European Independent Film Festival in Paris

If you’re in Paris this upcoming weekend, you might want to check out Écu: The European Independent Film Festival, taking place at la Bibliothèque Nationale de France on March 14-16, 2008. Showcasing filmmakers in eleven different categories, the festival aims to promote independent film from not only Europe but the whole world.

The coolest thing about the festival is that it is free, which helps to reduce barriers between independent film makers and their audiences. You do however have to reserve a seat in advance.

With over 100 films to choose from, you might have a hard time making a decision on which one to go see. Thankfully you can watch trailers to all of the films on Écu Interactive — also helpful if you’re not in Paris but want a little taste of what’s going on.

Straight-up Scandinavia: Danish film festival continues in Atlanta this weekend

We all know about, and love, French film. And the musicals of Bollywood seem to be everywhere. But Danish cinema?

Cinephiles may already be well acquainted with the Danish film industry, but for the rest of you, all it takes is a little direction. You may in fact remember the movie Italian for Beginners. Don’t let the title fool you, it was a Danish directed film all about seven strangers coming together in Copenhagen to learn a bit of Italiano. Or what about Dancer in the Dark? Yup, it too was made by a Danish director, Lars von Trier.

This weekend in Atlanta, January 25-27, the quest for discovering Denmark’s film industry continues at the Danish Film Festival. The third annual festival actually started last weekend, but three more movies are scheduled to show this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Rich Theater located in the Woodruff Arts Center. One of the films, A Soap, was the winner of the Best Debut Film at the 2006 Berlin International Film Festival. Even children can get involved, if they are up to reading subtitles, with The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar.

Tickets are $5 general admission and $4 for students, seniors and museum members, giving those of you in the Atlanta area no excuse not to get a little weekend taste of Denmark.

Ljubljana Film Festival


Yes, I’ve been a bit off posting on film festivals as I promised I would and it looks as though I’m only finding out about this one in Slovenia mid-way through. Better late than never though and considering what little I know about Slovenia I’m making this selection because its so far-out there on my own travel radar. In it’s 17th year the Ljubljana International Film Festival looks like an event worth attending if you’re in and around town at the time from November 10-24, 2006. I’m going to make the assumption many of the readers here won’t be attending the fest not because they wouldn’t want to, but like I noted before this is last minute. If you’re still interested in seeing what films are listed on the program check out the official site here.

Festival du Nouveau Cinéma – Montreal

With so many film festivals to check out on the planet Earth, I don’t know how I even go about picking one to mention here on Gadling. You’d think I’d just live the festival selection to our good friends at our sister-site Cinematical, but with the weather cooling down and snow flurries appearing somewhere in the U.S. or maybe even Canada at this time why not fly in to screen a flick or four? Unless of course you’re looking to snowboard or ski you’re better off staying warm from the glow off the silver-screen. So why the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma in Montréal this October? Because Montréal’s a happening spot from what I hear and the bigger question is why not? The festival takes place October 18-28, 2006. Head to the website for additional details.

Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival

Film Fest alert: Fans of fantasy and Asian culture will be glad to find the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) is in it’s 10th year and running from July 13 – July 22, 2006. Screening low-budget films, horror, sci-fi, thrillers and non-mainstream genres has placed the nighttime festival in the world of cult movie festivals. Actually, it’s the back-to-back night marathon said to be a major highlight. Three or four films in a row, unconventional themes, and let’s say a special baby-baby, love done by your side to enjoy the previewing…  Sounds like good summer movie fun!

The PiFan festival will take place at the Boksagol Cultural Center, Bucheon Citizen’s Hall Auditorium, Bucheon City Hall Auditorium, Wonmi-gu, Sang 1-dong, Bucheon, and Gyeonggi-do.