Orban Wallace’s superb documentary Our Land, which examines the idea of the public’s right to roam offers a sharp look at the debate on access and ownership over the English countryside in this engrossing documentary.
” Perspectives of activists, landowners, and walkers reclaiming access to the countryside reveal how globally relevant questions of land ownership are bound to histories of colonialism, class, and power.
With energy and clarity, the film captures a pivotal struggle over who nature belongs to and what it means to truly share land.” – Ruth Somalo
Come and join us in this screening of the film released earlier this year.
Tackling questions about land ownership, public access and right to roam, illegal in England, but legal since 2005 in Scotland this film presents first hand experience from both landowners and activists alike.
Fifth anniversary edition runs from 6 October to 7 November 2026 across Scotland with screenings in Glasgow, Cromarty, Edinburgh, Dunfermline and Aberdeen
Rare 35mm screenings, contemporary discoveries, exclusive premieres and anniversary events showcase the breadth of cinema from Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus
Special strands Re-membering the Archive and Love Stories: Eastern European and Caucasian Romance explore memory, identity, migration and romance across the region
Samizdat Eastern European Film Festival has announced its 2026 programme, marking the festival’s fifth anniversary with its most ambitious and geographically expansive edition to date.
Bringing together some of the most exciting, powerful, thoughtful, strange and visionary filmmaking from Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the festival will present screenings, special events, filmmaker conversations and premieres across Glasgow, Cromarty, Edinburgh, Dunfermline and Aberdeen.
The festival opens on 6 October at Glasgow Film Theatre with a new edition of Samizdat’s much-loved animation programme, Politics of the Imagination: Animations of the Eastern Bloc (1958–1992).
Featuring surreal dreamscapes, folk tales, post-apocalyptic visions and allegories of political paranoia, the collection showcases the extraordinary creativity of animators working across the Eastern Bloc during the second half of the twentieth century.
The screening will be preceded by a musical introduction from Ukrainian violinist Masha Zhuravlova and followed by an Opening Night Party at Stereo.
To mark its fifth anniversary, Samizdat has assembled one of its most ambitious and varied programmes to date, combining landmark classics, contemporary discoveries, filmmaker conversations, documentary premieres, experimental cinema and special anniversary events. Highlights include a rare 35mm screening of Béla Tarr and Ágnes Hranitzky’s masterpiece Werckmeister Harmonies, alongside Jerzy Kawalerowicz’s acclaimed psychological drama Mother Joan of the Angels.
A major focus of this year’s programme is Re-membering the Archive, a strand exploring personal and collective histories through photographs, home videos, memory and acts of reconstruction.
Featured works include Klára Tasovská’s I’m Not Everything I Want to Be, built from the remarkable photographic archive of Czech photographer Libuše Jarcovjáková; Maria Stoianova’s Fragments of Ice, which pieces together the story of Ukraine’s transition from the Soviet Union through decades of family VHS recordings; and Otilia Babara’s Love Is Not an Orange, an intimate portrait of migration and motherhood in post-independence Moldova assembled from home videos sent between mothers working abroad and the children they left behind.
The strand also includes Vlad Petri’s Between Revolutions, a compelling blend of archival footage, political history and fictional correspondence spanning Romania and Iran.
Meanwhile, Samizdat’s recurring genre strand returns under the banner Love Stories: Eastern European and Caucasian Romance, presenting three radically different explorations of love, desire and belonging. Audiences can discover Janusz Morgenstern’s rarely screened Polish classic Goodbye, See You Tomorrow, Levan Akin’s acclaimed Georgian drama And Then We Danced, and Anja Koprivšek’s uplifting documentary Grand Prize, which celebrates love, friendship and chosen family within Croatia’s ballroom community.
Contemporary Ukrainian cinema continues to play a central role within the festival. Alongside Fragments of Ice, audiences can experience the UK premiere of Yulia Appen’s A Home for Rita, a tender portrait of an internally displaced Romani family rebuilding their lives after fleeing Russian occupation, as well as a wide selection of Ukrainian works featured throughout the Short Film Competition and other curated programmes.
