The invention relates to a high modulus, bi-axially oriented film, heat-shrinkable or non heatshrinkable, comprising a first outer layer comprising a polyester or a copolyester, a second outer layer comprising an ethylene or propylene homo- or co-polymer, a core layer comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and no core polyamide or polyester layers. The film according to the present invention is prepared by orienting biaxially a flat extruded tape by means of a tenter frame, preferably simultaneously, and has a modulus higher than 6,000 kg/cm.sup.2 in at least one direction. The film of the present invention is particularly useful, in the non heat-shrinkable version, for food and non food packaging applications.