The London East Asia Film Festival (Leaff) celebrates its sixth edition in 2021 with a commitment to diverse, culturally impactful cinema entertainment. After a year of shut cinema doors, Leaff is returning home to London’s big screens with an expanded catalogue to help stimulate the renaissance of cinema and promote cultural empathy.
With cinematic offerings from eight regions – China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam – this year’s programme is an ode to the quiet and independent voices from East Asia. Two international premieres, five European premieres and 18 UK premieres will take place at our state-art-of-the-art venues, Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, The Cinema at Selfridges, as well as the newly opened Odeon Luxe West End and The Chiswick Cinema. The festival is divided into five strands: Official Selection, Competition, Hong Kong Focus, Documentary, and Retrospective.
Opening Gala
The festival opens with a memorial to the late Benny Chan...
With cinematic offerings from eight regions – China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam – this year’s programme is an ode to the quiet and independent voices from East Asia. Two international premieres, five European premieres and 18 UK premieres will take place at our state-art-of-the-art venues, Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, The Cinema at Selfridges, as well as the newly opened Odeon Luxe West End and The Chiswick Cinema. The festival is divided into five strands: Official Selection, Competition, Hong Kong Focus, Documentary, and Retrospective.
Opening Gala
The festival opens with a memorial to the late Benny Chan...
- 9/25/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Appointment of writer and lecturer raises hopes for annual Scottish filmfest beset by funding cuts and public criticism
Chris Fujiwara has been appointed the new artistic director of the Edinburgh international film festival (Eiff).
Fujiwara, a film critic, author and lecturer, succeeds James Mullighan, who oversaw this year's festival on a fixed-term contract. Fujiwara was appointed by the Centre for the Moving Image (Cmi), the organisation responsible for Eiff. "We are delighted to have someone of the calibre of Chris Fujiwara joining us," said Cmi chair Leslie Hills. "His extraordinary knowledge of, and passion for, film coupled with a fantastic range of contacts … will no doubt bring unexpected and delightful results."
"I'm especially enthusiastic because Edinburgh is a festival that has been known in the past for taking the lead during periods when film-making and film criticism were going through major transitions," said Fujiwara. "I look forward to working hard...
Chris Fujiwara has been appointed the new artistic director of the Edinburgh international film festival (Eiff).
Fujiwara, a film critic, author and lecturer, succeeds James Mullighan, who oversaw this year's festival on a fixed-term contract. Fujiwara was appointed by the Centre for the Moving Image (Cmi), the organisation responsible for Eiff. "We are delighted to have someone of the calibre of Chris Fujiwara joining us," said Cmi chair Leslie Hills. "His extraordinary knowledge of, and passion for, film coupled with a fantastic range of contacts … will no doubt bring unexpected and delightful results."
"I'm especially enthusiastic because Edinburgh is a festival that has been known in the past for taking the lead during periods when film-making and film criticism were going through major transitions," said Fujiwara. "I look forward to working hard...
- 9/14/2011
- by Henry Barnes
- The Guardian - Film News
Organisers aim to reset cultural agenda with war documentaries, art installations and experimental performance
One of the world's longest-running film festivals has abandoned red carpet photocalls and star-studded premieres in an attempt to rip up the traditional format seen at Cannes and Venice.
Next month's Edinburgh international film festival will instead feature a harrowing war documentary shown to British troops, 24-hour art gallery installations, an experimental performance event by Mike Skinner, and events curated by Gus Van Sant, Tilda Swinton and Bella Freud.
Formal red carpet photocalls for stars have been dropped by James Mullighan, the festival's new Australian director. Events would not be staged for their "guest wattage" or their "guest 'photobility' on a red carpet", he said.
The festival has also left its traditional home at the Filmhouse cinema and instead film-makers and artists will be invited to mingle with audiences in new venues at an Edinburgh University...
One of the world's longest-running film festivals has abandoned red carpet photocalls and star-studded premieres in an attempt to rip up the traditional format seen at Cannes and Venice.
Next month's Edinburgh international film festival will instead feature a harrowing war documentary shown to British troops, 24-hour art gallery installations, an experimental performance event by Mike Skinner, and events curated by Gus Van Sant, Tilda Swinton and Bella Freud.
Formal red carpet photocalls for stars have been dropped by James Mullighan, the festival's new Australian director. Events would not be staged for their "guest wattage" or their "guest 'photobility' on a red carpet", he said.
The festival has also left its traditional home at the Filmhouse cinema and instead film-makers and artists will be invited to mingle with audiences in new venues at an Edinburgh University...
- 5/18/2011
- by Severin Carrell
- The Guardian - Film News
David Hare's all-star political thriller Page Eight and Ewan McGregor sci-fi film Perfect Sense among highlights at 2011 festival dogged by negative publicity
The first film in 20 years to be directed by the Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Hare and a sci-fi thriller starring Trainspotting alumni Ewan McGregor and Ewen Bremner will be among the highlights of this year's Edinburgh film festival, organisers have announced.
The troubled event, which has been at the centre of suggestions that it bungled a recent revamp, today revealed a swath of films ahead of the festival's official launch later this month. Organisers said the aim was to continue showcasing the work of British directors while also providing a platform for first-time film-makers.