The festival also presents works that challenge conventional forms and ways of seeing. Armenian double bill After Dreaming and Kafka brings together two films exploring uncertainty, displacement and estrangement, while Marija Nemčenko’s LAK i offers a poetic reflection on home and belonging, weaving together stories of white storks, rural communities and disappearing ways of life in south-east Lithuania. Similar themes are further explored in The Beauty of the Donkey, in which filmmaker Dea Gjinovci returns to Kosovo with her father more than fifty years after his exile, exploring family history, memory and belonging across generations.
Classic cinema also remains at the heart of the programme. Alongside Werckmeister Harmonies, audiences can discover Heat, the remarkable debut feature by acclaimed Ukrainian filmmaker Larisa Shepitko.
Set in the Kazakh steppe during the Soviet Virgin Lands Campaign, the film follows a young graduate whose idealism collides with entrenched hierarchies, revealing the early brilliance of one of Eastern European cinema’s most celebrated directors.
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers, Samizdat’s Short Film Competition returns with fifteen films from across Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus competing for the festival’s Audience Award. This year’s selection spans countries from Poland and Ukraine to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, bringing together animation, documentary and fiction works from some of the region’s most exciting contemporary voices.
To celebrate its fifth birthday, the festival has also created its first ever 5th Anniversary Shorts Collection, co-curated by the entire programming team. The programme invites audiences into the films that have shaped the curators’ relationships with the cinema, histories and cultures represented throughout the festival, offering a uniquely personal reflection on five years of Samizdat.
Beyond Glasgow, the festival will travel further across Scotland than ever before. Following its opening week at Glasgow Film Theatre and The Pyramid at Anderston, Samizdat will bring selected screenings to Cromarty, Edinburgh, Dunfermline and Aberdeen, extending its reach and bringing distinctive cinema from Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus to audiences across the country.
Natalia Guzevataya, Programme Manager and Curator, said:“Following what can already be called a Samizdat tradition, the programme opens with a collection of animations, setting the world of our deepest dreams and nightmares.
“This time, our recurring genre strand focuses on Love Stories, offering three radically different windows into romance across Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, and finds itself in curious dialogue with a spontaneously created documentary strand, Re-membering the Archive.
“Love and memory, both working through tiny, peculiarly particular details, together carry the programme’s political and poetic structure. And, of course, we’re marking the end of an era in Eastern European cinema, the passing of Béla Tarr, with a rare 35mm screening of Werckmeister Harmonies.
“To celebrate our fifth anniversary, we tried something new and, for the first time, co-curated a screening all together – a collection of shorts that speak to what Samizdat means to each of us.”
Dylan Beck, Festival Manager and Curator, said:“Reaching this five-year milestone is a testament to the interest our audiences have shown in cinema from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus – we cannot wait to celebrate this landmark year with a programme that pays tribute to how far we have come.
“We will be joined in person by a few filmmakers in Glasgow – the city where Samizdat started as a small project run by a group of volunteers – before hitting the road to present select screenings in more locations across Scotland than ever before.”
Sambrooke Scott, Head of Audience Development at Screen Scotland, said:“Samizdat is a festival that celebrates and embodies the pioneering and distinctive filmmaking of Eastern Europe and the festival’s growing reputation and reach is testament to their exciting, diverse and eclectic programme which means, on any given day, you can experience animated shorts from the 1970s, contemporary features from the diaspora, and 35mm prints of classic auteurs from Eastern Europe.
“The festival is unique within Scotland and the UK, and its increasing geographic reach underlines the continued interest and appetite for and from the communities reflected within the programme. Screen Scotland is supporting this edition through our Film Festivals and Screening Programme Development Funding, ensuring that the festival continues its mission to explore new work, expand its reach and break new ground.”
Samizdat Eastern European Film Festival takes place in:
Glasgow: 6–11 October 2026 at Glasgow Film Theatre and The Pyramid at Anderston
Cromarty: 13–16 October 2026 at Cromarty Cinema
Edinburgh: 22–25 October 2026 at Filmhouse
Dunfermline: 30 October 2026 at Peacock Cinema, Carnegie Hall
Aberdeen: 7 November 2026 at Belmont Cinema, Aberdeen Art Gallery
Samizdat strives to ensure its programme can be enjoyed by as many people as possible. All festival venues are wheelchair accessible, films are presented with English subtitles, and selected screenings include descriptive subtitles. Detailed accessibility information and the Audience Access Fund are available via the festival website.
