90 films from 28 countries to be screened in Paris on the 29th, 30th and 31st March 2013.

The European Independent Film Festival, Europe's premiere event for independent filmmakers and their audiences, announces its' Official Selection for the eighth edition of the festival which will take place at the end of March 2013.

ÉCU 2013 will showcase 90 films from 28 countries ranging in genre from feature films, short films, documentaries, animation and student films to experimental works. The Official Selection - demonstrating quality, innovation and independence in both form and content - represents the very best independent filmmaking talent from Europe and around the world. Several films will be making their World Premieres at the festival and more than a dozen others will be making European Premieres. Filmmakers will be competing within 15 categories for 25 awards, including the prestigious title of 'Best European Independent Film 2013'. In addition, we will be presenting a special section competing for the Ahmed Khedr Award for Excellence in Arab Filmmaking.

Some highlights from ÉCU 2013 official selection are: "EAT" (Dir. Moritz Krämer, 2012), a German experimental film about a model who begins eating everything including walls and chairs. "We're not Slaves" (Dir. Ainur Askarov, 2012) is a short from Russia that tells the story of a small boy in the besieged Leningrad during the 2nd World War. Another film in competition is a music video from Finland "I've Only Just Begun" (Dir.Elias Koskimies, 2012), which is a raging, beautiful, violent and poetic statement. Also in the Official Selection the British dramatic feature "Girl Shaped Drug" (Dir. Simon Powell, 2012); a story of a boy with a metaphysical presence and a girl with a Mancunian heart who live a beautiful romance.

"We eagerly look forward to giving these great indie films the recognition they deserve by screening them to large audiences at The European Independent Film Festival," said Scott Hillier, Oscar-honoured cinematographer and ÉCU founder. "In its 8th year, ÉCU will continue its tradition of being a true filmmakers' festival, in which directors may continue to develop their unique creative voice and style in a warm and welcoming environment."

As well as the film screenings, attendees of the festival will have the opportunity to participate in an exciting array of workshops,  such as scriptwriting, editing, acting and directing, as well as a series of 'Meet the Directors' panel discussions, in which audience members pose questions directly to the filmmakers. There is also a full programme of live music hosted by ÉCU partner Access Film-Music. Personalities from cinema, television and the arts, as well as filmmakers and film industry professionals, will mix with a cinema-loving public craving the energy, free spiritedness and innovation that embodies independent film.

Since its inception eight years ago, ÉCU has proved to be a discovery point for many of the world's most talented independent filmmakers. As a result of ÉCU's commitment to the discovery, promotion and projection of independent films, it is often referred to as the European version of the Sundance Film Festival.

The European Independent Film Festival 2013 will take place on the 29th, 30th and 31st of March in Paris at Cinema 7 Parnassiens and the Cinema Action Christine in Saint Germain-des-Prés. For more information and a full list of the 2013 Official Selection, go to www.ecufilmfestival.com.