Hare's film is the political thriller Page Eight, featuring an all-star British cast including Bill Nighy, Rachel Weisz, Michael Gambon and Ralph Fiennes. The film-maker, whose screenplays for The Hours and The Reader both picked up Oscar nods,...
The first film in 20 years to be directed by the Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Hare and a sci-fi thriller starring Trainspotting alumni Ewan McGregor and Ewen Bremner will be among the highlights of this year's Edinburgh film festival, organisers have announced.
The troubled event, which has been at the centre of suggestions that it bungled a recent revamp, today revealed a swath of films ahead of the festival's official launch later this month. Organisers said the aim was to continue showcasing the work of British directors while also providing a platform for first-time film-makers.
Hare's film is the political thriller Page Eight, featuring an all-star British cast including Bill Nighy, Rachel Weisz, Michael Gambon and Ralph Fiennes. The film-maker, whose screenplays for The Hours and The Reader both picked up Oscar nods,...
- 5/5/2011
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Hollywood actor denies all-star leadership trio's role came to premature end
Tilda Swinton has stepped in to explain the extent of her involvement in this year's Edinburgh film festival after it emerged that she was playing no further part in planning for the event.
Last December the actor, alongside former festival directors Mark Cousins and Lynda Myles, was announced as part of a team of "dreamy outsiders" who would provide creative vision for the reinvention of the festival.
But it was reported yesterday that the trio's involvement in this June's festival had already ended. The Scotsman said that James Mullighan, a former music industry executive and arts journalist, had taken overall charge of the event since mid-February – having seen his role enlarged since being appointed festival producer in December.
There has been alarm in some circles about the future of the festival following the departure of artistic director Hannah McGill last autumn.
Tilda Swinton has stepped in to explain the extent of her involvement in this year's Edinburgh film festival after it emerged that she was playing no further part in planning for the event.
Last December the actor, alongside former festival directors Mark Cousins and Lynda Myles, was announced as part of a team of "dreamy outsiders" who would provide creative vision for the reinvention of the festival.
But it was reported yesterday that the trio's involvement in this June's festival had already ended. The Scotsman said that James Mullighan, a former music industry executive and arts journalist, had taken overall charge of the event since mid-February – having seen his role enlarged since being appointed festival producer in December.
There has been alarm in some circles about the future of the festival following the departure of artistic director Hannah McGill last autumn.
- 4/6/2011
- by Ian J Griffiths
- The Guardian - Film News
The Edinburgh film festival's guest-curator bombshell was a clear attempt to grab the spotlight from the upstart down the M8
Tuesday's headline-grabbing "reveal" of guest curators for the 2011 Edinburgh international film festival might look like an innocent press release to you, but here in Glasgow there are those who see it as having all the sensitivity and subtlety of a horse's head in the bed. The list of curators is not complete – only eight of 14 names are confirmed – so why did the organisers feel the need to rush it out this week?
The answer might lie just 45 miles west. The Glasgow film festival kicks off on Thursday and there's been growing press speculation that its fresh approach and increased scale, ambition and sales are beginning to make it look like a forward-thinking dynamo poised to surpass the limping sexagenarian down the M8.
A couple of years ago, the highly prestigious,...
Tuesday's headline-grabbing "reveal" of guest curators for the 2011 Edinburgh international film festival might look like an innocent press release to you, but here in Glasgow there are those who see it as having all the sensitivity and subtlety of a horse's head in the bed. The list of curators is not complete – only eight of 14 names are confirmed – so why did the organisers feel the need to rush it out this week?
The answer might lie just 45 miles west. The Glasgow film festival kicks off on Thursday and there's been growing press speculation that its fresh approach and increased scale, ambition and sales are beginning to make it look like a forward-thinking dynamo poised to surpass the limping sexagenarian down the M8.
A couple of years ago, the highly prestigious,...
- 2/16/2011
- by Jane Graham
- The Guardian - Film News
New-look festival to have creative input from film and music talent including Gus van Sant, Jim Jarmusch and the Streets
It may have no official artistic director to oversee affairs this year, but the 2011 Edinburgh international film festival will not want for creative input. Organisers yesterday announced a glittering lineup of guest curators who will help shape the new-look event in June.
The actor and director Isabella Rossellini will join film-makers Gus van Sant and Jim Jarmusch in the hotseat, with support from pop star turned composer Clint Mansell and rapper Mike Skinner, formerly of the Streets. Writers Alan Warner and Greil Marcus will also be on hand, as will Thailand's Apichatpong Weerasethakul, director of the Cannes favourite Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.
James Mullighan, the festival's producer, told the Glasgow Herald: "These are some of the people. Each will suggest a tone, series of films, dawn walk or theme.
It may have no official artistic director to oversee affairs this year, but the 2011 Edinburgh international film festival will not want for creative input. Organisers yesterday announced a glittering lineup of guest curators who will help shape the new-look event in June.
