Screen Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival have confirmed the news this morning (8 March).
It was reported in October 2022 that the festival was shutting down and over 100 staff had lost their jobs. The Edinburgh Filmhouse and the Belmont Cinema in Aberdeen had also closed down.
This year’s “special one-year iteration” of the film festival will run from August 18 -23. The programme will be announced in June.
The programme will be reduced, but will highlight the work of both local and international filmmakers.
Kristy Matheson, the former creative director of the festival is stepping down and has accepted a position as the BFI Festivals Director. Kate Taylor has become the new Programme Director for Edinburgh Film Festival.
“Attending first as audience member, then as film worker, my experience of Edinburgh International Film Festival has always been of a place that sparks inspiring conversations about film, and over the past few months it has been nourishing to hear the stories of many people – filmmakers, audience and industry who hold this festival dear. I’m excited to deliver the ideas that the team and I have been working on over the past few months and be a custodian for this year’s programme, ensuring the flame of EIFF burns bright, and I can’t wait to welcome audiences to enjoy the curated selection of films we’ll be presenting in August,”, Taylor said.
Culture Minister of Scottish Government Neil Gray added: “The Scottish Government is a strong supporter of the Edinburgh International Film Festival and I’m delighted that there will be a 76th edition this summer. Film Festivals play an important part in Scotland’s screen industry success story by promoting domestic productions, supporting talent development, showcasing high-quality international films and encouraging more people to go to the cinema. We have vibrant creative and screen industries in Scotland and our film festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to highlight this abundance of talent to audiences at home and abroad.”
