Tag: cinema

Beloved British classics return to the big screen at Vue with Aardman anniversary screenings

Iconic characters such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and many more are making their way to the big screen this summer at Vue in Edinburgh to commemorate the 50th anniversary of legendary British animation studio Aardman.

A trailblazer in stop-motion animation, Aardman became a household name for British families with the release of beloved duo Wallace & Gromit in 1989’s A Grand Day Out, which saw a cheese-loving Yorkshire man and his heroic, silent dog Gromit set off on a space-faring adventure to the moon.

It is fitting, then, that Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out and crime caper Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers will kick-start the Aardman 50th anniversary season at Vue, combining the two short films into one animated double bill exclusively for the big screen from 10 July.

The dynamic duo continue their adventures on 18 July with a double bill of Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave, which introduces fan favourite Shaun the Sheep, and Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death, where Gromit must uncover the identity of a deranged assailant targeting bakers before they can cause more harm.

Their first feature-length release, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, wraps up the duo’s animated adventures at Vue on 1 August, as they face off against the fluffiest monster around after a series of carrot catastrophes threatens the village’s annual giant vegetable competition.

It is not just Wallace & Gromit in the spotlight, though, as other popular features from Aardman are also returning. Shaun the Sheep’s big-screen adventures, including 2015’s Shaun the Sheep Movie from 28 August and 2019’s A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon from 5 September, will also return to Vue.

Families can follow everyone’s favourite woolly rascal as he gets involved in everything from an action-packed day out in town to dealing with an alien invasion. These laugh-out-loud family films are not to be missed.

Other iconic Aardman releases returning as part of the anniversary season include Chicken Run from 24 July, Flushed Away from 7 August, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! from 14 August and Early Man from 21 August.

This summer, Vue is also inviting families to make the most of the summer holidays with the launch of its new Summer Family Passport Book, designed to encourage young film fans to enjoy more big-screen moments throughout the season.

Families and children can collect stamps in their Summer Family Passport Book when visiting Vue for the latest family releases, including all of the Aardman classics returning to the big screen. They are also encouraged to share photos of their passport books and adventures on a dedicated Vue Facebook post for the chance to win a £25 Vue gift card.

Vue has also introduced discounted kids’ tickets in partnership with the Great British Summer Savings scheme, meaning children aged 14 and under can enjoy big-screen escapes for less, providing a fantastic way to keep the family entertained over the holidays.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “Aardman Animation and its beloved characters have charmed UK audiences since the very first adventure of Wallace & Gromit, and we’re thrilled to be able to mark the studio’s 50th anniversary by bringing its most iconic stories back to the big screen this summer holidays.

“Whether you’ve seen these films before or are new to the stop-motion worlds of Aardman, this back-on-the-big-screen season is guaranteed to provide plenty of moments and memories for families to treasure.”

Aardman 50th Anniversary Back on the Big Screen Season 

Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out/The Wrong Trousers – From 10 July

Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave/A Matter of Loaf & Death – From 18 July

Chicken Run – From 24 July

Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit – From 1 August 

Flushed Away – From 7 August

THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS! – From 14 August

EARLY MAN – From 21 August 

SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE – From 28 August

SHAUN THE SHEEP: FARMAGEDDON – From 5 September

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com/family

Broughton High School pupils create films for festival spotlight

Queen Margaret University (QMU) is celebrating the success of a dynamic filmmaking initiative that has opened up the world of cinema to Edinburgh secondary school pupils – empowering them to develop their skills, build confidence and premiere their own short films.

Delivered in partnership with leading film and education organisations, Our Cinema’s 2026 ‘Children Meet Cinema’ workshop brought together S2–S3 pupils from Broughton High School for an intensive two-week programme.

Through a series of hands-on workshops, pupils developed skills in storytelling, filming and editing, culminating in the production of three original short films – set to premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival this August.

