Scott Hillier, photo: Anita Falusi

ÉCU 2009's president is independent filmmaker and journalism dyamo, Australian Scott Hillier. Between gearing up for the festival, writing a feature script, making TV and running a film production company, he catches up with Paris Voice...

Paris Voice: What's the story behind ÉCU?

Scott Hillier: Since its inception four years ago, The European Independent Film Festival (ÉCU) has established itself as a very important arena for independent filmmakers from around the world to screen their films to large international audiences made up of a cinema-loving public who are seeking alternatives to the offerings of major studios, as well as to agents, talent scouts, production company representatives, distributors and established producers looking for new projects and raw talent.  

PV: What's your aim for the festival?

SH: We are spotlighting filmmakers, people who are making extraordinary films, but have little financial support.  That doesn't mean that these films are low budget - in fact more the contrary. ÉCU brings the fresh, distinctive vision of these hugely talented new filmmakers to audiences craving innovation and real creative flair. The platform we provide can also be an essential link between a director and a distribution deal.

PV: A couple of your favourite films in the 2009 line-up?

SH: ‘Voyage d'Affaires' starring Guillaume Canet, ‘The Chef's Letter' with Ray Fearon and "My Horizon" with Nick Nolte and Sean Brosnan.

PV: What are the competition categories?

SH: The 11 categories are under three main headings including:  European, Non European and Worldwide.  The jury award ‘Europe's Best Independent Film' at the ÉCU 2009 Awards Ceremony on Sunday 15th March 2009.    

PV: As a festival director, what makes for you a good film? How do you choose?

SH: A good story well told is essential.  The film has to be original and generate emotion be it happiness, sadness or anger...

PV: What is the state of indie film making in Europe right now? How is it changing?

SH: I think that filmmakers in Europe are changing. They are making great films and appear to be really embracing the idea of writing a great story, picking up a camera and making the film instead of waiting around for government grants and thinking that only 'experts' can tell great cinematic stories. 


PV: In cinema, how does Paris compare to other cities globally?

For me Paris is one of the true 'homes' of cinema. The city plays great films, classic and epics, from every era , every day in cinemas throughout the city. It is a cinephile's heaven. 


ECU Film Festival, March 13-15, Bibliotheque National de France, Site Francois -Mitterand, Paris. Times: Friday, 7:30pm-10pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 1pm-9pm. For more information visit http://www.ecufilmfestival.com