Edinburgh International Film Festival
Trainspotting director Danny Boyle’s musical comedy based on a world without the Beatles will be debuted at next month’s Edinburgh International Film Festival where he will also be talking about his career and his new project with music mogul Alan McGee.
Boyle, who made his film breakthrough with the Edinburgh-set Shallow Grave and was artistic director for the 2012 London Olympics, has teamed up with writer Richard Curtis for Yesterday which tells the story of a struggling singer-songwriter (Himesh Patel) who wakes up from a mysterious global blackout to a world in which the Beatles never existed. The cast includes singer Ed Sheeran and Downton Abbey actress Lily James.
Among others appearing In Person is actor and producer Jack Lowden who began his career with the Scottish Youth Theatre and most recently appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and last year’s Mary Queen of Scots. Scottish writer, director and actor Pollyanna McIntosh will discuss her latest film Darlin’. Producer Rebecca O’Brien will be in conversation with Iciar Bollain.
The Festival will screen 121 new features from 42 countries, including 18 world premieres, 12 international premieres, eight European premieres and 78 UK premieres. They include the dark mystery I See You, starring Helen Hunt, and Them That Follow, starring Oscar winner Olivia Colman. Martin Freeman is cast in Ode to Joy while Jamie Bell stars in Skin, the true story of neo-nazi Bryo Widner.
Isabel Davis, executive director at Screen Scotland, said: “It’s exciting to see EIFF showcasing a number of British debut features, alongside strong international threads, reflecting Scotland’s close affinity with both our European neighbours and filmmakers from across the globe.”
Mark Adams, EIFF’s artistic director, said: “It’s always important that EIFF reflects the changing face of all aspects of society and culture. With attitudes changing throughout the world it is important that this year the Festival has a real European spin.
“We are really delighted to be able to stage such a rich and diverse group of films that really do offer something for everybody.”
He drew particular attention to a series of “striking” new films from women directors, from gothic romance and Wester chills to science fiction and old-fashioned horror.
Outdoor screenings in St Andrew Square will also return this year.
The 73rd edition of EIFF runs from 19 to 30 June. More information at www.edfllmfest.org.uk
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