European cinema in the spotlight on the outskirts of Lyon
The Meyzieu European Cinema Festival (MECF) is an annual cinematic event that has celebrated the diversity and richness of European cinema since 2000. For ten days in March, Ciné Meyzieu hosts previews, competition films, meetings with film crews, short films, and activities for all audiences. A moment of friendly sharing between spectators and filmmakers in the heart of eastern Lyon.
Created in 2000 by the association Ciné Passion, the Meyzieu European Cinema Festival (MECF) has established itself as a must-attend event for cinephiles in the Lyon metropolitan area. Every March, Ciné Meyzieu opens its doors for ten days for a rich program mixing previews, competition films, and a panorama of the best of recent European cinema.
The MECF stands out for its commitment to fostering dialogue between European cinematographies. The official selection features films from all over Europe—France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Nordic countries, Eastern Europe—with a particular focus on independent works and first films. Audiences can freely interact with the directors, actors, and technicians who attend, creating a rare atmosphere of closeness and conviviality.
The heart of the festival is its official competition, where several European feature films vie for the Audience Award. Spectators vote for their favorite film, making the festival a truly participatory event. An award also recognizes the best short film.
Beyond screenings, the MECF offers a varied program of activities: cinema workshops for children and adults (stop-motion, interactive editing, virtual reality), thematic conferences, cine-concerts, and special evenings. The opening night, with its cinema blind test and friendly aperitif, sets the festive tone for the event.
Each edition of the MECF is placed under the patronage of a personality from French cinema. For the 26th edition (2026), actor Antoine Duléry is the festival's patron, offering a masterclass and presenting a film of his choice during the opening night.
Ciné Meyzieu, located at 27 rue Louis Saulnier, is an art-house cinema that has hosted the festival since its inception. With modern and comfortable screening rooms, it hosts the MECF screenings in optimal conditions, complemented by events at the Médiathèque and the Salle des fêtes of Meyzieu.
The 26th edition of the MECF runs from March 19 to 29, 2026, at Ciné Meyzieu, under the patronage of Antoine Duléry. The program includes: competition films, previews, meetings, digital workshops, short films, and conferences.
The 26th edition of the Meyzieu European Cinema Festival runs from March 19 to 29, 2026, under the patronage of actor Antoine Duléry. The opening is marked by a launch event on March 20 with a cinema blind test and the presentation of the film Un Singe en hiver by Antoine Duléry.
The competition features selected European films, including Yellow Letters (Turkey) and The Boy Who Made the Hills Dance (North Macedonia). The official opening night on March 21 welcomes Gérard Jugnot for the screening of Mauvaise Pioche.
The young audience program (March 19-22) includes the screening of Walter Lapin, a stop-motion workshop, and a stunt show. Digital workshops at the Médiathèque (virtual reality, interactive editing) complete the program.
By tramway: Line T3, stop « Meyzieu ZI » then a 10-minute walk, or line T7 towards Décines.
By car: 20 minutes from the center of Lyon via the N346. Free parking nearby.
Competition Pass: 55 EUR. Full Pass: 95 EUR. Single ticket prices available at the box office.
Online ticketing at cinema-europeen.fr or at the Ciné Meyzieu box office.
Ciné Meyzieu
27 rue Louis Saulnier, 69330 Meyzieu
Tel: 09 77 25 04 11
Website: cinema-europeen.fr
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Ciné Meyzieu
27 rue Louis Saulnier, 69330 Meyzieu