Approximately one hundred films will be selected to compete in thirteen categories including features, shorts, documentaries, animation, student films and experimental. The festival's ‘official selection' will represent the pinnacle of contemporary filmmaking talent from around the world and compete for twenty-two awards including the prestigious title of "Europe's Best Independent Film". At ÉCU 2008, dozens of distribution agreements were signed, and several films were sold directly after their screening.
"I'm being continually amazed at the quality of films submitted to the festival. The idea that there are people all over the world united by their overwhelming desire to tell a masterful story, most often with limited resources, shows that the creative spirit of independent filmmakers is alive and kicking. I'm honoured that filmmakers continue to choose us to screen their films," says Scott Hillier, President of The European Independent Film Festival. "We have roughly five weeks before the final deadline which means things are heating up for our selection committee. I guarantee an official selection slate that exemplifies the heart, soul and passion of independent filmmaking."
Since its inception four years ago, ÉCU has become the premier arena in Europe for independent filmmakers to screen their films to large international audiences, to network with producers, talent scouts, agents and distributors as well as exchange ideas with other indie filmmakers. The ÉCU festival is regularly referred to as Europe's version of the Sundance Film Festival.
After the Paris festival screenings in March 2009, a selection of ÉCU's award-winning films will be presented at our partner festivals around the World. Additionally, we are in the planning stages of organizing a whirlwind "US Tour" where a selection of ECU's award-winning films will be screened in cities across America!
The early deadline for submissions is December 15, 2008 and the late deadline is January 15, 2009 . Independent filmmakers are invited to submit their films at www.ecufilmfestival.com.
Rhiannon Hobbins
Event Coordinator
The European Independent Film Festival (ÉCU)
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