As the appetite for South Asian content continues to grow across the UK, Vue Edinburgh Ocean is proud to be showcasing films from across the region throughout the year.
This month alone, Vue is screening four titles, kickstarting with Sky Force, a gripping story inspired by extraordinary true events surrounding one of the deadliest air strikes between India and Pakistan, and Deva (from 31 January) which follows a brilliant yet rebellious police officer who uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal while investigating a high-profile case.
Malayalam movie Praavinkoodu Shappu will be arriving at Vue next week (24 January). Set after hours at a toddy shop, it follows 11 people who have stayed inside, playing cards and drinking all night. When the owner of the shop is found hanging dead in the middle of the shop, SI Santhosh finds himself caught up in a web of mysterious and strange suspects.
Also arriving this month is the Tamil crime drama Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 (from 31 January), following a loving husband and father drawn into a dangerous crime network.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “The appetite for South Asian films continues to soar and Vue is proud to champion this brilliant content.
“Dedicated film festivals and cultural events celebrating South Asia’s vibrant storytelling, coupled with increasing global recognition and growing audience demand, have helped shine a spotlight on this incredible industry.
“We’re proud to call ourselves home to so many brilliant South Asian titles this year.”
The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced that its 78th edition will run from 14 to 20 August 2025. Submissions for the 2025 edition of the Festival open today (6 January 2025) via the Festival website.
Building on EIFF’s invigorated vision under new leadership from CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival will continue to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.
Further details on the 2025 Festival will be announced in the next few months.
Helmed by CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd, the Festival team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. Ridd is supported by an expanding Board, including Teresa Moneo, Director of UK Film, Netflix; Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at No Code Studio; Chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting; and Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun.
EIFF CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd said: “Our reborn Film Festival is now a major part of the excitement of August in Edinburgh when the city hosts the biggest and best Arts Festival in the world.
“We are delighted to announce our next edition in August 2025 and cannot wait to see the submissions that will come our way for potential selection in the new year.
“For my team there is no feeling greater than discovering something truly great for audiences, and knowing so many of our 2024 films have had lives well beyond our Festival is truly invigorating. Bring it on again!”
Criteria for submitting films to the Festival can be found via the Festival website at https://www.edfilmfest.org/submissions/ with submissions to open on 6 January 2025. More information will be released on the shape of the 2025 Festival, venues and key strategic partners in the coming months.
To mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh this festive season.
Providing a yuletide treat for film fans and families alike, this year marks milestone anniversaries for a variety of iconic Christmas films – all returning home to the big screen this November and December.
A festive animated adventure that everyone can get on board with, The Polar Express returns to Vue on 29 November after its initial release 20 years ago. Following the enchanting tale of a young boy who goes on a magical adventure to the North Pole, The Polar Express is a charming tale about believing in the magic of Christmas which has become a family favourite over the past two decades.
Christmas critter caper Gremlins is also celebrating an anniversary at Vue this year, marking 40 years since Gizmo and the gang made their debut on the big screen.
In the small town of Kingston Falls, teenager Billy Peltzer gets an unusual present that comes with a lot more responsibility than he ever expected – the fuzzy Mogwai, a creature he needs to follow a specific set of instructions for or else. This beloved holiday creature comedy returns to Vue on 6 December.
At Vue Edinburgh Omni, a true cinematic Christmas classic returns as this year also marks the 70-year anniversary of Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. This legendary festive favourite follows a group of singers who hope to plan a yuletide miracle to help a local country inn owner in a fun-filled musical extravaganza that is sure to put you in a jolly mood when it returns to Vue on 20 December.
Some more festive favourites heading to Vue include the heartfelt romantic comedy Love Actually, screening from 13 December, and the iconic It’s A Wonderful Life, screening on 20 December.
There’s also a handful of comedy crackers coming to Vue include Will Ferrell’s Elf, screening from 22 November, andJim Carrey’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas, screening from 6 December.