The initiative reflects QMU’s commitment to widening access to creative education and supporting young people to develop confidence, skills and new ways of expressing their ideas. By working directly with experienced practitioners, pupils gained first-hand insight into the creative industries and the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

Produced by Scottish arts community Transgressive North, and jointly led by Robert Munro, QMU Senior Lecturer in Film and Media, and Jamie Chambers, Senior Lecturer in Film, from Edinburgh College of Art, the initiative has involved collaboration with creatives and educators across Scotland’s screen and education sectors, including independent filmmaker Duncan Cowles, and Maili Fraser from Edinburgh Filmhouse.

The programme was further enriched by mentorship from acclaimed director Scott Graham, who helped shape a series of practical exercises designed to guide pupils through every stage of the filmmaking journey.

Robert Munro said: “Creative projects like this are about opening up the world of cinema to young people and showing them that their stories matter.

“It’s been inspiring to see the creativity, enthusiasm and teamwork shown by the pupils at Broughton High School over the past two weeks. This kind of experience can be genuinely transformative – helping young people see new possibilities for themselves and their future.”

Nicola Daniel, Curriculum Leader of the English and Media Faculty at Broughton High School, was impressed with the impact that this creative film project had on both pupils and staff.

She explained: “Being part of this project was one of the most uplifting creative experiences of my career. Working alongside such talented practitioners brought a richness and authenticity to the process that the young people immediately responded to.

“The project opened up the full world of film for them – from shaping ideas and storyboarding to camera work, sound, editing, and performance – and their enthusiasm was nothing short of infectious.”

Nicola added: “Watching the young people take risks, collaborate with maturity, and produce films that were imaginative, polished and deeply personal was extraordinary. The final showcase was a moment of genuine pride – a celebration of their talent, their resilience, and the transformative power of creative partnership.”

What stood out most for the teaching staff was the impact on learners’ confidence and voice.

Nicola explained: “Alongside developing technical skills, the pupils grew in self-belief, communication and creative thinking, with many discovering new strengths in leadership and storytelling.

“The project also offered staff fresh insight into pupils’ abilities and highlighted the value of working in partnership with universities and industry. Film‑making brings together creativity, teamwork and critical thinking in a uniquely accessible way, and this collaboration showed just how powerful that can be in raising aspiration and helping young people feel seen and heard.”

Lead Filmmaker Scott Graham added: “The ‘Children Meet Cinema’ project gives me hope for the future of filmmaking in Scotland.

“The young filmmakers from Broughton High School took the creative freedom we gave them and ran with it. They were a joy and an inspiration to work with and I can’t wait for their films to be unveiled at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival. Their work deserves to be presented on the biggest stage.”

Robert Munro concluded: “We’re now excited to share the pupils’ films with audiences at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on Monday 17 August. Showcasing their work on an international stage is a remarkable achievement and a powerful celebration of their creativity and hard work.”

QMU would like to thank the young people who took part, the staff at Broughton High School for their support, and St Stephen’s Comely Bank Church for providing space for the workshops. The project was inspired by Japan’s Children Meet Cinema, and the team would like to thank Etsuko Dohi for all her support.

The project was supported by funding from Queen Margaret University’s research impact and widening access funds.

Book tickets for the Edinburgh Film Festival at edfilmfest.org .

Summer family fun at Vue Edinburgh this school holiday

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Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue in Edinburgh, offering families ample opportunity to spend quality time together now that the school year has ended.

Kickstart the summer with some playtime as Toy Story 5, the latest adventure of Woody and the gang, out now on the big screen – just in time for the start of the Scottish school holidays.

This time, it’s toy meets tech as Bonnie receives a new tablet to play with, making life for Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the other toys exponentially harder. There are plenty of heartfelt moments and joyful laughs as they go head-to-head with this all-new threat to playtime itself.

On Saturday 27 June at 2pm, Vue in Edinburgh will also host a special Toy Trip screening of the highly anticipated Disney and Pixar sequel, encouraging guests to bring their favourite toy along to watch the film with them.

As part of the experience, anyone who books a ticket for the special Toy Trip screening and arrives with a toy will receive a collectible souvenir ticket to take home.

