Over the weekend of 14th – 16th March 2008, The European Independent Film Festival (ÉCU) showcased over 100 truly exceptional independent films, so I was hardly surprised when I discovered that tempers were running hot in the judging room on the final Sunday evening.

“Have you made a decision?”

“Not yet,” was the unanimous reply as the door of the judging room was slammed in my face.

So as the jury continued to deliberate, Canadian singer-songwriter Melissa Laveaux entertained the audience that had crammed into the Grand Auditorium of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France to await the final awards ceremony.

Suddenly, the judging room door burst open, and Festival President Scott Hillier bolted for the stage.

The jury had finally decided.

Twenty-three awards were announced at the ceremony. They included Greg Loftin’s Saxon from the UK for “Best European Dramatic Feature” and Marc Alépée’s Dans La Corde from France for “Best European Dramatic Short”. Martin Gauvreau’s film Agnieska 2039 won “Best Experimental” and “Best Editing”. The “Audience Award” went to Niels Dubost and Sevy Weber’s French film Bonjour Je M’Appelle Maxime Renard and the prestigious title of “Europe’s Best Independent Film 2008” went to Italian director Davide Sibaldi’s L’Estate d’Inverno (The Summer in Winter).

But where are these ÉCU 2008 award-winners now?

In the next five months leading up to ÉCU 2009, I’ll track down our shooting stars to find out what they’re up to today…

Best European Dramatic Short 2008

French director Marc Alépée made quite a splash at The European Independent Film Festival 2008. His mysterious and visually compelling film Dans La Corde won "Best European Short" at ECU 2008. Alépée is currently trying to secure the resources necessary to begin filming his next project, Derrière Le Mur, and we cant wait to see it on the screen.

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Europe’s Best Independent Film 2008 & Best Actress (Pia Lanciotti)

David Sibaldi’s Italian film L’Estate d’Inverno won the prestigious title of “Europe’s Best Independent Film 2008” along with the “Best Actress” award for Pia Lanciotti’s performance.

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Best Editing & Best Experimental

Martin Gauvreau’s films look set to be a permanent feature at The European Independent Film Festival. At ÉCU 2007, his dark and very compelling short film Poland Nights caught the audience’s attention. The young Polish director’s trippy sci-film, Agnieska 2039, definitely turned heads at ÉCU 2008, where he was awarded “Best Experimental” and “Best Editing”. I can’t wait to see what’s next in store.

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