Family favourites such as Home Alone (from 22 November), The Muppet Christmas Carol (from 13 December) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (from 20 December)wrap up the schedule of winter classics, all of which can be enjoyed at Vue with the ultimate seat, screen and sound experience.
There’s also the opportunity to give the gift of big screen entertainment this year with a Vue Gift Card – the ultimate present for film lovers and for families looking to spend quality time together.
A Vue Gift Card can be redeemed towards film tickets, as well as all ticket upgrades, refreshments and snacks to share whilst enjoying the best that the big screen has to offer.
Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: ‘Christmas is all about spending quality time with friends and family, creating treasured moments to last a lifetime.
“We’re glad to be marking the merry occasion with a line-up of some of the most iconic Christmas classics, specially curated to for our customers to enjoy and help them get in the festive spirit ahead of the big day. There’s no better place to watch the likes of Home Alone and The Polar Express than the big screen.’
Tickets available from just £6.99 when booked online. To find out more visit:
Home Alone – From now Elf – From now The Polar Express (20th Anniversary) – From 29 November How The Grinch Stole Christmas – From 6 December Gremlins (40th Anniversary) – From 6 December The Muppets Christmas Carol – From 13 December Love Actually – From 13 December Home Alone 2: Lost In New York – From 20 December White Christmas (70th Anniversary) – From 20 December It’s a Wonderful Life – From 20 December
Edinburgh Napier University celebrated student films from around the world at the inaugural Napier Student Film Festival, held from 13 – 15th November 2024.
The event brought together student filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts in a dynamic celebration of creativity and storytelling through the art of filmmaking.
Award Winners:
Best Film: “Yeehaw” by John Kelbie (Edinburgh Napier University)
Best Documentary: “New Town” by Campbell Anderson (Northern Film School)
Best Animation: “Someone Else’s Story” by Michal Lustig (Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem)
Best International Film: “Son of Happiness” by Dominik Mirecki (Warsaw Film School)
Best Napier Film: “Yeehaw” by John Kelbie (Edinburgh Napier University)
Evans Eghan, President of Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA), said: “The Napier Student Film Festival is more than just a platform for showcasing student films; it’s a hub for creativity, collaboration, and growth.
“By bringing together filmmakers, academics, and industry professionals, we aim to foster a community where emerging talents can thrive and build connections that will shape their future careers.”
The festival, organised by ENSA, featured an array of engaging activities, including:
A masterclass on “Film as Therapy” facilitated by Dr Amy Beddows, exploring the transformative power of storytelling in fostering mental health and well-being.
An industry panel discussion on “How to Get a Job in Film”, offering valuable insights into career pathways within the creative sector and connecting students with industry leaders.
Film screenings. A total of 25 films were shortlisted out of over 200 entries from talented student filmmakers from different universities across the UK and globally. The line-up of film screenings also included 4 films from students at Napier’s international partner universities.
Networking opportunities, fostering connections between emerging filmmakers, departments within the university, and industry professionals.
The festival culminated in an exciting awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding achievements in student filmmaking.
The events not only highlighted the immense talent of student filmmakers but also encouraged collaboration across departments and with external partners. Attendees and participants offered resounding praise, commending the festival’s impact on fostering talent, creating networking opportunities, and elevating the role of film in education and community building.
Looking ahead, the festival aims to become a cornerstone event within the university and the wider Edinburgh community. Plans for future editions include expanding the festival’s reach, enhancing collaborations with local creative industries, and positioning Edinburgh Napier as a leading institution for nurturing creative talent.
· CINEWORLD EDINBURGH MARKS ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY THIS NOVEMBER, ALONGSIDE CELEBRATIONS OF NEW BLOCKBUSTER WICKED
· A DAY OF CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD AT FOUNTAIN PARK CINEMA ON SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER
· MOVIEGOERS CAN ALSO WATCH A RANGE OF CLASSIC BLOCKBUSTERS FOR £5* A TICKET
Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will host an exciting day of celebrations on Saturday 23rd November at Fountain Park Cinema in Edinburgh to mark the cinema’s milestone 25th birthday. It comes as highly-anticipated blockbuster, Wicked, arrives in cinemas that same weekend and Cineworld will go all out to celebrate.
