Stories are created every day, imagined or real, and the world is in need of a good story. Character-driven, plot-driven, or just plain driven, ÉCU - The European Independent Film Festival continually searches for the most talented storytellers and cinematic visionaries that make their stories a reality.

Through this dedicated quest and passion for independent cinema, ÉCU prides itself on being one of Europe’s essential events for independent films. This stems from the festival's unyielding belief in its filmmakers and their artistic efforts.

ÉCU 2013 will take place in Paris, France through March 29th to the 31st 2013.

Many of the films chosen for ÉCU 2013’s "Official Selection" will participate in the ÉCU-ON-THE ROAD tour. This year-round tour takes its films to special screening sessions around the globe for the world to experience.

The competition focuses on original and independent works that demonstrate quality, creativity and innovation across fifteen categories.

European Submissions:

- Dramatic Feature
- Dramatic Short
- Documentary
- Animation
- Experimental
- Music Video
- European Youth Film
- Comedy

Non-European Submissions:

- Dramatic Feature
- Dramatic Short
- Documentary

Worldwide (European and Non-European) Submissions:

- Student Film
- Feature Script Competition
- Short Script Competition
- ÉCU Firsts

Early Bird Deadline: November 18th, 2012
Regular Deadline: December 16th, 2012
Late Deadline: January 6th, 2013
Withoutabox Extended Deadline: January 13th, 2013

ÉCU 2013 will also host its 7th annual "Much More Than A Script Competition!"

The script competition gives writers the opportunity to shine and be acknowledged for being a central part of the collaborative filmmaking process. The competition focuses on independent screenplays that are not aimed at the mainstream or Hollywood film markets and demonstrate quality, creativity and innovation.

Deadline: March 11th, 2013

Independent filmmakers and scriptwriters may submit their films and/or scripts at www.ecufilmfestival.com.

For information regarding the festival's rules and regulation for submitting films and screenplays, please visit: www.ecufilmfestival.com/Rules-and-Regulations.