Meyzieu European Cinema Festival

The Meyzieu European Cinema Festival: over twenty-five years of cinematic passion

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.

A program between discovery and encounters

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.

Competition films and audience award

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.

Events around cinema

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.

A prestigious patron each year

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: a committed local cinema

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.