Fans can catch the dazzling spectacle, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and adapted from the hit musical, in IMAX, 4DX and ScreenX at Cineworld Edinburgh. Cinema-goers will have the chance to win Wickedmerchandise throughout the day including sweatshirts, notebooks, tumblers and t-shirts so they too can dance through life!
For those who book to see Wickedin 4DX or ScreenX during opening week, they’ll receive one free regular ICEE to match the iconic Wicked colours: Elphaba’s Emerald Green (Sour Apple) or Glinda’s Perfect Pink (Strawberry). While stocks last, guests will be able to purchase Cineworld-exclusive Wickedpopcorn buckets, cups and toppers as well as a Witch-hat drink container to enjoy their treats in style – the items are sure to be popular!
As Cineworld Edinburgh prepares for the arrival of Wicked, they’ll be looking back at past blockbusters and an incredible 25 year’s worth of highlights including:
Launching Cineworld’s first IMAX screen in 2011
Supporting EIFF as a major partner for 18 years
Hosting the Toy Story 3 premiere in 2012 with Sir Sean Connery in attendance
Launching our popular 4DX screen in 2017
Hosting the T2 World Premier in 2017 and completing our multi-million pound refurbishment in 2019 which included Scotland’s first Screen X!
Cineworld Edinburgh will also be celebrating the milestone birthday with a selection of popular films from 1999 available to book for the following week such as The Mummy, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, James Bond: The World Is Not Enough and Sixth Sense – all available for £5* per ticket.
Jamie Wiles, General Manager at Cineworld Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, especially in such a competitive market place, and are really happy to be able to celebrate with our valued partners, customers and employees.
“The past 25 years have been a hugely successful time for us; During this time, we have operated as Virgin Cinemas, UGC Cinemas and Cineworld Cinemas with our loyal customer base watching us grow and invest in the customer experience.
“We’re delighted to have become a part of the local community and have had the pleasure of striving to be the best place to watch a movie for our Edinburgh customers.”
Terms & Conditions
*95p online booking fee applies.
Wicked ICEE Promotion Terms & Conditions available HERE.
The Into Film festival opened yesterday across the UK and launched in Scotland at Edinburgh Zoo with a special screening of the critically acclaimed animated film Kensuke’s Kingdom, based on Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling book.
The event was hosted by young, Scottish actor, Aaron MacGregor who voices the main character, Michael, in the film. Kensuke’s Kingdom opened the Festival throughout the UK.
Education charity, Into Film Scotland, has launched the 11th Into Film Festival programme and bookings are now live for this year’s exciting edition in November (8-29) with over hundreds of free screenings and events in cinemas and extraordinary venues across Scotland.
The Into Film Festival is the largest of its kind in the world hosting up to half a million pupils and their teachers each year to the free event which showcases previews and classic film screenings hosted by special guests from the world of film.
As ever, the Festival offers students a magical, big screen experience and provides insight into the film industry with the talent that brought the films to life. All film titles are accompanied by film guides and resources that align with the curriculum.
The annual, ever-popular Festival Review Writing competition compliments the Festival programme and is designed to help learners gain clear educational value out of the cinema experience.
About Aaron MacGregor
Now aged 15, rising star Aaron MacGregor voices the character of Michael in Kensuke’s Kingdom, and has already starred in Netflix series SuperPupZ as the voice of Scottie dog Haggis, in animated feature Puffin Rock and the New Friends (West End Films/Cartoon Saloon/Dog Ears) as the voice of Marvin, as Finn in CBBC’s popular show based on acclaimed writer Julia Donaldson’s book series Princess Mirror-Belle and in hit historical drama series Outlander. He toured as Gavroche in the UK and Ireland No 1 Tour of Les Miserables (Cameron Mackintosh Ltd).
