Tag: cinema

FILM FEST IN THE CITY PROGRAMME REVEALED

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IS BACK IN ST ANDREW SQUARE AND EVERYONE’S INVITED!

Presenting an ambitious and free programme of family favourites, timeless classics and blockbusters in partnership with Essential Edinburgh, and supported by Johnnie Walker and EventScotland, Edinburgh International Film Festival makes a long-awaited return to one of the city’s most iconic locations, St Andrew Square, with ‘Film Fest in the City’ between 19th and 25th August. 

This special open-air series of screenings coincides with the main programme of in-person and digital film premieres as part of the 74th edition of the city’s International Film Festival, not only ensuring the Festival’s city-wide presence but making cinema accessible to both film buffs and Edinburgh residents of all ages!

The event is free but ticketed.  Tickets are available to Filmhouse Members on Wednesday 28 July, and will be on general sale from Thursday 29 July, by visiting www.edfilmfest.org.uk.

Audiences will enjoy the outdoor screenings in a safe, outdoor environment adhering to the Scottish Government guidance in place at the time, and with an amazing range of food and drink produce available to purchase on site, including EIFF’s Official Whisky Partner Johnnie Walker and EIFF Official Beer Partner Innis & Gunn, alongside Poco Prosecco offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments.

Bring your favourite cinema snacks and picnic blankets or sit yourself down on one of the famous St Andrew Square deck chairs to enjoy the following:

Thursday, 19 August

12pm The Wizard of Oz (1939, U) – featuring Judy Garland as Dorothy, multi award-winning The Wizard of Oz is one the most celebrated musical fantasy films of all time and remains a firm family favourite.

2.45pm Clueless (1995, 12) – a teenage classic with Alicia Silverstone as Cher, a rich high school student learning to cope with adolescence and her newly discovered feelings for Josh (Paul Rudd).

5.30pm Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986, 12A) – one of John Hughes’ greatest films, this is a teen comedy classic about a high-school slacker portrayed by Matthew Broderick who skips school for a day in Chicago.

8.15pm Stars Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977, U) – first instalment of the original Star Wars trilogy, it follows Luke and Han Solo on a mission to rescue Princess Leia.

Friday, 20 August

12pm The Goonies (1985, 12A) – a classic adventure comedy following a group of young misfits on their adventure looking for a treasure…

3pm Lessons of the Hour (2019, 12A) – A single screen film version, in partnership with Edinburgh Art Festival, of Isaac Julien’s Lessons of the Hour, a poetic meditation on the life and times of the visionary African American orator, philosopher, intellectual, and self-liberated freedom-fighter, Frederick Douglass.

6.00pm Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie – A unique and inclusive outdoor celebration event preceding the Special Preview of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Festival Theatre. Expect drag queen entertainment and cocktails. Those dressed to impress will be in with a chance of prizes for the best outfits.

8.30pm The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975, 12A) – cult musical horror comedy, a parody tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the 30s through to the 60s.

Saturday, 21 August

11am Grease (Sing Along) (1978, PG) – John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John sing and dance in this ultimate ode to young love that never dies.

2pm Mamma Mia! (2008, PG) – one of the most successful musicals of recent times, an award-winning homage to the music of ABBA, featuring a starry cast, including Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan.

5pm Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016, 12A) – EIFF Young Programmers selection; an adventure comedy from Taika Waititi which follows a boy and his foster father (Sam Neill) as they become subjects of a manhunt after they get lost in the New Zealand wilderness.

7.15pm Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980, PG) – widely considered one of the best sequels ever made, this instalment takes us to darker, more sinister parts of the Empire…

Sunday, 22 August

11am Frozen (Sing Along) (2013, PG) – Disney’s biggest hit of recent times, an already-cult, award-winning animation based on Andersen’s The Snow Queen it follows the adventures of sisters Elsa and Anna.

1.45pm E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, U) – a classic film by Steven Spielberg, it tells a touching story of an unlikely friendship between a boy and a gentle alien stranded on Earth.

4.45pm Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983, U) – a triumphant, action-filled finale to the trilogy which sees Luke attempting to bring his father back to light side of the Force.

8.00pm Amélie (2001, 15) – EIFF Young Programmers selection; starring Audrey Tautou, this charming French romantic comedy tells the story of a shy, naïve young woman who decides to help those around her and along the way, discovers love.

Monday, 23 August

12pm A League of Their Own (1992, PG) – Tom Hanks, Madonna and Gena Davies star in this sports comedy telling a fictionalised account of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

3pm Restless Natives (1985, PG) – a Scottish classic which follows two Edinburgh teens from Wester Hailes who rebel against their dull lives and become modern highwaymen.