Whether it is a much-loved childhood companion, a favourite teddy, an action figure or a toy passed down through generations, Vue is giving toys the big screen moment they deserve.

The special screenings aim to celebrate the magic of stories and the emotional connection younger audiences have with big screen experiences, inviting families to watch Toy Story 5 together and feel it forever.

There’s even more animated fun this summer as Minions & Monsters brings plenty of mischief to the big screen at Vue from 1 July. In the wonderful world of Despicable Me, Minions & Monsters sees everyone’s favourite henchmen conquer Hollywood, become movie stars and accidentally unleash monsters upon the world. Will they save the planet from their own monstrous mistakes?

Families can also catch other fantastic family hits such as Disney’s live-action Moana and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, both heading to the big screen during the summer holidays.

For the opportunity to catch recent family favourites on the big screen for a very small price, Vue’s Mighty Mornings screenings will take place every day across the break. Ideal for kids between four and 11, Charlie the Wonderdog will be showing among other titles, with prices from just £2.49 a ticket when booked online.

For younger audiences, Vue will also be bringing some of the most popular children’s characters back as part of its Big Shorts series. Aimed at younger children between one and four, the screenings are hosted in a relaxed environment with dimmed lighting. Younger viewers can look forward to a special screening of Zog & Zog and the Flying Doctors. 

Vue is also inviting families to make the most of the summer holiday season with the launch of its new Summer Passport Book, a collectible adventure-style experience designed to encourage young film fans to enjoy more big-screen moments throughout the holidays. 

Launching with Toy Story 5, families and children can gather stamps for their Summer Passport Book when visiting Vue for the latest families releases and are encouraged to share photos of their passport books and adventures onto a dedicated Vue Facebook post for the chance to win a £25 Vue gift card. 

For the summer break, Vue is also introducing new discounted kids’ tickets in partnership with the Great British Summer Savings scheme.

From 25 June, children aged 14 and under can enjoy big screen escapes, providing a fantastic way to keep the family entertained over the summer. 

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “As we head into the school holidays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Vue.

“From live-action reimaginings to animated adventures, it’s the perfect destination for families to escape, unwind, and get lost in great stories on the big screen.”

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com/family

ODEON reduces cinema tickets by more than a third in time for the summer holidays

Families and film fans in Edinburgh will be able to enjoy a trip to the cinema for less this summer as ODEON at Fort Kinnaird introduces new lower ticket prices.

Adult and child tickets are now priced at £7.99, meaning cinema-goers could save up to 38% compared with previous prices, with Saver Monday tickets also reduced to £6.00, down from £7.50.

The new prices arrive just in time for the school holidays with a strong line up of blockbusters due this summer, including Toy Story 5, Supergirl and Minions & Monsters, as well as Spider‑Man: Brand New Day for older film fans.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s great to see ODEON introducing lower ticket prices.

“Whether you’re taking the kids to the latest family blockbuster or heading to the big screen with friends, there’s a brilliant line-up to look forward to and even more reason to make a day of it at the centre, alongside shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.”

Demi Rodriguez, Marketing Coordinator at ODEON, said: “With so much for film fans to enjoy this summer, we’re excited to welcome even more guests for less at ODEON Fort Kinnaird.”

For more information and to plan a visit to Fort Kinnaird, go to: 

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Watch Scotland play the World Cup at Vue Edinburgh

Fans can experience the drama, intensity and international flair of world-class football in full cinematic glory at Vue Edinburgh Omni and Ocean as Scotland battle it out through the group stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

Following their opening Group C victory over Haiti, fans can watch Scotland continue their campaign as they take on Morocco at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts, USA at 11pm BST. 

Next, they’ll be facing Brazil at Miami Stadium in Florida at 11pm BST, as Scotland round off their Group C fixtures against one of world football’s biggest names. 

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “Vue is the perfect place to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026. For those of us staying in the UK to watch, what better way to watch these giants in football than on the big screen?  