The actor and director Isabella Rossellini will join film-makers Gus van Sant and Jim Jarmusch in the hotseat, with support from pop star turned composer Clint Mansell and rapper Mike Skinner, formerly of the Streets. Writers Alan Warner and Greil Marcus will also be on hand, as will Thailand's Apichatpong Weerasethakul, director of the Cannes favourite Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.
James Mullighan, the festival's producer, told the Glasgow Herald: "These are some of the people. Each will suggest a tone, series of films, dawn walk or theme.
- 2/15/2011
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Organisers plan radical shake-up, overseen by Tilda Swinton and Mark Cousins, with fewer awards and more guest curators after last year's slump in ticket sales
Next year's Edinburgh international film festival could see fewer awards and more guest curators selecting their own programmes of movies under a "radical" shake-up being planned by organisers.
There will be no artistic director for the 2011 event, following the departure in August of incumbent Hannah McGill after four years. Instead, Australian-born writer James Mullighan will be handed the title of producer, working with a number of curators to shape the event.
The new blueprint has been decided by the festival's patron, the Oscar-winning actor Tilda Swinton, and the former artistic director, film critic Mark Cousins. It follows poor financial returns for last year's festival, which saw ticket sales slump by 10%. Swinton and Cousins's own alternative film festival, held in Nairn in 2008 and on the road...
Next year's Edinburgh international film festival could see fewer awards and more guest curators selecting their own programmes of movies under a "radical" shake-up being planned by organisers.
There will be no artistic director for the 2011 event, following the departure in August of incumbent Hannah McGill after four years. Instead, Australian-born writer James Mullighan will be handed the title of producer, working with a number of curators to shape the event.
The new blueprint has been decided by the festival's patron, the Oscar-winning actor Tilda Swinton, and the former artistic director, film critic Mark Cousins. It follows poor financial returns for last year's festival, which saw ticket sales slump by 10%. Swinton and Cousins's own alternative film festival, held in Nairn in 2008 and on the road...
- 12/22/2010
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
What's the logic behind our inaugural power list? And who were the advisory panel?
Let's start with the basics: what do you have to do to get into the inaugural Film Power 100? It's not a guide to the richest people in film, or the ones with the greatest green-lighting power, or the most prolific. It's Film&Music's attempt to determine who wields the greatest influence on which films you get to see when you go to the cinema on a Saturday evening, or turn on the TV to catch a movie. Our definition of power is this: the ability to shape the experience of film viewing in the UK. That means it's not just a list of British film figures. Nor is it a run-through of Hollywood moguls: everyone on our list has to have demonstrable influence within the UK.
We had help drawing up our 100: a group...
Let's start with the basics: what do you have to do to get into the inaugural Film Power 100? It's not a guide to the richest people in film, or the ones with the greatest green-lighting power, or the most prolific. It's Film&Music's attempt to determine who wields the greatest influence on which films you get to see when you go to the cinema on a Saturday evening, or turn on the TV to catch a movie. Our definition of power is this: the ability to shape the experience of film viewing in the UK. That means it's not just a list of British film figures. Nor is it a run-through of Hollywood moguls: everyone on our list has to have demonstrable influence within the UK.
We had help drawing up our 100: a group...
- 9/24/2010
- The Guardian - Film News
McGill decides to pursue a career in critical and creative writing after a successful four-year tenure as Edinburgh international film festival artistic director
Hannah McGill, the artistic director of the Edinburgh international film festival (Eiff), is to step down after four years in charge in order to pursue a writing career.
McGill oversaw the festival's move from August to June – easing it away from the traditional month for Edinburgh's arts events – and pushed hard to rebrand it as a focus for new and independent British film-making talent. She now plans to return to critical work, a role she filled for the Glasgow Herald, Scotsman, Guardian and other newspapers prior to taking up the film festival post in September 2006.
"I love Eiff and have been privileged to be a part of it," said the 33-year-old. "I'm very proud of what the team achieved during my time as artistic director, and I...
Hannah McGill, the artistic director of the Edinburgh international film festival (Eiff), is to step down after four years in charge in order to pursue a writing career.
McGill oversaw the festival's move from August to June – easing it away from the traditional month for Edinburgh's arts events – and pushed hard to rebrand it as a focus for new and independent British film-making talent. She now plans to return to critical work, a role she filled for the Glasgow Herald, Scotsman, Guardian and other newspapers prior to taking up the film festival post in September 2006.
"I love Eiff and have been privileged to be a part of it," said the 33-year-old. "I'm very proud of what the team achieved during my time as artistic director, and I...
- 8/25/2010
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
London -- Nick Whitfield's "Skeletons" walked away with this year's Michael Powell Award for best new British feature at a ceremony held Saturday evening at the Edinburgh International Film Festival ahead of Sunday night's closing ceremony and gala screening.
At an awards ceremony prior to the closing gala for "Third Star," organizers also dished out the best performance in a British feature to David Thewlis for his turn in "Mr Nice."
Best international feature nod went to "The Dry Land" directed by Ryan Piers Willians while Gareth Edwards picked up this year's new directors award. Laura Poitras secured the best documentary nod for "The Oath."
The awards were presented by Eiff Artistic Director Hannah McGill and festival patrons Tilda Swinton and Seamus McGarvey.