5.30pm Bend It Like Beckham (2002, 12) – a romantic sports comedy starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, it follows an 18-year-old girl who, against the wishes of her parents, joins the local football team.

8.30pm Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001, 15) – a cult romantic comedy written by Richard Curtis and starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, based on the best-selling novel by Helen Fielding.

Tuesday, 24 August

12pm Singin’ in the Rain (1952, U) – one of the greatest musicals ever made, it charts the story of the film industry transitioning from silent to ‘talkies’, featuring and directed by the one and only Gene Kelly. 

2.45pm Murder on the Orient Express (1974, PG) – adaptation of the famous Agatha Christie murder mystery novel, directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Albert Finney as the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.

5.45pm Moulin Rouge! (2001, 12A) – Oscar-winning jukebox romantic musical from Baz Luhrmann, starring Ewan McGregor as a poet who falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge, cabaret actress and courtesan, Satine (Nicole Kidman).

8.45pm Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982, 15) – an extremely quotable classic coming-of-age drama with Sean Penn and Jennifer Jason-Leigh and notable cameos from the likes of Nicolas Cage and Eric Stoltz marking their on-screen debuts.

Wednesday, 25 August

12pm Casablanca (1942, U) – arguably one of the best films ever made, a classic romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman with the backdrop of WW2.

2.45pm Sleepless in Seattle (1993, PG) – the queen of romantic comedy, Nora Ephron’s impossible to resist classic featuring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks ranks among the best of the genre.

5.30pm Hairspray (2007, PG) – a new take on John Waters’ 1988 classic, this version sees John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken, among others, reimagine the irresistible story of a teenager who, against all odds, becomes a television star.

8.15pm Superman (1978, PG) – this special screening of the original Superman film featuring the unforgettable Christopher Reeve is a tribute to director Richard Donner who has recently passed away.

Nick Varley, Lead Guest Programmer of EIFF and Film Fest in the City said: “This year our Film Fest in the City screenings are simply put a celebration of the big screen.

“After a year of cinemas remaining closed and audiences being deprived of the shared experience only cinema brings, we are delighted to present a selection of films that, in our opinion, represent the true meaning of big screen entertainment. For those looking for a theme or meaning in the selection let’s just say it’s cinema for cinema’s sake – enjoy!”

Roddy Smith, CEO of Essential Edinburgh, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Film Fest in the City is returning bigger and better this year. It is always a great event, and to have a full week of screenings in St Andrew Square Garden this year is something to really look forward to.

“Our city centre has reopened with thousands of residents and visitors flocking back to enjoy everything it has to offer.  What better way to enjoy summer than an outside screening of a classic film in a safe environment, in between some retail therapy or sampling the amazing hospitality offering within a five minute walk of the Square.”

Eileen Hanna, Head of Scotch and Lifestyle Whiskies at Diageo, said: “The magic of film has served us well through the past 18 months with so many of us re-watching old classics and discovering new favourites while being at home. However, nothing beats watching a movie on the big screen and we’re delighted to be supporting the Edinburgh International Film Festival for a third year.

“Johnnie Walker’s brand ethos is all about striding forward and the film industry is a perfect example of that. The list of classic screenings on show at this year’s EIFF features some of the most talented on screen and behind the screen talent that have gone on to become huge stars, showing how the spirit of progression is very much alive in the film industry.”

Film Fest in the City is the UK’s largest free outdoor cinema event, produced by Edinburgh based event specialists Unique Events for Edinburgh International Film Festival.

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 to 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.

#EdFilmFest

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Black Widow passes the Bechdel Test … but which Hollywood heroes have failed?

  • More than a third of films over the past decade fail test for representing female characters
  • More than a quarter of movies released in 2021 and assessed on bechdeltest.com failed to meet the test’s requirements
  • Of the films assessed in 2016, 43.6% failed the Bedchel Test – the highest rate in the last ten years
  • Some of the past decade’s highest-grossing films, such as The Avengers, Monsters University and Bad Boys For Life have all failed the test

More than a third of major films of the past decade have failed to pass a basic test for representing female characters, a new study has found.

To mark the release of Marvel Studios’ Black Widow, gambling community hub CasinoGrounds analysed how many popular films from the past decade pass the Bechdel test, which means the movie or media must have two named female characters, who talk to each other about something other than a man.

Collecting user-submitted data from bechdeltest.com, the study shows that over the past 10 years, more than a third of the 1118 films assessed on the site have failed the test – a total of 36.4%.

Of the 33 films assessed so far during 2021, nine have failed the test, a total of 27% – including A Quiet Place Part II and F9: The Fast Saga. This figure is currently higher than the total from 2020, in which 21.5% of films measured failed to meet all three of the test’s requirements.