“Our next level screen and sound technology are the closest thing possible to the thrill of the stadium, with stunning visuals and immersive surround sound that will make you feel like you’re right there in the action.” 

Vue’s Big Screen Sports line-up 

  • Fri 19 June – Scotland vs Morocco – 23:00 BST 
  • Wed 24 June – Scotland vs Brazil – 23:00 BST 

Tickets are available to book now at www.myvue.com. 

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026 to present World Premiere of NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab Short Films

  • The NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab is supported by the Sean Connery Foundation and BBC Film
  • EIFF runs from 13 – 19 August 2026

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), the National Film and Television School (NFTS) Scotland and The Sean Connery Foundation have announced that the six short films created as part of the second NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab will have their World Premieres as part of this year’s Film Festival.

The short films are Bubbles (Writer/Director: Jagoda Tlok); Shutterbug (Writer/Director: Fin Bain); My Little Blue Heart (Writer/Director: Iqbal Mohammed); PANG (Writer/Director: Lara Delmage); St Anthony (Writer/Director: Declan Dineen); Angel in the House (Writer/Director: Missy McNaught).

These six films will World Premiere at EIFF’s prestigious showcase event with an invite list of key industry figures from across Scotland, the UK and beyond.

This is the second consecutive year that NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab films have had their World Premiere at EIFF.

Made with the financial support and creative guidance of BBC Film, the NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab is a transformative 12-month talent development programme which provides a unique opportunity for 22 aspiring filmmakers across five disciplines (writer/directors, producers, cinematographers and editors) to create their own unique short films.

To ensure the programme is as accessible to as many people as possible, each of the 22 places have been substantially subsidised, with 70% of fees underwritten by the Sean Connery Foundation.

Located in Leith, close to the expanding creative quarter under development by FirstStage Studios in partnership with Forth Ports and others, the participating filmmakers from across Scotland have embarked on a collaborative filmmaking journey which began in April 2025.

Six dynamic filmmaking teams were assembled, gaining access to a first-class training curriculum, made up of seminars, hands-on workshops and mentorship opportunities. Dedicated guidance from renowned NFTS Heads of Department and prominent industry executives, including BBC Film, also enriched and enhanced the development and post-production process.

Each filmmaking team received a £25,000 production budget, with free access to cutting-edge equipment and unrivalled training facilities provided by NFTS Scotland. The tailor-made programme has been designed to further amplify the expertise of each participant in their respective craft specialism, allowing them to refine their skills and push the boundaries of creativity.

The programme was also designed to be part-time, enabling participants to strike a balance between other paid work and professional engagements.

Aligned with the unwavering commitment of NFTS to promoting diversity within the industry, the NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive experience for disabled and neuro-divergent individuals, including those with conditions such as dyslexia, a cause close to the heart of The Sean Connery Foundation.

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded an NFTS Diploma in Filmmaking.

Now, after an intensive 12 months, the NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab has culminated in the creation of six short films that serve as powerful industry ‘calling cards’, offering an invaluable launchpad for the 22 talented individuals to make their mark on the world of film.

The NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab is supported by a wide range of industry partners, trusts and foundations who have pledged their support to underpin the programme with additional funding, bursaries and scholarships.

BBC Film is the production partner with several other partners joining the Talent Lab including: The Dana and Albert Broccoli Foundation, FirstStage Studios, Blazing Griffin, DNA Films, Hartswood Films, Juniper Trust, LS Productions, the Rank Foundation, Synchronicity Films, Baillie Gifford and Progressive Broadcast Hire.

Paul Ridd, CEO and Festival Director of EIFF, has said: “We were once again highly impressed by the range, quality and ambition of these short films.

“We are delighted to World Premiere the work emerging from this exciting initiative, and we look forward to these new filmmaking voices from Scotland announcing themselves at Edinburgh in August.”

Jon Wardle, NFTS Director said: “It’s so rewarding to see the second slate of NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab films premiere at EIFF.

