In late 2022, the Edinburgh International Film Festival, recognized as the world’s oldest continuously running film festival, faced an uncertain future. Following its 75th edition in August 2022, the festival’s organizer, the Centre for the Moving Image, went into administration, akin to Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S.
Meanwhile, the Filmhouse cinema, its primary venue, closed due to financial pressures and a downturn in business post-pandemic. The situation seemed dire when creative director Kristy Matheson departed for the BFI London Film Festival, leaving the festival’s future in jeopardy.
However, revitalization efforts soon began. In August 2023, Screen Scotland supported a one-off festival iteration, leading to the formation of a new organization helmed by “Trainspotting” producer and Alex Garland collaborator Andrew Macdonald.
Later in 2023, Paul Ridd, previously head of acquisitions at Picturehouse Entertainment, took on the role of festival director, relocating from London to Edinburgh. For the festival’s relaunch starting on August 15, Ridd and his team have curated a compelling lineup of high-profile films and talent.
The event will open with the U.K. premiere of “The Outrun,” starring Saoirse Ronan, which has already generated serious acclaim at Sundance and Berlin, along with early Oscar buzz.
Additionally, the festival will host the first U.K. screening of Fede Alvarez’s new sci-fi installment “Alien: Romulus” and showcase numerous world premieres, both in features and short films. Industry highlights include a keynote address from Garland and conversations with renowned editor Thelma Schoonmaker and French filmmaker Gaspar Noé.
In an interview with Variety from Scotland, Ridd emphasized his goal to transform Edinburgh into both a sought-after destination festival and a platform for discovering emerging talent, while also aiming to enhance his own visibility in the industry.