The two lowest performing years over the past decade were 2014 and 2016, in which 40.7% and 43.6% of the films assessed failed to achieve a passing “grade”.

Bechdel Test – Failure rates over past 10 years

Year of releaseNo. of movies assessed by Bechdeltest.comNumber of failed moviesPercentage of failed movies
201137213937.7%
201235212635.8%
201341314330.4%
201439015940.7%
201533212637.9%
201632514243.6%
20172709033.3%
20182388234.4%
20192297732.2%
20201162521.5%
202133927.2%

Assessing the five highest-grossing films of each year from the past decade, there are four years in which all five films pass the test – 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Last year, only two of the year’s five highest-grossing films passed – Sonic The Hedgehog and Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.

Perhaps some of the most surprising failures from the past decade come from the most renowned movie franchises – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Monsters University and Jumanji: The Next Level each failed to tick all three boxes of the test.

And although Black Widow passes the Bechdel test, Marvel Studios’ 2012 epic The Avengers – which also saw Scarlett Johansson assuming the role of Natasha Romanov – did not.

Commenting on the study’s findings, a spokesperson of CasinoGrounds stated: “With more emphasis being placed on the importance of gender quality in recent years, it is encouraging to see films like Black Widow leading the charge in creating strong female characters in Hollywood.

“There are certainly some surprising passing entries from the highest grossing films, and some equally surprising failures. Hopefully, the future holds even more positive representation of women in film and media overall”.

Casinogrounds.com is the leading online gambling community, which promotes safe and responsible practise and discussions around gambling.

See It On Screen launches with free Double Bill Premiere

Outdoor screening of two short films at The Neighbourgood Market in Stockbridge

Scotland’s newest independent film production company, See It On Screen, launches today with the announcement of a summer premiere of its first two short films, Ice Melts and Out Of Town.

The films will be premiered at an outdoor screening at The Neighbourgood Market at Edinburgh Accies Rugby Club on Thursday 22nd July at 7pm.

Both films, Ice Melts (10 minutes) and Out Of Town (20 minutes), are original short stories written and directed by Archie Middleton, an Edinburgh-based graduate of MetFilm School in London, and have harnessed local and emerging talent and crews to create the finished films.

Archie said: “These films are my first published works as a professional and I am immensely proud of each and every member of the cast and crew who were involved in creating them.  It demonstrates clearly that there is real talent and ability all around us which just needs a chance to prosper.”

And See It On Screen is determined to continue unearthing new talent, give it the exposure it deserves and, with it, access to the film industry.

Hester Middleton, founder of See It On Screen and producer of both films, explained “We are committed to the idea that talent can be found anywhere and recognised on sight.  Archie has brought around him a team of dedicated individuals, all of whom are passionate about storytelling in film, some with film qualifications and some without.

“Our aim is to build a community of film-interested friends and supporters, and to create opportunities to work in film for those who would not otherwise have access. We won’t charge anyone to see our films, but we do hope that they will inspire our audience and other benefactors to support our future projects through donations.”

Ambika Okhandiar, Event Director of The Neighbourgood Market, added: “We are delighted to be hosting See It On Screen’s premiere event! It’s great to be playing our part in launching this ambitious and worthy venture within local cinema.

“We have had a successful festival this year, including screenings of Euro 2020 and Wimbledon.  We’re excited to host this premiere and we look forward to meeting the cast and crew and welcoming all film fans. I am sure they will all enjoy sampling the amazing food and drink options that The Neighbourgood Market has to offer.”

Event Details:

See It On Screen Presents

Double Bill Premiere of “Ice Melts” and “Out Of Town”

7pm Thursday 22nd July

The Neighbourgood Market

Edinburgh Accies RFC

Portgower Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh

Setting Sail: Edinburgh’s August Festival season launches with waterside outdoor cinema

FULL PROGRAMME REVEALED FOR ‘FILM FEST ON THE FORTH 2021’

The programme for Film Fest on the Forth, Edinburgh International Film Festival’s weekend of free outdoor screenings at Port Edgar Marina on Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August 2021, has been unveiled – and it includes everything from aquatic-themed family favourites and classic Scottish movies to exciting blockbusters.

Film Fest on the Forth will run at the Marina, which is located at South Queensferry on the banks of the Firth of Forth overlooking the three iconic bridges, from 10.00am to 10.00pm each day.

The weekend is supported by EventScotland as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, in which Scotland celebrates its coasts and waters with a programme of events and activities, shining a spotlight on these vital elements of the landscape.