The Michael Powell jury, under president Patrick Stewart, with director Mike Hodges, film curator Laurence Kardish, director Rafi Pitts and actress Britt Ekland, also gave a...
At an awards ceremony prior to the closing gala for "Third Star," organizers also dished out the best performance in a British feature to David Thewlis for his turn in "Mr Nice."
Best international feature nod went to "The Dry Land" directed by Ryan Piers Willians while Gareth Edwards picked up this year's new directors award. Laura Poitras secured the best documentary nod for "The Oath."
The awards were presented by Eiff Artistic Director Hannah McGill and festival patrons Tilda Swinton and Seamus McGarvey.
The Michael Powell jury, under president Patrick Stewart, with director Mike Hodges, film curator Laurence Kardish, director Rafi Pitts and actress Britt Ekland, also gave a...
- 6/27/2010
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"I was a huge fan before I met him and now I am even more so. It has been fantastic to have his great presence and support at the film festival," Edinburgh International Film Festival Artistic Director Hannah McGill said as she introduced Sir Patrick Stewart to the stage for the festival's BAFTA Scotland Interview. "I am at the end of what has been one of the best weeks of my ...
- 6/23/2010
- Indiewire
Last night in Scotland, the Edinburgh International Film Festival officially turned 64 years old. The occasion was marked with the UK premiere of Sylvain Chomet's acclaimed "The Illusionist," before the festival heads into eleven days and nights of films, parties and industry events amidst one of Europe's most architecturally renowned cities. indieWIRE spoke with the festival's artistic director, Hannah McGill, about the impending festivities, and how one of the world's oldest ...
- 6/17/2010
- Indiewire
Organisers of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff) will celebrate Sir Sean Connery's upcoming 80th birthday with a special gala screening of the actor's 1975 movie The Man Who Would Be King.
The former James Bond star will reach the landmark age on 25 August, and film fans in his native Scotland will be able to celebrate a month early with the special event in Edinburgh on Sunday.
The gala screening will also mark Connery's 20-year patronage of Edinburgh's film festival.
Hannah McGill, Eiff's Artistic Director, says, “This event is a fitting way to celebrate Sir Sean's 80 years - almost twenty of which he has given to support of Eiff as Patron. He is a great friend of the Festival and we look forward to celebrating this amid the glitter of the Festival Theatre."...
The former James Bond star will reach the landmark age on 25 August, and film fans in his native Scotland will be able to celebrate a month early with the special event in Edinburgh on Sunday.
The gala screening will also mark Connery's 20-year patronage of Edinburgh's film festival.
Hannah McGill, Eiff's Artistic Director, says, “This event is a fitting way to celebrate Sir Sean's 80 years - almost twenty of which he has given to support of Eiff as Patron. He is a great friend of the Festival and we look forward to celebrating this amid the glitter of the Festival Theatre."...
- 6/15/2010
- WENN
The Edinburgh Film Festival begins this week, running from this Wednesday 16th June until Sunday the 27th.
Now in its 64th year, Eiff is the longest consecutively running film festival in the world and HeyUGuys will be there to bring you news, interviews and reviews.
Our correspondent Nicola Balkind tells us what we’ve got to look forward to.
This year features an electric programme. Artistic director Hannah McGill has continued the trend towards first- and second-time filmmakers and the prominence of British films and premieres.
Leading attractions include the European premieres of Toy Story 3, Mr Nice, the long-awaited World’s Greatest Dad, and The Runaways. The retrospective this year is entitled After the Wave and features the forgotten classics of British cinema from 1967-1979, which features a new print of Powell & Pressburger’s The Boy Who Turned Yellow.
The Rosebud strand is a big part of this year’s festival,...
Now in its 64th year, Eiff is the longest consecutively running film festival in the world and HeyUGuys will be there to bring you news, interviews and reviews.
Our correspondent Nicola Balkind tells us what we’ve got to look forward to.
This year features an electric programme. Artistic director Hannah McGill has continued the trend towards first- and second-time filmmakers and the prominence of British films and premieres.
Leading attractions include the European premieres of Toy Story 3, Mr Nice, the long-awaited World’s Greatest Dad, and The Runaways. The retrospective this year is entitled After the Wave and features the forgotten classics of British cinema from 1967-1979, which features a new print of Powell & Pressburger’s The Boy Who Turned Yellow.
The Rosebud strand is a big part of this year’s festival,...
- 6/14/2010
- by Nicola Balkind
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
As the Edinburgh film festival kicks off, Peter Bradshaw chooses his top 10 movies
The Edinburgh international film festival is now settling nicely into its new slot in June, away from the city's many August festivals. Under artistic director Hannah McGill, the event is consolidating its reputation as the equal of Sundance and SXSW, a place where young film-makers can make a name for themselves, alongside the big hitters and some fascinating retrospective strands. Here are my 10 films to watch out for from next week.
The Illusionist
Dir. Sylvain Chomet
Chomet's animation is based on an unfilmed script by Jacques Tati, with the action transplanted to 1950s Scotland. Accompanied by a starstruck little girl, an over-the-hill magician treks wearily to Edinburgh, where he hopes to find work and an audience for his old-school entertainment. The director will be attending the festival.