“Having these six compelling films make their debut at Scotland’s leading film festival is a powerful reflection of the Lab’s ethos, the commitment of our partners, and above all, the extraordinary talent emerging from the filmmaking community across Scotland and beyond.”

Chris Young, Head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab commented: “It’s incredibly exciting to see a second slate of films from the Sean Connery Talent Lab premiere once again at EIFF.

The success of our debut films demonstrated not only the value of this programme but the strength and originality of emerging filmmaking talent in Scotland.

“These latest films continue that momentum, showcasing distinctive and ambitious storytelling.”

Alice Ojha, Commissioning Executive, BBC Film, said: “We’re delighted that the six films from the second year of the lab will receive their world premiere at EIFF; it’s brilliant to see the work of the Sean Connery Talent Lab’s participants being recognised by the festival in this way.

“The range and quality of the films speaks to the wealth of emerging film talent coming out of Scotland and beyond. BBC Film is proud to have been involved in supporting this slate of films and very excited for them to be enjoyed by audiences in Edinburgh this coming August!”

Stephane and Jason Connery, on behalf of the Sean Connery Foundation, said: “We are incredibly proud of what this second cohort of Sean Connery Talent Lab filmmakers has achieved.

“The creativity, ambition and dedication they have shown throughout the programme is reflected in this outstanding new slate of films.

“We are also deeply grateful to the many industry mentors and guest lecturers who have helped make the Talent Lab such a unique experience.

“Their generosity in sharing their knowledge, including contributors such as Andy Harries, creator and executive producer of The Crown, has played an invaluable role in supporting these emerging filmmakers as they take the next step in their careers.”

Edinburgh International Film Festival will run from 13-19 August 2026. Building on EIFF’s reinvigorated vision under new leadership from CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival continues to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.

More information will be released on the shape of the 2026 Festival, venues and key strategic partners in the coming months.

EIFF 2026 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund.

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 Saffrey; and gaming executive Romana Ramzan.

Website: https://www.edfilmfest.org/ 

Social handles: Facebook, Instagram, Letterboxd, LinkedIn, TikTok,  X (@edfilmfest)  

Celebrate Pride Month at Vue Edinburgh with a selection of LGBTQ+ titles

This Pride Month, Vue is celebrating with a curated line-up of queer cinema – including a timeless classic, a modern favourite and a brand-new release. 

Kicking off the season is an adaptation of Alysia Abbott’s best-selling memoir Fairyland. Produced by Academy Award winner Sofia Coppola, the film follows a young girl whose life is uprooted by her father following the death of her mother. Landing in 1970s San Francisco, dad Steve flourishes with the freedom to develop his writing and date other men, however his bohemian lifestyle clashes with the expectations of parenting. 

Be transported to 18th century France as one of the greatest love stories ever told, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, returns to screen from 3 June. The critically acclaimed film follows Marianne, who is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. As the two women orbit one another, intimacy and attraction grow, with the portrait soon becoming a collaborative act of and testament to their love. 

Arriving from 5 June is Madfabulous, the true story of fabulously flamboyant Henry Paget as he claims his aristocratic inheritance in 1890s North Wales. His theatrical flair disrupts the upper-class elite, much to the delight of the townspeople. Alongside his cousin Lily and loyal butler Gelert, Henry navigates suffocating traditions, scheming relatives, and the long shadow cast by his estranged father.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, The Birdcage is sashaying back onto the big screen as part of Vue’s Pride season from 6 June. Expect lots of laughs in this 90s cult classic, as gay cabaret owner (Robin Willians) and his drag queen companion (Nathan Lane) agree to put up a false front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée’s right-wing moralistic parents, played by Dianne Weist and Gene Hackman.

Rounding off the season, animated intergalactic sci-fi Lesbian Space Princess will be arriving on the big screen from 20 June. Watch as Princess Saira, from the planet Clitopolis, travels the GAY-laxy on a chaotic rescue mission to save her ex, who is being held ransom by the Straight White Maliens. 

