77 films from 26 countries are competing for the title of “Europe’s Best Independent Film” at ÉCU- The Eu ropean Independent Film Festival 2011

This weekend, between the 1st and 3rd of April, the European Independent Film Festival will screen 77 independent films from 26 countries at cinema Sept Parnassiens located in Paris Montparnasse Quarter and the Cinema Christine located in the Saint Germain-des-Prés Quarter of Paris. Since its inception six years ago the festival has proved to be a discovery point for many of Europe’s talented filmmakers, who are driven by the passion to make great cinema, but without the benefits of huge production budgets.
“I am honoured to project such a great slate of films this weekend and to present the next generation of storytellers to our audiences. So many directors from so many different countries, all united through their shared independent spirit and creative determination” says Scott Hillier, ÉCU 2011’s President and Academy Award honoured independent filmmaker.
In addition to the film screenings, festival attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an exciting array of workshops hosted by industry professionals on scriptwriting, editing, acting and directing. Other highlights include “Meet-the-Directors” sessions, where audience members have the opportunity to pose questions to filmmakers and to dig deeper into their films. There is also a full programme of post-festival music events organised by festival partner Access Film-Music.
The festival’s opening film, Paths of Hate (Dir. Damian Nenow) is a short animation about the demons that slumber deep in the human soul and have the power to push people into the abyss of blind hate, fury and rage. Other films in competition include the French feature film, making its World Premiere, 27 m2 , (Dir. Fabien Lartigue & Gabriella Cserhati), which takes a unique look at the lack of communication within the relationships of couples in confined spaces. A Damn Killer, (Dir. Marcus Pajter) is from Germany film and tells the story of a man, who dreams of becoming an assassin. Storia di Nessuno (Dir.by Manfreid Lucibello,) recounts the story of a lonely Italian hitman who one day stops looking over his shoulder. Making its European Premiere at a very timley moment, Cairo Exit (Dir. Hesham Issawi) reveals the dramas that many Egyptian youths face on a daily basis - and how tragedy faces those who try to break free. Also in competition is the visually stunning Georgian film, The April Chill (Dir. Tornike Bziave) which shows a human face behind one of the recent Russian incursions into Georgia. One of the most intriguing films of the festival is the documentary Salam Rugby, (Dir. Faramarz Beheshti) which spotlights women rugby players in Iran.
The films are competing in 12 different categories and will be judged by a panel of internationally acclaimed industry experts. Winners will receive prizes from G-Technology and its other sponsors, in addition to important recognition within the independent film community.
Since its inception six years ago, ÉCU has proved to be a discovery point for many of Europe’s talented independent filmmakers. As a result of ÉCU’s commitment to the discovery, promotion and projection of independent films it is fast becoming one of Europe’s major cultural events.