About Into Film
Into Film is the UK’s leading charity for film in education and the community. We provide screen industry careers information and advice via school careers leads and direct to young people; support and inspire young filmmakers; and bring the power of moving image storytelling into classroom teaching by providing training and resources.
We also run the annual Into Film Festival, which enables more than 400,000 pupils to visit the cinema for free, and the Into Film Awards – the UK’s leading showcase for young filmmaking talent.
The core Into Film programme is free for UK state schools, colleges and other youth settings, thanks to support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery good cause funding, and through other key funders including Cinema First and Northern Ireland Screen. www.intofilm.org
PICTURED (TOP): L to R: Santiago Otero Ferandez (St Mary’s Music School), Liana Ghotra (St Mary’s Music School), Aaron Macgregor, Abigail McQueen (Bruntsfield School), Kody Lam ((Bruntsfield School). Photo credit: Ian Georgeson
Vue venues in Edinburgh to celebrate all things Oz as popular adaptation hits the big screen
To celebrate the arrival of Wicked this month (22 November) Vue has announced a selection of spectacular treats for Ozians – including a special screening, a precious keepsake and the return of a classic.
Based on the award-winning musical by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked tells the untold story of the wonderful land of Oz, exploring the unlikely friendship forged between green witch Elphaba and the popular Glinda.
Starring Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda, fans can expect favourite tunes such as Popular and Defying Gravity in all their splendour from the comfort of Vue’s luxury seating.
To add to the spectacle, Vue is inviting fans to an extra colourful screening of Wicked across sites on Saturday 23 November, where audiences are encouraged to wear an outfit or accessories that pay homage to the two iconic colours of the stage show, pink and green.
Those attending this special pink & green screening will be able to get their hands on a limited and unique LEGO piece which features a green potion bottle and pink rose, representing Elphaba and Glinda. This precious memento will only be available at Vue for this specific screening.
Vue will also be providing some wickedly fantastic merch to mark the release of the film, not to mention two exclusive Tango Ice Blasts – Defying Raspberry and Cherry Goodness only available at Vue.
Finally, ahead of the release of Wicked, Vue will be returning to Oz with a Back On The Big Screen release of the 1939 cinematic classic The Wizard Of Oz from the 15 November, offering Ozians an opportunity to adventure down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion once more.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “Wicked was an absolute sensation when it launched on the stage and we’re confident that the magic will translate onto the big screen.
“With tickets now on sale, we’re thrilled to invite Ozians and film fans alike to enjoy every musical note and magical moment of this spell-binding release on the big screen, all from the luxury of our comfortable leather seating and incredible surround sound.”
A mixture of old and new faces are heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh this October Scottish half term – offering plenty of opportunities for audiences of all ages to enjoy a trip to the big screen.
Families and film fans are invited to Cybertron in Transformers One, which rolls out at Vue sites just in time for the Scottish school holidays on 11 October. Learn the untold origin story of the iconic Autobot hero Optimus Prime and the villainous Megatron – and discover how these two sworn enemies were once close friends.
The first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie to appear on the big screen, Transformers One will be an action-packed adventure with everyone’s favourite Robots in Disguise.
Also for the Scottish half term, film fans eager to catch Dreamwork’s The Wild Robot will be able to enjoy Scotland only exclusive screenings at Vue on the 16th & 17th October, promising a beautiful, wild ride for all the family.
Following the charming tale of Roz, a futuristic robot who finds themselves on a deserted island filled with adorable animals, The Wild Robot is set to be a hugely emotional journey packed with discovery when it hits the big screen this month.
One of 2024’s most popular family favourite is also returning to the big screen this October, screening everyday of the school holidays as part of Vue’s Mighty Mornings with our favourite emotions in Pixar’s Inside Out 2 – available from just £2.49 when booked online.