My Son, My Son What Have Ye Done?
Dir. Werner Herzog
Herzog's latest project,...
The Edinburgh international film festival is now settling nicely into its new slot in June, away from the city's many August festivals. Under artistic director Hannah McGill, the event is consolidating its reputation as the equal of Sundance and SXSW, a place where young film-makers can make a name for themselves, alongside the big hitters and some fascinating retrospective strands. Here are my 10 films to watch out for from next week.
The Illusionist
Dir. Sylvain Chomet
Chomet's animation is based on an unfilmed script by Jacques Tati, with the action transplanted to 1950s Scotland. Accompanied by a starstruck little girl, an over-the-hill magician treks wearily to Edinburgh, where he hopes to find work and an audience for his old-school entertainment. The director will be attending the festival.
My Son, My Son What Have Ye Done?
Dir. Werner Herzog
Herzog's latest project,...
- 6/10/2010
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
This week on Film Weekly Jason Solomons meets two emerging acting talents in Nichola Burley and Kerrie Hayes, stars of new film Kicks. Burley also features as an aspiring dancer in StreetDance 3D, currently on release, after making her breakthrough on hard-hitting horror Donkey Punch.
Jason attends the launch of the 64th Edinburgh international film festival where he meets festival director Hannah McGill and young British director Gareth Edwards, whose Monsters premieres at the festival.
Xan Brooks joins Jason to review the week's big releases, including Michael Winterbottom's hot potato noir, The Killer Inside Me, starring Casey Affleck, Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson; Videocracy, a documentary on the corrosive influence of television in Berlusconi's Italy; and The Girl On a Train, French director André Téchiné's drama centred on a false claim of an anti-Semitic attack.
Jason SolomonsXan BrooksJason Phipps...
Jason attends the launch of the 64th Edinburgh international film festival where he meets festival director Hannah McGill and young British director Gareth Edwards, whose Monsters premieres at the festival.
Xan Brooks joins Jason to review the week's big releases, including Michael Winterbottom's hot potato noir, The Killer Inside Me, starring Casey Affleck, Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson; Videocracy, a documentary on the corrosive influence of television in Berlusconi's Italy; and The Girl On a Train, French director André Téchiné's drama centred on a false claim of an anti-Semitic attack.
Jason SolomonsXan BrooksJason Phipps...
- 6/3/2010
- by Jason Solomons, Xan Brooks, Jason Phipps
- The Guardian - Film News
At a press conference at Filmhouse in Edinburgh this morning, Edinburgh International Film Festival Artistic Director Hannah McGill announced the full schedule the 64th edition of the fest, which runs June 16-27. 2010. Overall, the festival will screen 133 features from 34 countries, including 22 World premieres, 12 International premieres, 9 European premieres and 63 UK premieres. Among the World premieres is the Closing Night Gala "Third Star," a British "tragi-comic ...
- 6/1/2010
- Indiewire
Werner Herzog will unveil his 'horror film without the blood' alongside new work from Soderbergh and Bernard Rose's biopic of Howard Marks
New work from the likes of Werner Herzog, Bernard Rose and Steven Soderbergh will take its place among 133 features screening at this year's Edinburgh film festival.
The event opens on 16 June with The Illusionist, an animation set in Scotland and created by Sylvain Chomet, previously best known for the acclaimed Belleville Rendez-vous. The curtain comes down 11 days later with the premiere of Third Star, a British buddy movie that marks the feature debut of director Hattie Dalton.
Other potential highlights include screenings of Toy Story 3, Bernard Rose's Howard Marks biopic Mr Nice and the Argentine thriller The Secret in Their Eyes – winner of this year's best foreign film Oscar. Elsewhere, London to Brighton director Paul Andrew Williams returns with Cherry Tree Lane, while Soderbergh is...
New work from the likes of Werner Herzog, Bernard Rose and Steven Soderbergh will take its place among 133 features screening at this year's Edinburgh film festival.
The event opens on 16 June with The Illusionist, an animation set in Scotland and created by Sylvain Chomet, previously best known for the acclaimed Belleville Rendez-vous. The curtain comes down 11 days later with the premiere of Third Star, a British buddy movie that marks the feature debut of director Hattie Dalton.
Other potential highlights include screenings of Toy Story 3, Bernard Rose's Howard Marks biopic Mr Nice and the Argentine thriller The Secret in Their Eyes – winner of this year's best foreign film Oscar. Elsewhere, London to Brighton director Paul Andrew Williams returns with Cherry Tree Lane, while Soderbergh is...
- 6/1/2010
- by Xan Brooks
- The Guardian - Film News
This year's Edinburgh International Film Festival will host a special 3D gala screening of Toy Story 3. Eiff audiences will be the first in the UK to see Pixar's latest animation when it screens in Scotland on June 19, the day after its Us release. The gala event will also mark the 15th anniversary of the Toy Story trilogy. Edinburgh has previously hosted premieres for Pixar's Ratatouille and Oscar-winner Wall-e. Eiff's artistic director Hannah McGill said: "I'm excited about Toy Story 3 on so many levels. It's fantastic to continue (more)...
