Film - Edinburgh International Film Festival

Details have been unveiled of the programme for the upcoming Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), taking place next month between the 15th and 26th of June...

Now in its landmark 70th edition, the Festival will showcase a total of 161 features from 46 countries including 22 World Premieres, 5 International Premieres, 17 European Premieres and 85 UK Premieres.

Mark Adams, EIFF Artistic Director, said "It is a real thrill to unveil this year's programme and I am looking forward to showcasing so many great films and welcoming so many talented filmmakers to our 70th edition. As always we like to offer an incredibly broad range of work to ensure there is always something for everyone – from mesmeric retrospectives through to absorbing new short films, to 130 new features from 46 countries, rest assured this year's EIFF will challenge, provoke and entertain audiences in equal measure."

As always there are several themed strands running throughout the festival. As well as the usual Documentaries, Animation and Short Films strands, American Dreams highlights the very best in new American independent cinema shines a spotlight on the boundless creativity originating from across the Atlantic. The Directors Showcase strand shines a light on the latest work from some of the world’s most highly-respected auteurs, each film offering an insight into perspectives and stories from across the globe. In a telling tribute to this year’s milestone edition, EIFF plays host to 70/70 Vision, a series of screenings of iconic films in their original widescreen 70mm format. Audiences will also be invited to trace the lively cinematic roots of the current wave of superhero blockbusters, POW!!! Live Action Comic Strip Adaptations: The First Generation presents a colourful retrospective journey through various genres, tracing the evolution of the live comic strip adaptation in cinema.

Other highlights include:

• In-Person events featuring Kevin Smith, Jeremy Thomas, Dominique Pinon and Kim Cattrall
• Opening and Closing Gala World Premieres of the previously announced Tommy's Honour and Whisky Galore!
• The UK Premiere of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial with John Williams’ iconic score performed live by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh
• The World Premiere of the newly-restored 4K version of the Scottish classic Highlander, celebrating its 30th anniversary with star Clancy Brown in attendance

And finally, film fans of all ages can look forward to a host of cinematic treats in the form of free St Andrews Square Garden screenings as part of Film Fest in the City. No ticket is required to enjoy a range of hit movies, including the likes of  The Muppets, The Breakfast Club, Minions, Mad Max - Fury Road, Finding Nemo, Pitch Perfect, Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens ... and a special dance-along screening of cult classic GREASE.

Have a look at the preview trailer for the 2016 Edinburgh International Film Festival below and then download the programme itself here.



Image - EIFF