

The Festival will open with Josh Margolin’s action comedy Thelma from Magnolia Pictures, which will screen at The Paramount Theatre during the Festival's Opening Night on May 9. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Writer & Director Josh Margolin, lead actress June Squibb, and producers Zoë Worth and Chris Kaye. Following the Q&A, there will be an after-party onstage and outside on Ninth Ave.

SIFF will honor June Squibb with the 2024 Golden Space Needle Award for Outstanding Contribution to Cinema for the unforgettable work she’s presented throughout the span of her career. The Oscar-nominated actress and lead of the Festival’s Opening Night film,

Thelma, will be presented the award at a special Tribute Event on May 11 at SIFF Cinema Downtown with a conversation moderated by Variety’s Jenelle Riley. Prior to the event, there will be an Honoree Brunch with Squibb at Palace Kitchen.

Closing the Festival is Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing from A24, which will screen on May 18 at SIFF Cinema Downtown. Director and co-writer Greg Kwedar will be in attendance and participate in a Q&A after the screening along with members of the film’s ensemble cast, who will receive a Golden Space Needle Award for excellence in Ensemble Acting. A Closing Night party will follow at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).

Additional highlights showing throughout the Festival include Focus Features’ Sundance award-winner Dìdi (

弟弟), a directorial debut from Oscar® nominee Sean Wang (SIFF 2023 Grand Jury winner for Live Action short); Neon’s Babes written by and starring Ilana Glazer and directed by debut helmer Pamela Adlon; IFC’s stirring and emotional Ghostlight which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival; Harmony Korine’s latest boundary-pushing work AGGRO DR1FT; a new 4K restoration of Wim Wenders’ iconic Wings of Desire, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of German Films; and an exciting new slate of cINeDIGENOUS films, including the world premiere of Molokaʻi Bound, directed by Alika Tengan (Kanaka Maoli).

A variety of film and event passes are on sale now. Ticke

Miami Film Festival announced its acclaimed lineup for its upcoming Festival taking place from April 5-14, 2024. The Festival will open with Thelma, directed by Josh Margolin and starring June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, and Parker Posey. The Festival will close with Ezra, directed by Tony Goldwyn, who will be in attendance on Saturday, April 13. Featuring ten World Premieres, ten North American Premieres, five U.S. Premieres, and 11 East Coast Premieres, and 42 Florida Premieres, the 2024 Miami Film Festival will celebrate more than 165 feature narratives, documentaries, and short films of all genres, from over 31 countries worldwide.

“This year’s lineup spotlights exciting narrative programming, essential documentaries, and groundbreaking shorts, bringing an unbelievable host of films to our local community,” said James Woolley, Executive Director. “The Miami Film Festival is delighted to welcome our audiences back for another year of incredible screenings and inspiring conversations.”

“We are thrilled to be bringing this incredible slate of diverse and exciting films to Miami,” said Lauren Cohen, Director of Programming. “With over 30 countries featured and nearly half of the presented features being directed by women, this lineup showcases films from some of the most prestigious festivals in the world, as well as a hugely impressive slate of works from up-and-coming filmmakers making their world, international, and North American premieres. We are so proud to have a lineup of films that will truly move audiences as we celebrate the very best in world cinema.”

MFF will open with the Magnolia Pictures film Thelma. Josh Margolin’s American comedy film follows a grandmother who embarks on a quest to recoup her money after she loses $10,000 in a phone scam. The film stars June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg, and Malcolm McDowell. Director Josh Margolin and producer Zoë Worth will be in attendance to introduce the film.

The Festival will close with Bleecker Street’s Ezra, starring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rainn Wilson. From director Tony Goldwyn, Ezra follows Max Bernal, a stand-up comedian living with his father, while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra with his ex-wife. When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives. Ezra is an endearing and often funny exploration of a family determined to find their way through life’s complexities with humor, compassion, and heart. 

Three MARQUEE screening presentations will be presented with directors in attendance for post-screening Q&As. These include:

Dear Jassi (India, directed by Tarsem Singh), following the story of a young couple who desperately want to be together, but are separated due to time, distance, and societal expectations. Directly following the Florida Premiere screening of Dear Jassi, the Festival will host a 35mm retrospective screening of Singh’s 2000 film The Cell, co-presented by Popcorn Frights.

Read more