Film festival:
Edinburgh International Film Festival enjoyed a sixth successive year of increased attendances, endorsing the decision to run it earlier than the August festivals.
More than 53,000 attended over the 12 days. This was the highest figure recorded since the controversial move away from the city’s other main festivals in 2008, when 52,175 people attended events. A further 20,000 enjoyed the weekend of outdoor screenings, as part of Film Fest in the City. Figures for the main screenings have increased for six consecutive years .
The event showcased 151 films from 46 countries and included 17 world premieres, including Mark Gill’s unauthorised biopic of the singer Morrissey’s early life which closed the event.
England is Mine featured Jack Lowden as the former lead singer in The Smiths, and Laurie Kynaston as guitarist Johnny Marr.
The festival attracted more than 400 filmmakers to support their films, with more than 200 accredited press and almost 600 industry delegates also present. Venues beyond the city centre were also used for some showings.
An exhibition featured a selection of rarely seen images from the Festival’s archives, at Festival Square, St Andrew Square and the Old College Quad.
Top actors such as Kevin Bacon, Sheila Hancock, David Hayman, Richard E Grant and Ewen Bremner were among those attending red carpet events and giving talks.
An exhibition featured a selection of rarely seen images from the Festival’s archives, at Festival Square, St Andrew Square and the Old College Quad.
Mark Adams, EIFF artistic director said: “It has been another amazing EIFF and it has been satisfying and often humbling to receive such a great response from filmmakers, guests and the audience.
“The city always makes EIFF guests feel welcome and this year there was a real buzz and sense of enthusiasm and appreciation around the Festival. Roll on 2018.”
He said that moving the Film Festival had enabled it to use facilities such as the Festival Theatre, the Usher Hall and the Traverse that would not have been possible if it were still held in August.
Ken Hay, CEO, added: “EIFF is unashamedly international and outward-looking in its programming and its reach, with 59 countries represented through the programme, our filmmaker and industry guests, and our truly multi-national team delivering the event.
“We’re delighted that audiences and guests have responded so positively to the programme and the broader Festival experience, and are thrilled to see a further increase in admissions.”
Winning films this year included Francis Lee’s God’s Own Country (Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film); Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov’s Glory (Best International Feature Film); Daisy Jacobs’ The Full Story (Best Short Film); Chico Pereira’s contemplative Donkeyote (Best Documentary); and Paloma Baeza’s Poles Apart (McLaren Award for Best British Animation). The Audience Award was won by Just Charlie.
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