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “At Vue we’re committed to showcasing films that reflect the rich diversity of our audiences and this Pride we’re especially proud to highlight stories that celebrate and represent our LGBTQ+ communities. 

“We can’t wait to welcome film fans to switch off and immerse themselves in human stories with big emotions, deep connections – and moments that stay with will last long after the credits roll.”

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com

The Amazing Digital Circus heads to the big screen at Vue Edinburgh

Viral internet sensation The Amazing Digital Circus is coming to the big screen this June at Vue Edinburgh.

Created by Gooseworx and produced by Glitch Productions, the popular animated series has become a global phenomenon since debuting online in 2023, captivating audiences with its surreal humour, emotional storytelling and unique visual style. 

The global spectacle comes to its long-awaited conclusion in The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act, which arrives at Vue cinemas from Thursday 4 June.

The feature-length release combines episode eight with an all-new extended ninth episode finale, giving fans the chance to experience the conclusion of the story on the big screen before its wider release.

Set within a bizarre virtual circus controlled by the unpredictable AI ringmaster Caine, The Amazing Digital Circus follows a group of humans trapped inside a digital world with no way to escape. As the circus falls into darkness and long-hidden truths begin to surface, the group confront their past traumas and uncover the secrets behind The Digital Circus itself. 

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “We always endeavour to bring unique and innovative cinematic experiences to Vue audiences, and we know that fans of the series are excited to watch the finale on the big screen, with the best seat, screen and sound experience.

“A trip to Vue means switching off from everything else and switching on to something bigger – bigger emotions, deeper connections, moments that stay with you and you feel forever. The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act will certainly deliver that experience, for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.”

Elevating Vue’s big screen experience further, the menu includes delicious hot mains and sides including signature hot dogs, stone baked pizza slices, chicken tenders and popcorn chicken, as well as mouthwatering mini doughnuts and mini pancakes desserts.

Tickets can be booked at www.myvue.com.

Filmhouse celebrates 1st Birthday

ACROSS JUNE AND JULY, SCOTLAND’S FLAGSHIP CINEMA, FILMHOUSE IN EDINBURGH CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF ITS DOORS BEING REOPENED

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE IAN RANKIN AND JUSTIN JOHN DOHERTY IN CONVERSATION ON NIC ROEG’S ICONIC DON’T LOOK NOW

SPECIAL SCREENINGS OF BIG SCREEN CLASSICS 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY IN 70MMAND CINEMA PARADISO AND NEW HOMEGROWN GEMS INCLUDING THE FALL OF SIR DOUGLAS WEATHERFORD

A FILM LOVERS PARADISE WITH PROJECTION BOX TOURS, LIVE MUSIC AND SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ACROSS THE CINEMA’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse is marking one year of its doors being reopened to the public with a special series of birthday events which celebrate the big screen experience.

Across June, the cinema’s 1st birthday day weekend of 26th – 28th June and into July, Filmhouse will screen an extra special selection of films and events showcasing all that the cinema has to offer and is loved for.

Stanley Kubrick’s seminal 2001 A Space Odyssey (1968) will screen from 5 June in eye-popping 70mm alongside new cinematic visions screening in June including the darkly funny and eccentric new feature The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford from Edinburgh-born filmmaker Sean Robert Dunn starring Scottish screen legend Peter Mullan.

Other new films coming to the cinema soon include Steven Spielberg’s hotly anticipated Disclosure Day, Rohan Kanawade’s beautifully romantic Cactus Pears and back on the big screen, Paul Thomas Anderson’s cult hit Boogie Nights.

Audiences will also be treated to the first film that screened at the cinema when it reopened in June last year: an ode to the beauty of the cinemagoing experience, Giuseppe Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso (1988).

On 3 July, Filmhouse is excited to present a special screening of Nic Roeg’s iconic film Don’t Look Now followed by novelist Ian Rankin in conversation with writer Justin John Doherty to discuss Justin’s new book described as a ‘literary love letter’ to the film, Don’t Look Now and Then.

