Context

I worked within the graphic design team at the European Independent Film Festival (ÉCU) in Paris, contributing to the visual direction of the festival’s annual identity and supporting materials.

My Role

I contributed to concept development, visual exploration, and final design execution, including poster design and supporting graphic materials.

The Problem

The festival required a bold and distinctive visual concept that could capture attention across a wide range of touchpoints while reflecting its independent and unconventional spirit. The challenge was to create a design that stands out while remaining adaptable for various formats.

Approach

I developed multiple visual concepts based on the theme, exploring striking compositions and symbolic imagery. The selected direction used a reinterpretation of classical sculpture to create contrast between tradition and rebellion, aligning with the festival’s identity.

Outcome

One of my poster concepts was selected and used as part of the festival’s official campaign, displayed across Paris. The final visuals contributed to a cohesive and impactful festival identity.

Concept Development
for the  
ECU European
Independent Film Festival
2024

Theme: DISOBEY THE RULES

During my time working in the graphic design department for the ECU European Independent Film Festival in Paris,
I contributed to both editorial and conceptual design tasks.

I began by editing the 2023 film catalogue for the All Asian Film Festival. Shortly thereafter, our project manager introduced an open call for visual concept ideas for the upcoming 2024 edition of ECU, themed “DISOBEY THE RULES.

At the time, the motto was the only defined element of the festival's visual identity.I was invited to explore and visually interpret this theme. I developed six distinct visual concept ideas, each presenting a unique interpretation of the festival’s bold motto. These concepts took shape in the form of poster designs and mood boards.

One of my concepts featuring the Winged Victory of Samothrace was selected as the official visual identity for the festival and later displayed all around Paris.
Below are photographs showing the poster in public spaces across the city, bringing the theme of creative rebellion into everyday streets.

“The Victory of Rebellion” (Selected)

The Winged Victory of Samothrace stands defiant and triumphant. This classical figure, reimagined with bold color and scale, became the official face of the festival seen all around Paris. A celebration of forward motion, rebellion, and timeless defiance.

1. The Name of the Rose

A nod to Umberto Eco’s novel, this design turns a rose into a symbol of intellectual resistance. It's about disobedience through curiosity, through questioning, through thinking differently.

2. "The Forbidden Fruit"

A metaphorical take on disobedience, referencing Snow White and the classical apple  a symbol of both curiosity and consequence. Beauty, danger, and knowledge collide

3. "The Designer's Manifesto"

This poster acts as a rebellious script-turned-monologue, breaking every rule of design and writing inviting viewers to embrace chaos, voice, and vulnerability.

3. "The Victory of Rebellion"

The chosen concept. Reimagining the Winged Victory of Samothrace as a symbol of timeless resistance and forward motion. A celebration of rebellion through strength and legacy.

4. "Back to School"

A playful nod to teenage defiance  channeling the raw, scribbled spirit of school rebellion. Where creativity meets rule-breaking in its purest, most universal form

Rebranding the All Asian, African, and American Independent Film Festivals

All Asian Independent Film Festival

I proposed a more abstract idea than expectedI took colors from all Asian flags and blended them into one flowing circular stroke. The result became a vibrant, unified motion that welcomed diversity without feeling cluttered. In the center, I placed the Asian continent as a solid, grounding presence.

All America’s Independent Film Festival

Since the Americas are surrounded by water and have a history of being seen as newly discovered, we went with a water-themed circle. The shape wraps around the map of the continent, like movement and flow.
The design came out clean and atmospheric, giving the feeling of both place and openness

All African Independent Film Festival

For Africa, the initial idea was to use the silhouette of a famous African tree within the shape of the continent. But visually, it was too detailed and looked more like a full illustration than a logo. I simplified it by using the same concept, but stylizing it with acrylic-like texture and playing with deep purples and greens.

More From Ilgim