The 78th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival promises a diverse selection of films, showcasing an array of talents and cinematic styles. The festival will host the world premiere of “They,” an animated short film directed by Renée Zellweger. Additionally, a special strand will feature screenings of six iconic James Bond films starring Sean Connery, which will include 4K restorations of classics like “Dr. No,” “From Russia With Love,” and “Goldfinger.”
This year’s lineup features 43 new feature films, including 18 world premieres. Noteworthy titles include “About a Hero,” directed by Piotr Winiewicz and featuring Vicky Krieps; “All the Devils Are Here,” a thriller from Barnaby Roper featuring Eddie Marsan and Sam Claflin; and Jan-Ole Gerster’s existential thriller “Islands.”
The documentary category includes “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk,” which gives a poignant look at young Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, and “Sanatorium,” providing thoughtful insights into the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
The festival will also introduce the inaugural NFTS Sean Connery Lab, aimed at fostering new talent in short-form filmmaking along with the presentation of the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence. The event runs from August 14-20 and includes popular Midnight Madness screenings, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for film enthusiasts.
Under the leadership of CEO Paul Ridd and fest director Emma Boa, the Edinburgh International Film Festival continues to celebrate diverse voices and storytelling through cinema. This year’s program not only honors cinematic classics but also fosters new narratives, a hopeful indication of the film industry’s ongoing evolution.