- 4/27/2010
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
London -- Sylvain Chomet's latest animated adventure, "The Illusionist" will open this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff), organizers said Wednesday.
Chomet's film is a fairy-tale depiction of Scotland and is set against the backdrop of the Scottish capital, where Chomet currently lives and works.
Eiff artistic director Hannah McGill said: "This is a truly spellbinding work of art by a unique talent who we are delighted to welcome back to the Festival. We are looking forward to a terrific opening night that will draw the eyes of the world and showcase Scotland as the perfect stage for international cultural events."
Chomet is no stranger to the Eiff after bringing his 2003 animated feature "The Triplets of Belleville" to the event.
The festival opens June 16 with Chomet's picture and runs through June 27 2010. Chomet's film will be distributed in the U.K. by Warner Bros. Pictures U.K. on behalf of the French owned U.
Chomet's film is a fairy-tale depiction of Scotland and is set against the backdrop of the Scottish capital, where Chomet currently lives and works.
Eiff artistic director Hannah McGill said: "This is a truly spellbinding work of art by a unique talent who we are delighted to welcome back to the Festival. We are looking forward to a terrific opening night that will draw the eyes of the world and showcase Scotland as the perfect stage for international cultural events."
Chomet is no stranger to the Eiff after bringing his 2003 animated feature "The Triplets of Belleville" to the event.
The festival opens June 16 with Chomet's picture and runs through June 27 2010. Chomet's film will be distributed in the U.K. by Warner Bros. Pictures U.K. on behalf of the French owned U.
- 4/7/2010
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- The Edinburgh International Film Festival has joined forces with training body Skillset, story editor Kate Leys and a who's-who of the British indie film scene to set up a training program for screenwriters.
The program, named "The Story Works," is aimed at experienced screenwriters and will be delivered by a partnership consisting of Leys, producers Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey and the Eiff.
The program also is supported by an advisory board including Ronan Bennett, Christian Colson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tony Grisoni, Christine Langan, Kevin Loader, Cameron McCracken, Hannah McGill, Allon Reich, Tessa Ross and Robyn Slovo.
Set up for ten experienced British screenwriters, the course will run for a year from March 2010 and includes a residential week of masterclasses for participants with A-list screenwriters and film jobbers.
The program, named "The Story Works," is aimed at experienced screenwriters and will be delivered by a partnership consisting of Leys, producers Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey and the Eiff.
The program also is supported by an advisory board including Ronan Bennett, Christian Colson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tony Grisoni, Christine Langan, Kevin Loader, Cameron McCracken, Hannah McGill, Allon Reich, Tessa Ross and Robyn Slovo.
Set up for ten experienced British screenwriters, the course will run for a year from March 2010 and includes a residential week of masterclasses for participants with A-list screenwriters and film jobbers.
- 10/15/2009
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- It is unusual for organizers of any long-running international movie festival to find themselves immersed in controversy before anyone has seen anything -- but that is just what Edinburgh International Film Festival organizers are mulling Thursday.
The Eiff booked Tel Aviv University graduate Tali Shalom Ezer's "Surrogate" into this year's lineup and took receipt of £300 ($470) from the Israeli Embassy towards the costs of getting her to the Scottish capital to support the film.
But after protests from many areas of the filmmaking community, and most notably veteran British director Ken Loach who is an oft outspoken opponent of Israel's policies, the festival returned the cash.
Bad move it seems as prominent industry-ites such as Jeremy Isaacs, the former Channel Four chief and other Jewish organizations called the festival's move a form of censorship.
"It must be good for cinemagoers at an international film festival to see films by Jews,...
The Eiff booked Tel Aviv University graduate Tali Shalom Ezer's "Surrogate" into this year's lineup and took receipt of £300 ($470) from the Israeli Embassy towards the costs of getting her to the Scottish capital to support the film.
But after protests from many areas of the filmmaking community, and most notably veteran British director Ken Loach who is an oft outspoken opponent of Israel's policies, the festival returned the cash.
Bad move it seems as prominent industry-ites such as Jeremy Isaacs, the former Channel Four chief and other Jewish organizations called the festival's move a form of censorship.
"It must be good for cinemagoers at an international film festival to see films by Jews,...
- 5/22/2009
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
63 years old this year, the Edinburgh Film Festival is the world's oldest movie fest and, judging by its freshly-announced line-up, still one of the most innovative and exciting.The fest opens on June 17 with Sam Mendes' wistful slice of road-trip Americana Away We Go and closes 11 days later with the international premiere of Max Meyer's romantic-comedy Adam. Altogether there are 135 features being screened in Auld Reekie, with contributions from 33 different countries. Artistic Director Hannah McGill said: "We've been really privileged to see a tremendous range of very varied work from all over the world this year."Highlights including Steven Soderbergh's The Girlfriend Experience, Kathryn Bigelow's Iraq insurgency actioner The Hurt Locker and Jean-Francois Richet's two-part crime epic Mesrine, as well as first screening of Shane Meadow's five-day feature Le Donk. For the full list click here.The Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from June 17-28.