As part of its commitment to accessibility, most Samizdat screenings operate on a pay-what-you-can model, with ticket prices beginning at £4. The festival also offers an Audience Access Fund to support attendees facing financial barriers, helping to cover costs such as travel and childcare where needed.
The 2026 edition of Samizdat is supported by Screen Scotland’s Film Festival and Screening Programme Fund and Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, and funded by Screen Scotland and National Lottery funding from the BFI.
We’re excited about the upcoming cinema event on Thursday 8 October celebrating community football, with a particular focus on women’s football.
We’ll be screening The First Women, a beautiful documentary following the Brazilian national women’s team, a film full of inspiring characters, friendship, and community spirit.
The First Women uncovers the untold stories of the pioneering women who formed Brazil’s first national women’s soccer team. Although women were legally barred from playing soccer until 1979, these trailblazers broke barriers and represented Brazil internationally throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Yet, despite their achievements, they received little public recognition or reward.
Thursday 8 October
Doors open & food sharing from 5.30pm (soup & bread served)
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to take part in a panel discussion, or if you have photos, memories, or memorabilia to share about women and girls’ football in North Edinburgh.Email alice.betts@northedinbrugharts.co.uk
This screening is part of The Spanish Film Club series, organised by IberoDocs in collaboration with Edinburgh Council and was made possible with the support of Pragda, SPAIN arts & culture, and the Secretary of State for Culture of Spain.
Plus, spend £15 at the snacks counter and receive a FREE scratchcard with a guaranteed reward on National Cinema Weekend
Cineworld is celebrating National Cinema Weekend on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, giving film fans the chance to experience the biggest movies on the biggest screens for just £4. For the first time ever, Cars and Obsession are both playing in 4DX for only £4!
All weekend long, guests can watch any film, at any time, in any format for just £4 at Cineworld cinemas nationwide. That includes premium experiences 4DX, ScreenX and Superscreen, as well as recliner seating. IMAX tickets will be available for just £6 – only £2 more.
And there’s more. This National Cinema Weekend, guests who spend £15 or more at the snacks counter will receive a FREE scratchcard with a guaranteed reward, only at Cineworld. Every card is a winner, giving moviegoers another reason to make a weekend of it. We are also running a Merchandise sale, with merch pieces from favourite films at £1, with the option to buy 3 for £2.50!
The National Cinema Weekend line-up includes some of the year’s biggest releases, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, Insidious: Out of the Further, The Dog Stars, Rise of the Footsoldier: Retribution and The Death of Robin Hood. Families can also enjoy Minions & Monsters, Toy Story 5, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, Moana (Live Action) and more – all for just £4.
Film fans can experience The Odyssey the way it was meant to be seen – in IMAX at Cineworld. With IMAX available across 25 Cineworld locations nationwide, audiences can see the epic on the biggest possible canvas for just £6, including at Cineworld Leicester Square’s IMAX with Laser – the only IMAX in London’s West End.
And Spider-Man: Brand New Day is swinging back into 4DX for National Cinema Weekend. Following its record-breaking release, which became the biggest film ever in 4DX, fans have another chance to experience every swing, hit and turn with 4DX’s moving seats and environmental effects – this time for just £4.
Also included in the £4 ticket: ScreenX extends the action across three walls for an immersive 270-degree viewing experience, while Superscreen pairs a huge screen with powerful Dolby Atmos sound.
This coming weekend the perfect chance to catch the films you missed the first time around, or experience your favourite releases of the summer all over again – for just £4.
National Cinema Weekend takes place at Cineworld cinemas nationwide on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026. Tickets are £4 for all films and formats, with IMAX available for £6.
Celebrate National Cinema Weekend at Vue venues in Edinburgh with £4 tickets – including summer hits Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey
National Cinema Weekend is a two-day celebration of the big screen experience – from the latest blockbusters and family favourites to indie horrors and classic re-releases.
To mark the occasion, Vue is offering £4 tickets across all films and seats on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September.
Highlights include summer hits Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odysseyand Toy Story 5, which will all be showing over the weekend of the promotion. Ridley Scott’s latest film The Dog Stars, a post-apocalyptic drama starring Jacob Elordi, will also be screening.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend, not to mention the David, the animated musical re-telling of David vs. Goliath.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further and indie horror Leviticus.