Providing a short and sweet set of screenings for younger audience members, Vue’s Big Shorts will invite audiences to spend time with some of their favourite TV characters, with Bing & Friends: Birthday Celebration showing each day from 11 October.
From just £3.99 when booked online, these screenings offer a relaxed big screen environment with dimmed lights and reduced sound, tailor-made for younger film fans aged one to four.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We’ve got a great selection of new films and family favourites heading to the big screen this October half term, offering an ideal way to enjoy quality family time together this school holiday.
“Parents and children can come along, switch off and immerse themselves in great stories.”
Transformers One – from 11 October Vue’s Big Shorts – Bing & Friends: Birthday Celebration – w/c 11 October Mighty Mornings: Inside Out 2 – from 11 October & 18 October The Wild Robot – from 16 October
To get into the spirit this Halloween season, some of the latest horror blockbusters – as well as creepy classics and enchanting family favourites – will be heading to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh, providing a treat for people of all ages, tastes and fear factors.
Throughout October, a host of terrifying new releases as part of Vue’s Spooky Season are heading to the big screen with plenty for film fans to be grinning about, including Smile 2 on the 18 October– the follow-up to the horror hit of 2022.
About to embark on a new world tour, this sinister sequel follows a global pop sensation, who begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events revolving around smiling figures.
More frightfully fun blockbusters make their debut in October along with eerie family drama The Front Room (25 October), a new take of Stephen King’s iconic horror tale Salem’s Lot (11 October) and the return of cult favourite Art the Clown, who returns to cause havoc in Terrifier 3 which cackles onto the big screen on 11 October.
The tricks and treats don’t stop, as Vue’s Back on the Big Screen offering, is delivering some Halloween fun which is perfect for all the family including stop-motion animated icon The Nightmare Before Christmas on 25 October and the return of feelgood classic Ghostbusters, which celebrates its 40th anniversary back at Vue on 18 October.
Other classic Halloween films making their way back include cult classic Carrie which is fully remastered in 4K and A Nightmare Of Elm Street, which marks the 40th anniversary since iconic slasher Freddie Krueger first appeared on the big screen.
Naomi Scott stars in Paramount Pictures Presents A Temple Hill Production A Parker Finn FIlm “SMILE 2”
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Ocean, said: “This Halloween, we’re thrilled to be able to put on a raft of new and classic films for our scary and spooky film-lovers.
“From family-friendly comedy horrors to cult favourites, we know how gripping scary films can be and want to provide the very best big screen experience for people to enjoy every laugh and every scare this October.”
Exclusive and premiere screenings of visionary and unearthed masterpieces
Showcasing radical and incendiary works of cinema including The Hourglass Sanatorium, The Cremator, Intercepted, and The Devil’s Bride
Festival focuses on female filmmakers, unearthed surrealist and horror cinema, animation and short film gems
Samizdat Eastern European Film Festival 2024 programme features unearthed masterpieces, contemporary features and documentaries, uncategorizable animated oddities and short film gems.
Running from 1 – 5 October, the Festival showcases radical works of cinema at its partner venues Glasgow Film Theatre, CCA Glasgow and Summerhall Edinburgh. Several screenings will also be available to view through the Festival’s online partner Klassiki.
The Festival kicks off on 1 October at the Glasgow Film Theatre with a new instalment of bizarre, eerie, and unique Animations of the late Eastern Bloc(1980-1997).
A surgery is performed on a bust of Joseph Stalin, a yeti living in the mountains of Kazakhstan listens to The B-52s, a school of vengeful fish attacks a seaside village, and a man pawns his face to buy a lottery ticket.
This collection is of some of the most dreamlike and thought-provoking shorts from a time and place where the animated image served as a stage for unprecedented artistic and political expression.
The animation screening will be followed by a free-entry Opening Night celebration at the CCA Glasgow’s Third Eye Bar, featuring Samizdat-themed cocktails and a DJ set by Kernius Linkevicius.