- 5/6/2009
- EmpireOnline
Director Sam Mendes will open the Edinburgh International Film Festival with his newest film, "Away we go." Mendes won an Oscar in 2000 for Best Director for his film "American Beauty."
"Away we go" follows the journey of an expectant couple who travel across America to find the perfect place to settle down and raise their family. The film stars Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhaal and John Krasinski, who are scheduled to attend the Opening Gala at the festival on June 17.
Hannah McGill, the Eiff artistic director spoke about the opening saying, "We're absolutely delighted to open the festival with a wonderful film that marks a distinct change of pace for one of Britain's most celebrated contemporary directors, Sam Mendes." "'Away we go' is the perfect Opening Night for Edinburgh: funny, positive and smart, and a film I'm incredibly proud to present to our audiences."
The 63rd Eiff will run from June...
"Away we go" follows the journey of an expectant couple who travel across America to find the perfect place to settle down and raise their family. The film stars Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhaal and John Krasinski, who are scheduled to attend the Opening Gala at the festival on June 17.
Hannah McGill, the Eiff artistic director spoke about the opening saying, "We're absolutely delighted to open the festival with a wonderful film that marks a distinct change of pace for one of Britain's most celebrated contemporary directors, Sam Mendes." "'Away we go' is the perfect Opening Night for Edinburgh: funny, positive and smart, and a film I'm incredibly proud to present to our audiences."
The 63rd Eiff will run from June...
- 4/16/2009
- icelebz.com
It’s only been five minutes since his last film, yet Sam Mendes has already got another one – the road-trip comedy, Away We Go – ready to roll. And that film was today afforded the honour of being selected as the opening film of the 63rd Edinburgh International Film Festival.Eiff Artistic Director, Hannah McGill, chose the American-set road comedy for the Opening Gala of the Festival, which runs from 17-28 June. "We're absolutely delighted to open the Festival with a wonderful film that marks a distinct change of pace for one of Britain's most celebrated contemporary directors, Sam Mendes,” she said.“Away We Go is the perfect Opening Night for Edinburgh: funny, positive and smart, and a film I'm incredibly proud to present to our audiences."Based on the first original screenplay by acclaimed novelist, Dave Eggers (along with Vendela Vida), Away We Go stars John Krasinski (Jim from the...
- 4/14/2009
- EmpireOnline
London -- Sam Mendes' "Away We Go" has been tapped to open this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Based on the original screenplay by Dave Eggers ("Where the Wild Things Are") and Vendela Vida, the picture will kick-start the Scottish festival June 17, organizers said Tuesday.
The movie follows the journey of an expectant couple as they travel across contemporary America in search of the perfect place to put down roots and raise their family.
John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph star in the film alongside Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Allison Janney.
Eiff artistic director Hannah McGill said the film "marks a distinct change of pace for one of Britain's most celebrated contemporary directors, Sam Mendes."
McGill said she is looking forward to opening the festival with a title she described as "funny, positive and smart."
Mendes said the last time he was in Edinburgh was for the Fringe in...
Based on the original screenplay by Dave Eggers ("Where the Wild Things Are") and Vendela Vida, the picture will kick-start the Scottish festival June 17, organizers said Tuesday.
The movie follows the journey of an expectant couple as they travel across contemporary America in search of the perfect place to put down roots and raise their family.
John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph star in the film alongside Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Allison Janney.
Eiff artistic director Hannah McGill said the film "marks a distinct change of pace for one of Britain's most celebrated contemporary directors, Sam Mendes."
McGill said she is looking forward to opening the festival with a title she described as "funny, positive and smart."
Mendes said the last time he was in Edinburgh was for the Fringe in...
- 4/14/2009
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Edinburgh International Film Festival artistic director nm3112341 autoHannah McGill[/link] said Wednesday that the Scottish shindig plans to introduce two new international awards for this year's edition.
The awards, for best new international feature and best international short film, aim to broaden the appeal of the Eiff to international filmmakers and offer audiences a greater opportunity to experience the best of world cinema.
The festival runs June 17-28.
The awards, for best new international feature and best international short film, aim to broaden the appeal of the Eiff to international filmmakers and offer audiences a greater opportunity to experience the best of world cinema.
The festival runs June 17-28.
- 1/28/2009
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
December 2008:
Rich Raddon, Festival Director of Film Independent's Los Angeles Film Festival, has resigned from the post he has held since 2000.
November 2008: Two top Rome Film Festival honchos, Giorgio Gosetti and Teresa Cavina, have left the festival after its closing day. Gosetti and Cavina, who are Rome's best known reps on the international festival circuit, were co-directors of Rome's Cinema 2008 section, which made up most of the fest's competition lineup.