The offer applies to all screenings on Vue’s biggest screen, EPIC by Vue. Featuring HDR by Barco to create breathtaking colour sharpness and next level Dolby Atmos 3D sound, it’s the perfect way to celebrate National Cinema Weekend.
Film lovers can also enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, as part of National Cinema Weekend. Strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen, Ultra Lux seating also features an extra-wide armrest, back and leg rests that recline independently, personal table for snacks and beverages and a state-of-the-art wine cooler – the most luxurious way to immerse in a great story, with tickets at just £4.
Film lovers can also enjoy Lux seating as part of National Cinema Weekend. Offering extra space, soft leather seating, a headrest and armrest, plus a foldaway table for snacks and drinks, Lux recliners are the perfect way to immerse in a great story – with tickets at just £4.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “It’s been an incredible year for film, from the huge blockbusters to indie horrors – and everything in between.
“This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences. We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
For the films and session times available at Vue, visit www.myvue.com or check out the app. For open captioned screenings, look for the OC accessibility attribute before booking.
The producers of Louise Lockwood’s powerful theatrical debut Bel are delighted to announce the details for the film’s cinematic release.
Ahead of its world premiere as Closing Film at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival on 19 August, Bel opens at the Filmhouse in Edinburgh on 4 September with dates to follow across the UK including post-show discussions featuring the film’s director, Louise Lockwood, Beldina’s sister, Leah McAleer and Producer Sarah Howitt. Tickets on sale via individual cinemas.
Filmhouse Edinburgh | 4th-11th* September | tickets here
Glasgow Film Theatre | 10th-17th* September | tickets on sale today
Dundee Contemporary Arts | 18th, 20th, 21st and 23rd September
Macroberts Arts Centre, Stirling | 23rd September*
Eden Court, Inverness | 5th-7th September
Cromarty Community Cinema | 20th September
Sea Change Film Festival | 18th* and 20th* September on Isle of Seil & Isle of Tiree
*indicates post show discussion scheduled
More venues to be announced in due course.
The producers are also pleased to announce that Cargo Sales & Releasing, known for their work with independent, often cutting-edge titles, has been engaged as the international sales agent for Bel.
September 2017. Pics of Beldina Odenyo Onassis, aka Heir of The Cursed, at a gig at Camphill Gate tenement rooftop, in Shawlands, Glasgow.
David Piperni, Cargo Film & Releasing said:“Sometimes a film comes along that knocks your socks off. Beldina’s story is powerful on multiple levels and in director Louise Lockwood’s hands, her story will touch audiences around the world.”
Bel tells the story of Beldina Odenyo, the Kenyan-Scottish musician, singer and songwriter, who performed under the stage name, Heir of the Cursed as well as working across Scotland’s theatre and poetry communities. After her acclaimed performance at the Scottish Album of the Year Awards in 2021, Bel took her own life, leaving behind raw, intimate video diaries and a hard drive full of original songs of great beauty.
This stirring film documents the journey her sister and friends took to release her work posthumously, creating a heartfelt, insightful portrait of a complex, intelligent and profoundly talented young woman.
Bel is the first feature documentary for cinematic release from Louise Lockwood who has been making acclaimed multi-award-winning television documentaries for over 20 years.
Produced by award winning producer Sarah Howitt; executive producers John Archer and Nancy Bornat [Hopscotch Films] Mark Thomas [Screen Scotland] and associate producer – the award-winning Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright Jackie Kay.
Bel was commissioned for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer by Clare Sillery, former Head of Commissioning, BBC Documentaries and BBC Commissioning Editors, David Harron and Emma Loach with Commissioning Executive Shona Thompson.
Bel is supported by Screen Scotland, BBC and National Theatre of Scotland.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visitwww.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
Tickets on sale for new Oasis film documenting the band’s record breaking 2025 tour – arriving at Vue Edinburgh next month
A new film charting Liam and Noel Gallagher’s triumphant reunion tour, Oasis Live ’25, is heading to the big screen next month – with tickets on sale from now.
Showing exclusively at cinemas from 9 – 17 September, Don’t Look Back in Anger documents one of the biggest musical events in recent years.