Also at the Glasgow Film Theatre on 4 October, as part of Night Terrors: A Samizdat Special Horror Event, there is a special screening of The Hourglass Sanatorium (Sanatorium pod klepsydrą) (1973) with a recorded introduction by Prof. Ewa Mazierska.
This sublimely surreal Alice-in-Wonderland tale by renowned Polish director Wojciech Jerzy Has follows a young Jewish man named Joseph who visits his father in a sanatorium, only to find the place strangely abandoned. As he explores further through its labyrinthine rooms, he starts to lose all grip on time and reality.
As a follow-up to the main Festival, on 19 October, Samizdat will host a pop-up screening of Grigori Kromanov’s hypnotising sci-fi noir Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel (Hukkunud Alpinisti hotell) (1979), alongside a rerun of its programme of animations and shorts, at the Edinburgh Summerhall.
In the film, a police inspector arrives at a remote hotel in response to a call out: except there is nothing to investigate, yet. As he meets its strange guests, the hotel is cut off from civilization by an avalanche – and bizarre events start to unfold. The film screens with selected shorts and animations from across the Festival.
Also screening at the Festival between 1-5 October are:
Set in 1930s Prague, Juraj Herz’s masterwork of Czechoslovak New Wave, The Cremator (Spalovač mrtvol) (1969) follows Karel Kopfrkingl, a seemingly mild-mannered crematorium worker who becomes increasingly obsessed with the notion of death as a means of purification. As Nazist beliefs begin to infiltrate his worldview, Kopfrkingl’s twisted sense of morality spirals into madness, leading him to see his work as a divine mission to ‘save’ humanity by sending souls to the afterlife.
Screening for the first time with original English subtitles, The Touch (Прикосновение) (1989) takes place in the Kazakh steppe of the long-gone past as a nomadic blind girl with prophetic abilities crosses paths with a fugitive slave. Shot in mixed colour/black-and-white cinematography, this mythical story of tragic love is a hidden gem of the Kazakh New Wave.
A hidden gem of found-footage horror, Adrian Țofei’s directorial debut Be My Cat: A Film for Anne (2015) centres around an aspiring Romanian filmmaker (Țofei) whose obsession with Anne Hathaway manifests itself as a twisted desire to convince her to move to Romania and star in his projects. As he documents his endeavour, his obsession escalates, leading to terrifying and violent consequences for those caught in his orbit.
Banned by the Soviet authorities, the first Caucasus feature directed by pioneer woman-filmmaker Nutsa Gogoberidze (mother of Lana Gogoberidze, whose film Some Interviews was screened at Samizdat 2023) documents a mystical world on the verge of extinction.
Cheerless (Uzhmuri) (1934) was commissioned to celebrate the Communists’ drive to drain the Mingrelian swamps inhabited by the treacherous spirits ‘Uzhmuri’, according to local beliefs. The magical realist style of the film and its equivocal storytelling undermine this message.
In A Picture to Remember (Фото на пам’ять) (2023), part of Samizdat’s annual Ukrainian film programme, the war is narrated through the voices of three generations of women: A grandmother in occupied Donbass, a mother studying parasites one floor above a morgue in Kyiv, and a daughter trying to make sense of reality through a camera lens. The film is prefaced by an experimental Ukrainian short film In The Noise Of A Downpour.
A Lithuanian musical rich with traditional folklore imagery and explosive visual style, The Devil’s Bride (Velnio Nuotaka) (1974) sees imp Pinčiukas expelled from heaven and landing in a lake by a windmill. He meets the miller, Baltaragis and makes a pact, but when the little devil tries to claim what was promised, Baltaragis attempts to trick him, and chaos ensues.
Tonya Noyabrova’s coming-of-age drama Do You Love Me? (Ти мене любиш?)(2023) shows a meticulously recreated Ukraine of the 1990s through the eyes of Kira, a teenager whose most tender years are spent amongst the artistic intelligentsia against the background of a collapsing Soviet empire.