Tiziana Finzi, the newly appointed Director of the Miami International Film Festival, was born in Trieste, Italy. She studied Architecture in Venice and History of Cinema in Trieste, where she prepared a thesis on American film director Robert Kramer. After her studies she collaborated with film magazines in Italy and abroad. In 1994 she began working with the Venice Biennale's Venice Film Festival , where in the programmation office she had the opportunity to work in the field of independent cinema, debut feature films and documentaries. She has been a consultant for several international film festivals and institutions such as Italy's Pesaro Film Festival,Taormina Arte Film Festival, Italia Cinema – Italian Film Promotion Agency, and the Alpe Adria Cinema section of the Trieste Film Festival. Since 1999 she has been working for Locarno Film Festival, Switzerland as chief of programmer of the sections “Cinéastes du présent” and “Compétition Vidéo”and “In Progress” . As a result of her wide experience as a film researcher in the domain of independent cinema and because of her interest in film experimentation and visual communication, she has collaborated with important museums and institutions of contemporary arts. In January 2005 she was the art coordinator and consultant for video /installation “Notte 266” by Masbedo, produced by C P Company /Stone island for Pitti Immagine, Firenze. She lives and works "around" for several institutions and magazines about contemporary culture. Since August 2005 Tiziana Finzi has been the deputy director of Locano International Film Festival,Switzerland. And now, year 2008, she joins the Miami International Film Festival whose mission is to bridge cultural understanding, endorse tolerance and encourage artistic development and excellence within a vigorous academic setting by provoking thought through film. By bringing the best of world cinema to Miami, MIFF presents the city and the film industry with a singular platform that fosters creative and technical talent.
Colin Stanfield has taken the reins to Nantucket Film Festival, replacing Jill Burkhart.
Veteran producer Iain Smith has been named the new Chair of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). He succeeds John McCormick, Chair since 1996. Smith’s producer credits include Cold Mountain, Children of Men, Wanted and Seven Years in Tibet. He has served on the UK Film Council board, the Scottish Film Council, the Scottish Film Production Fund, the Scottish Film Training Trust and as governor of the National Film and Television School. He is currently a Scottish Screen board member, Chair of the Film Skills Strategy Committee, deputy Chair of the British Film Advisory Group and a director of the Children’s Film and Television Foundation. Smith said, “In these changing times the festival will be leading the way towards the discovery and showcasing of new talent and ideas in both a local and an international context.” Smith’s most pressing task will be to find a co-artistic director for the 2009 edition (June 17-28), since current artistic director Hannah McGill will be on maternity leave.
Rich Raddon, Festival Director of Film Independent's Los Angeles Film Festival, has resigned from the post he has held since 2000.
November 2008: Two top Rome Film Festival honchos, Giorgio Gosetti and Teresa Cavina, have left the festival after its closing day. Gosetti and Cavina, who are Rome's best known reps on the international festival circuit, were co-directors of Rome's Cinema 2008 section, which made up most of the fest's competition lineup.
Tiziana Finzi, the newly appointed Director of the Miami International Film Festival, was born in Trieste, Italy. She studied Architecture in Venice and History of Cinema in Trieste, where she prepared a thesis on American film director Robert Kramer. After her studies she collaborated with film magazines in Italy and abroad. In 1994 she began working with the Venice Biennale's Venice Film Festival , where in the programmation office she had the opportunity to work in the field of independent cinema, debut feature films and documentaries. She has been a consultant for several international film festivals and institutions such as Italy's Pesaro Film Festival,Taormina Arte Film Festival, Italia Cinema – Italian Film Promotion Agency, and the Alpe Adria Cinema section of the Trieste Film Festival. Since 1999 she has been working for Locarno Film Festival, Switzerland as chief of programmer of the sections “Cinéastes du présent” and “Compétition Vidéo”and “In Progress” . As a result of her wide experience as a film researcher in the domain of independent cinema and because of her interest in film experimentation and visual communication, she has collaborated with important museums and institutions of contemporary arts. In January 2005 she was the art coordinator and consultant for video /installation “Notte 266” by Masbedo, produced by C P Company /Stone island for Pitti Immagine, Firenze. She lives and works "around" for several institutions and magazines about contemporary culture. Since August 2005 Tiziana Finzi has been the deputy director of Locano International Film Festival,Switzerland. And now, year 2008, she joins the Miami International Film Festival whose mission is to bridge cultural understanding, endorse tolerance and encourage artistic development and excellence within a vigorous academic setting by provoking thought through film. By bringing the best of world cinema to Miami, MIFF presents the city and the film industry with a singular platform that fosters creative and technical talent.
Colin Stanfield has taken the reins to Nantucket Film Festival, replacing Jill Burkhart.
Veteran producer Iain Smith has been named the new Chair of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). He succeeds John McCormick, Chair since 1996. Smith’s producer credits include Cold Mountain, Children of Men, Wanted and Seven Years in Tibet. He has served on the UK Film Council board, the Scottish Film Council, the Scottish Film Production Fund, the Scottish Film Training Trust and as governor of the National Film and Television School. He is currently a Scottish Screen board member, Chair of the Film Skills Strategy Committee, deputy Chair of the British Film Advisory Group and a director of the Children’s Film and Television Foundation. Smith said, “In these changing times the festival will be leading the way towards the discovery and showcasing of new talent and ideas in both a local and an international context.” Smith’s most pressing task will be to find a co-artistic director for the 2009 edition (June 17-28), since current artistic director Hannah McGill will be on maternity leave.
- 11/10/2008
- Sydney's Buzz
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