The discussion will not only touch upon their mutual love and fascination for the film, but also the detective work behind putting this sort of book together, finding the people who were there 50 years ago and uncovering never before seen archive and images that were thought lost to time.

The cinema’s recently launched We’ve Got a Cinema and We’re Not Afraid to Use It strand will see members vote on classic films that they are most excited to see on the big screen alongside the Team Birthday Picks strand which showcases staff favourites as well as highlights from across the programme since the cinema’s doors reopened.

Across the birthday weekend, cineastes can also get a glimpse into the hallowed ground of the Filmhouse’s projection boxes and there will be evening birthday party celebrations with live music. There will be special discounts on food and drink over the birthday weekend to coincide with the launch of a brand-new menu in the Filmhouse Bar Café.

Exclusive rewards will also run up to and across the birthday weekend for Filmhouse members, including the chance to be entered into a draw to win a Filmhouse lifetime membership. Special themed children’s screenings, craft activities, family face painting and games will take place as well as lots of birthday cake!

Filmhouse reopened to the public on 27 June 2025 after a remarkable three-year campaign to save the historic cinema backed by film lovers in Scotland and around the world and by A-list film talent including patrons Jack Lowden and Charlotte Wells, as well as Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson.

Filmhouse continues to be celebrated as a cultural cornerstone, showcasing world cinema in all its brilliance and diversity, from crowd-pleasing favourites and to avant-garde arthouse works, restored classics, and curated retrospectives.

With, a total capacity of 350 seats, the four-screen cinema is a hub for film enthusiasts, offering a cutting-edge cinematic experience, a vibrant social space, and a platform for film lovers and filmmakers to engage with the very best in global cinema.

Filmhouse’s technical capabilities include 70mm, 35mm, 16mm, 8mm, and digital projection. The cinema also includes a Clipster Unit for creating Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) required for festival and theatrical distribution.

Built in a repurposed church on Edinburgh’s Lothian Road, Filmhouse has been a cinematic landmark since 1978. Following a £2 million refurbishment, Scotland’s leading independent cinema has been thriving since its reopening under new leadership and a vision which builds on the venue’s legacy as a space for learning and discovery, and a commitment to building a sustainable future for this iconic cultural landmark.

The completely refurbished Filmhouse Bar seats 100 people for lunch and dinner, with drinks available throughout the day, catering for many different communities with a welcoming atmosphere, and an emphasis on produce from Edinburgh and Scotland, offering great food and drink alongside environmental sustainability.

The glorious story of Filmhouse continues.

Andrew Simpson, Executive Director of Filmhouse, said:”The first year of the new Filmhouse has been quite a ride. Since June 2025, 125,000 people have sat down to watch a film here, and more than 200,000 have walked through the doors of our building.

“Re-establishing Filmhouse as a place for people to meet, socialise, eat and drink, enjoy themselves, and most thrillingly of all, experience the magic of cinema in all its forms has been a very special experience for all of us here.

“We welcomed the public back to the new Filmhouse ten days after finishing the first part of a huge refurbishment project, with a lot of work, including the opening of the brand-new Screen 4, carrying on after we had opened the doors.

“That we’ve delivered an enormously varied programme of films, events, educational work, and hosted dozens of festivals – from EIFF and the BFI London Film Festival to the French and Spanish Film Festivals, the Jali African Film Weekender, Take One Action, and many more – is a massive testament to our team, all the people we work with, and our brilliant audience.

“We’ve got lots of things we want to improve and build upon, and we’ve got big ambitions for the future. The first birthday celebrations are an important marker for us on that journey, and we want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past year, and to extend an invitation to those who are yet to try out Filmhouse, by inviting you all to party with us in June.

“There’s something for everyone, and it’s going to be a lot of fun, and we hope to see you there (we’ll bring the cake). Cinema lives. ‘mon the hoose!”