Oksana Karpovych’s searing documentary Intercepted (Мирнi Люди) (2024) is a profound exploration of the very nature of war. The film is composed of long shots of landscapes and interiors devastated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, overlaid with a voiceover of telephone conversations between Russian soldiers and their families that were intercepted in 2022 by the Ukrainian Secret Service.
As part of a curatorial partnership with the Borscht Film Club (part of the Beetroots Collective), Samizdat will also host a screening of The Balcony Movie (Film Balkonowy) (2021), a unique Polish documentary comprised of director Paweł Łoziński’s conversations with random pedestrians passing by his Warsaw flat’s balcony.
Funny, pensive, touching, or troublesome, these momentary encounters paint a vivid and strange portrait of contemporary society, with all its hopes and issues. Director Paweł Łoziński will participate in an online Q&A with the audience after the screening.
With last festival’s Short Film Audience Award going to Comrade Policeman by Kazakh director Assel Aushakimova, the festival is continuing and expanding its Short Film Competition. This year, 17 titles — from Estonia to Kyrgyzstan — will compete for the main prize, awarded based on audience voting.
Real and unreal, presence and absence, human and inhuman blur together in Dusan Milić’s tense anti-war thriller-horror Darkling (Мрак). In rural Kosovo of the 1990s, eleven-year-old Milica lives in a dilapidated farmstead within the Serbian enclave with her mother Vuckiva and despotic grandfather Milutin.
Every night after dark, an unseen force seems to terrorise the family and slaughter their livestock, but the increasingly paranoid and dangerously erratic Milutin obstinately refuses to leave what’s left of his home.
In Lighthouse (Маяк) (2006), a young woman returns to her childhood village from Moscow in the hopes of persuading her grandparents to leave the war-town Caucasus. However, any escape proves elusive. The first feature filmed in Armenia to be directed by an Armenian woman, Lighthouse is a languorous rumination on local connections, memory and loss.
Samizdat Film Festival Horror Strand Curator and Festival Director Harriet Idle has said: “I think that this year’s programme is truly special and offers something for everyone — whether you’re a devout horror fan, have a love for animation, or want to discover some of the artistic richness produced from this part of the world.
“It’s such a joy for us to showcase some really absorbing, visually stunning films that don’t always receive the visibility they deserve in Scotland.”
Dylan Beck, Samizdat’s new Guest Curator, says: “I’ve previously enjoyed the festival as an audience member, and it’s been a pleasure to join Samizdat as a guest curator for its third iteration!
“I’m excited to be introducing a couple of Baltic cinema classics and look forward to watching other curators’ picks. It’s great to see the interest in films from the region growing — and with it the event, too!’
Festival Manager Ilia Ryzhenko adds: “Now that the festival has entered its third year, we are less restricted by the need to prove that there is a real demand for cinema from the ‘Wider Eastern Europe’, including other post-socialist spaces.
“This allows us to really play to our strengths, experimenting with different formats, events, genres, and bringing our screenings to venues outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh.”
Several virtual screenings of films from the in-person programme and recorded events are accessible on the website of Samizdat’s partner Klassiki, the world’s only curated streaming platform for films from Eastern/Central Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. All virtual screenings and events are accessible to attendees who join Klassiki’s membership.
Samizdat strives to ensure that its line-up can be seen by as many people as possible, so most film screenings are priced on a sliding scale, where the attendees are invited to pay based on their preference and ability. Special events are sometimes priced differently.
The 2024 edition of Samizdat is supported by Screen Scotland’s National Lottery Film Festival and Screening Fund and Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funds from Screen Scotland and National Lottery funding from the BFI. Samizdat’s event co-organised with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain is jointly funded by Awards for All Scotland.
Samizdat Eastern European Film Festival runs from 1 to 5 October and 19 October 2024.