The 41-date world tour saw the brothers performing across five continents – with an impressive 17 shows taking place in the UK alone.
The film offers unprecedented access and never-before-seen footage, alongside the first joint interviews with Noel and Liam in over 20 years. It also explores the profound emotional impact of the tour and what the band’s music means to audiences and generations worldwide.
Fans will be able to watch Don’t Look Back in Anger on Vue’s biggest screen: EPIC by Vue – the ultimate way to experience the most anticipated releases.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “After decades of waiting, last year Oasis fans got the reunion they were hoping for.Now audiences can relive the iconic comeback on the big screen, with unprecedented access, behind-the-scenes footage and a joint interview – two decades in the making.
“What better way to enjoy this fly on the wall documentary than from the comfort of Vue, offering the ultimate seat, screen and sound experience.”
Harry Potter fans will have the chance to step into the wizarding world at Vue Edinburgh Omni this summer, with an exclusive recreation of the iconic Platform 9¾ arriving as part of special 25th anniversary celebrations.
From the 29 August to 1 September, the installation will offer guests a magical photo opportunity before they revisit Harry Potter’s adventures on the big screen, with all eight films in the beloved series returning to Vue from 28 August.
The anniversary season commemorates 25 years since Harry made his big-screen debut in 2001 and will give Potterheads and film fans the perfect opportunity to experience Hogwarts and the wizarding world’s other memorable locations as they were meant to be seen.
Based on the book series that captured the imaginations of a generation, the celebrations will begin with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, introducing The Boy Who Lived, his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and the remarkable professors and pupils of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The series will conclude in early October with the epic two-part showdown of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Harry, Ron and Hermione must leave the familiar surroundings of Hogwarts behind as they prepare for a final confrontation with Lord Voldemort, whose plans threaten both the wizarding and Muggle worlds.
Alongside the exclusive Platform 9¾ photo opportunity, Vue is offering fans the chance to enjoy the films with brand-new merchandise. This includes a collectible popcorn tin with a wand stirrer and a premium Harry Potter-themed cup.
Film lovers in Edinburgh can also enjoy the screenings from Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux. Strategically positioned to provide the best possible view of the big screen, Ultra Lux seating features an extra-wide armrest, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, offering a luxurious way to become immersed in a great story.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “Since 2001, the Harry Potter films have become some of the most enjoyable, memorable and beloved big-screen adventures of all time.
“To mark this special anniversary, we’re thrilled to give fans the chance to step into the wizarding world at our exclusive Platform 9¾ installation before welcoming them back to Hogwarts on the big screen.
“Whether they have enjoyed the films many times before or are experiencing them for the first time, this anniversary season is guaranteed to provide plenty of magical moments and memories for film fans to treasure.”
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced a new selection of exciting guests attending this year’s Festival in support of World, International and UK Premieres and special events.
Attending the Festival for the UK premiere of EIFF 2026 Opening Night film The Incomer will be director Louis Paxton and stars Domnhall Gleeson (About Time, Ex Machina), Grant O’Rourke, Gayle Rankin (GLOW, House of the Dragon) and John Hannah (Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Mummy).
For the Festival’s closing night film, the beautifully composed Bel will be attended by director Lou Lockwood and film contributor Leah McAleer.
For the World Premiere of the 70s set Scottish road movie memoir Borges and Me will be director Marc Turtletaub (Little Miss Sunshine, Puzzle), Alan Cumming (The Good Wife, GoldenEye) and Fionn Whitehead (Dunkirk, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch).
Attending for the special 30th anniversary event screening of Trainspotting at legendary Leith Theatre will be Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, screenwriter John Hodge, authorIrvine Welsh, producer Andrew Macdonald, production designer Kave Quinn and costume designer Rachael Fleming.
For the World Premiere of hilarious and spiky road movie Northbound is director William Scoular and stars Bruce Dern (Nebraska, The Hateful Eight). For the UK Premiere of gripping thriller Queen at Sea will be director Lance Hammer (Ballast, Impossible Horse) and stars Tom Courtenay (The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, 45 Years) and Anna Calder-Smith (Wuthering Heights, Male of the Species).
The UK Premiere of charming coming of age drama Extra Geography will have in attendance director Molly Manners (Tell Me Everything, The Royals),cast Marni Duggan (The Outrun, Payback), Galaxie Clear (Rebus, Outlander) and writer Miriam Battye (Succession, The Woman King).
