Earlier this week, the ÉCU European Independent Film Festival released its Official Selection of films for their eighth edition that will take place on March 29, 30 and 31 in Paris, France.

The independent festival was founded in 2006 by Scott Hillier, an Australian independent filmmaker and former war cameraman. His driving force came after realizing that Europe had no festivals where independent filmmakers could showcase their work unless they were wildly known or had an agent.

The main event not only features about 100 screenings (selected from over 700+ submissions) but also Q&As  with the audience, industry workshops and after-parties open to all attendees.

The 3-day format makes it affordable for Official Selection filmmakers to attend the entire festival, and more importantly, creates a feeling of intimacy that larger film festivals have long lost.

¨We make them [filmmakers] feel at home and they love being here. Everybody knows everybody.¨ says Festival Manager, Kädi Lokk.

The filmmaker-friendly festival does not just wrap up its festivities after the 3-day event in Paris. ÉCU has expanded way beyond its French frontiers, establishing partnerships with more than 60 other festivals. They tour their award winning films throughout the world thanks to a promotional program called ÉCU On The Road. This, more than any prize, represents an invaluable exposure and leads to many opportunities that independent filmmakers would not have otherwise.

ÉCU is certainly on the rise and quickly growing, all with the same determination and spirit to support the independent filmmaking community.

Tickets go on sale at the beginning of March on www.brownpapertickets.com. Stay tuned for more information.