Damian Nenowis' "Paths of Hate" (photo) has won the award for Best Animation at the 2011 European Independent Film Festival. The competition programme presented 2 Polish films this year - Alina Mrowińska's "Magda, Love and Cancer" and Damian Nenowis' "Paths of Hate". One is an inspiring documentary of hope in the face of fear, while the other is a hi-speed ride through the human drive for destruction and annihilation...
77 films from 25 countries were on the programme at the European Independent Film Festival, among them two Polish selections. Alina Mrowińska's Magda, miłość i rak" / "Magda, Love and Cancer competes with six other titles from the UK, Spain, Germany and Cyprus for the award for Best European Documentary. In the European Animated Film category Damian Nenow'sPaths of Hate takes on selections from Germany, France, Portual and the Netherlands in the European Animated Film category.
Paths of Hate explores the darkest aspects of the human character and the relentless drive towards destruction and annihilation. Magda, Love and Cancer tells the story of Magda Prokopowicz, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite her misfortune, she experiences a miracle and gets pregnant. This new addition to her life gives her the strength to fight.
Scott Hillier, ÉCU 2011's President and Academy Award-winning filmmaker, emphasises the event's commitment to independent filmmaking and introducing new talents in film. "These are films that are made by filmmakers who are driven by a desire so strong to tell their stories that they bare their souls on the screen. We will be screening films that will touch the audiences and remain in their thoughts for a long time", he says.
Since its inception six years ago, ÉCU has proved to be a discovery point for many of Europe's talented independent filmmakers. As a result of ÉCU's commitment to the discovery, promotion and projection of independent films, some people refer to it as Europe's own Sundance. The festival hosts workshops and meetings with industry professionals to accompany the screening programme.
The European Independent Film Festival 2011 takes place on April 1-3, 2011 at Cinema 7 Parnassiens located in Paris' Montparnasse Quarter and the Cinema Christine located in the Saint Germain-des-Prés Quarter of Paris.
For more information and a programme, see:
www.ecufilmfestival.com