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026 to open with International Premiere of Louis Paxton’s debut feature The Income

Uniquely inventive, darkly funny Scottish debut features stars Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin and Grant O’Rourke

EIFF will run from 13 – 19 August 2026

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that Edinburgh-born filmmaker Louis Paxton’s spirited and witty debut film, The Incomer will open its 79th edition, running from 13 – 19 August 2026.

The Focus Features and Universal Pictures International film, stars Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina, The Paper), Gayle Rankin (House of The Dragon, Glow) and Grant O’Rourke (Outlander) with ensemble cast including John Hannah (Sliding Doors, The Last of Us) Michelle Gomez (Green Wing, Doom Patrol) and Emun Elliott (The Gold Sexy Beast). 

The Incomer is set on a remote Scottish island and follows siblings Isla (Rankin) and Sandy (O’Rourke) who have lived in peaceful isolation for decades, hunting seabirds, chatting to mythic creatures and defending their isle from dreaded Incomers. Their world is upended with the arrival of Daniel (Gleeson), an awkward council worker, tasked with uprooting them to the mainland.

Written and directed by bold new filmmaking talent Louis Paxton, the film won the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

Produced by Bafta winner Shirley O’Connor and Emily Gotto and co-produced by Wendy Griffin, The Incomer has been praised by critics and audiences for its wit, heart and independent spirit.

The film is supported by the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), Screen Scotland with additional support from musician Moby and Lindsay Hicks’ U.S. production company Little Walnut, Trevor Noah’s Day Zero Productions, UK’s Head Gear Films and Ireland’s Inevitable Pictures. 

The Incomer will be released by Universal Pictures International in the UK and Ireland later this year.

EIFF CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd has said: “With wit, grace and intelligence, this striking, unpredictable and beautifully acted Scottish debut dazzled, moved and amused us immensely when we first saw it back in January.

“We are thrilled to open this year’s edition with a film which embodies such a stirring and inspiring spirit of creativity, empathy and invention in filmmaking. This is precisely the kind of film that EIFF is all about.”

Film Producers, Shirley O’Connor and Emily Gotto said: “It’s such an honour to open Edinburgh with this film. Shooting in Scotland with this exceptional cast and crew was a genuinely special experience and bringing that work home to a Scottish audience means everything to us.

“Huge thanks to EIFF, and all our partners, including Screen Scotland, who helped get us here.”

Director Louis Paxton said: “Opening the Edinburgh International Film Festival with my debut feature is a dream come true.

“Screening in my beloved hometown, and the festival where I started as a teenage usher, sharing this story with a Scottish audience, is nothing short of mind-blowing. I couldn’t ask for a more meaningful premiere.”

Kezia Williams, Managing Director UK & Ireland, at Universal Pictures International commented: “We’re delighted to see The Incomer open this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival. Louis Paxton has made a wonderfully distinctive film, firmly rooted in Scotland, full of character and heart.

“We’re proud to be bringing it to audiences across the UK and Ireland.”

Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland said: “Louis is bringing it home following The Incomer’s triumph at Sundance earlier this year.

“It marks an extraordinarily assured debut feature. This singular story of a remote community on Scotland’s Far North coast feels truly distinctive, something that could only have come from here.”

Mia Bays, Director of the BFI Filmmaking Fund, said: “Opening the 2026 Edinburgh Film Festival with The Incomer means a great deal to us.

“It’s a terrific film made by Louis, Emily, Shirley and team that looks at Scottish island life, sibling relationships and the quiet forms of loneliness that shape people — but it does so with such generosity and bright humour.

“Watching Daniel (Domhnall Gleeson) reassess the world he’s taken for granted when he meets Isla and Sandy (the peerless Gayle Rankin and Grant O’Rourke) is both moving and gloriously funny.

“We are grateful to Paul Ridd and team for centring such bold, character driven storytelling and cannot wait to experience the response to it from a homegrown and internationally blended crowd.”

EIFF’s invigorated vision under leadership from CEO and 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. 

More information will be released on the shape of the 2026 Festival, venues and key strategic partners in the coming months. 

EIFF 2026 is supported by Screen Scotland.

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 gaming executive Romana Ramzan.