In town for the World Premiere of the intoxicating These Violent Delights will be directors Christopher Hampson and Oscar Samson and star Kayla-Maree Tarantolo (Everyone Is Going to Die, Hollyoaks). The UK Premiere of Edinburgh-set The Education of Jane Cumming will be attended by director Sophie Heldman.
Attending the Festival for The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence competition filmmakers Kieron J. Walsh for Skintown; Joseph Archer for Snapshot; Jake Harvey and Ollie Gardener and cast Sam Bottomley, Callum Scott Howells, Safia Oakley Green for The State of Us; director Fried Luk and cast member Olivia Luccardi (It Follows, Candy Land) for Sacred Creatures; director Tyler Marie-Evans and Sadie Stanley, Ashley Benson (Pretty Little Liars, Spring Breakers), Madeline Petsch for Pretty Babies; director Simon Ryninks for Out There; director Bart Simpson for The Mad World of Harvey Kurtzman; Paul Wright (For Those in Peril, Arcadia) for Mission; director Thom Lunshof for First Zone; director Lindsey Ryan and cast Griffin Gluck and Sarah Catherine Hook for Capsized.
Across the wider Festival programme, attending for the insightful The Last Resort will be director Maria Sødahl; Julianne Dressner and Miriam Shor for the compelling My NDA; directors Jake Kuhn and Noah Stratton-Twine for the atmospheric The Peril at Pincer Point; director Tamra Davis for the transportive documentary The Best Summer; director Carlos Conceição for the noirish body horror Bodyhackers; director Finlay Pretsell for the immersive Douglas Gordon by Douglas Gordon; last year’s EIFF Feature Film Prize winner Abdolreza Kahani and actor Nima Sadr attend for the World Premiere of Empty Heaven; director Alexis Alexiou and cast members for the compelling Sea of Glass; director Theodore Schaefer for the World Premiere of The Arrow at Rest at Every Instant of Its Flight.
For the Festival’s much-loved Midnight Madness strand attendees include director Chee Keong Cheung (director) and stars Radha Mitchell (Silent Hill, Finding Neverland) and John Hannah (Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Mummy) for Midnight Madness opener Bad Day at the Office; director James Nunn attends for taut survival thriller Hungry; director Nick Nevern (The Hooligan Factory, EastEnders) and cast Tamer Hassan (Layer Cake, The Football Factory), Leo Gregory (Green Street, Stoned) and Vanessa Bauer (Dancing on Ice, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins) attend for the explosive Rise of the Footsoldier: Retribution; for the nightmarish Abandoned, director Joby Stephens is joined by cast Grace Gallagher (The Outrun, Shetland) and Cameron Wright (Granite Harbour, River City); director Caleb Phillips for mindbending thriller Imposters; Midnight Madness strand closer Faces of Death will be presented by director Daniel Goldhaber and writer Isa Mazzei.
Acclaimed performer Stacy Martin presents her directorial debut short Amaretti alongside filmmakers attending for shorts programmes across the Festival. Filmmakers from The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence will also attend the Festival.
Previously announced guests include Christine Vachon, Ewan McGregor, Kenneth Branagh, Bruce Dern, Ken Burns, Prano Bailey-Bond, Jay Parini, Marc Turtletaub, Max Minghella, Sarah Brocklehurst, Miriam Battye and Paul Sng.
Press and Industry accreditation is now open for this year’s Festival and available to apply for via the EIFF website.
This year’s EIFF runs from 13 – 19 August 2026 and opens with the International Premiere of Edinburgh-born filmmaker Louis Paxton’s debut feature The Incomer and closes with Louise Lockwood’spowerful debut documentary feature Bel.
EIFF’s invigorated vision under leadership from CEO & Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa continues to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.
EIFF 2026 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, the Industry Programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, and VisitScotland.
The EIFF team continues to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. The Festival is supported by a Board chaired by Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting, including Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun; Peter Rice, former chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, producer and former Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffery; and video game producer Romana Ramzan.
Book your place at: 
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to take part in a panel discussion, or if you have photos, memories, or memorabilia to share about women and girls’ football in North Edinburgh. Email 