The fantastic themed line-up is comprised of 8 well-loved feature films with a maritime link, all well suited to family audiences with U, PG or 12A ratings. The selected films are as follows:

SATURDAY 31 JULY

  • MOANA (PG, 113 mins, 2016) Disney’s beloved musical animation of an adventurous teenager and her inherited love for the seas
  • THE WATER HORSE: LEGEND OF THE DEEP (PG, 111 mins, 2007) Family adventure set and shot in Scotland based on the Celtic legend of Kelpies (Water Horses)
  • WHISKY GALORE! (U, 81 mins, 1949) Classic anti-authoritarian comedy set on a Hebridean Island based on Compton Mackenzie’s novel.
  • JAWS (12A, 124 mins, 1975, 45th anniversary) Directed by Steven Spielberg and widely heralded as the original summer blockbuster

SUNDAY 1 AUGUST

  • BRAVE (PG, 93 mins, 2012) Pixar’s stunning animation set in the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland centred around a Scottish princess confronting tradition
  • THE ILLUSIONIST (PG, 77 mins, 2010) Charming, Oscar nominated animated adventure set across Scotland and specifically Edinburgh, based on an unproduced script by legendary French Director Jacques Tati
  • WHALE RIDER (PG, 105 mins, 2002) Oscar nominated drama centred on a young Maori girl and her special connection to the magnificent seas creatures who has to fight to fulfil a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.
  • TITANIC (12, 186 mins, 1997) James Cameron’s box office record-breaker and winner of 11 Oscars. An epic romance set on the seas which made global stars of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet

Tickets, which are free, are now available for Film Fest on the Forth at www.edfilmfest.org.uk 

Film Fest on the Forth screenings will be staged in an outdoor area which can accommodate up to 260 film fans.  You can get to Port Edgar Marina by train, bus, car, foot or boat. If you’re coming by boat contact the Marina office by phone or VHF before arrival to be allocated a berth.

Food and drink will be available from Marina tenants Scott’s restaurant and Down the Hatch as well as additional food and drink vendors coming in especially for the weekend, including EIFF’s Official Beer Partner Innis & Gunn, and Pizza Geeks and Poco Prosecco.

Between films audiences can visit other attractions on site such as activities on the water from Port Edgar Watersports and shopping at the Marina’s store, Beacon.

Russell Aitken, Managing Director of Port Edgar Marina said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with EIFF in hosting this special open-air screening as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters 2021. 

“It’s an incredible initiative to be involved with and we look forward to welcoming families from across Scotland to showcase the stunning location of the marina.”

Ken Hay, CEO of Edinburgh International Film Festival said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the return to the communal cinema experience with a brilliant programme of aquatically themed classics, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Forth Bridges.

“Huge thanks to our friends at Port Edgar Marina in staging the films and to EventScotland for their support as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters.  We look forward to seeing everyone there.”

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Film Fest on the Forth as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.

” Scotland offers the perfect stage for audiences to enjoy unique experiences and this special cinematic event will showcase classic films in a memorable outdoor setting.”

Film Fest on the Forth, Port Edgar Marina, Shore Road, South Queensferry EH30 9SQ. Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August, 2021

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.

#EdFilmFest 

#FestOnTheForth

https://www.facebook.com/events/245112974043818

Pensioners prove you are never too old to dance

A MULTICULTURAL care team in Edinburgh has had residents lining up to participate in traditional activities from nations around the world.

Pensioners at Cramond Residence, which is situated to the north of the city, have been enjoying country line dancing lessons with North American staff members.

Staff have been using their heritage and traditional activities from home as a way of enabling residents to experience a variety of new hobbies and cultures from the comfort of their own home – a favourite of which has become dancing.

Lisa Sohn, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at the 74-bedroom plush home, said: “Residents and staff are always keen to develop a close relationship and learn new things about each other.

“That’s why lots of our staff members have volunteered to host a day full of activities dedicated to their home countries, which means everyone can learn more about that country and its food and traditions.

“All of the activities we put on encourage social interaction, so all of these different experiences give residents time to reminisce and chat about their own travel experiences, while also learning about each other and staff.

“The line dancing afternoon was a huge hit with lots of our residents, who are now very keen for us to add it as a permanent activity to our monthly planner!”

Previous months have included a presentation about India and samples of food by Vinay Naik and Sai Chand A Pinnoju, food service assistants at Cramond Residence. Other cultural events have included Spanish, Italian & German language classes accompanied by traditional foods from these countries, most recently, a pizza making masterclasses.

During lockdown, Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from The Residence Cinema, connecting via video with residents in their own private lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to enable two-way communications.

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and a tailored care programme.

The home offers residents an abundance of different amenities, including beautiful gardens, a library, a hair salon, a private fine-dining space, physiotherapy room and cinema, which also doubles as a large, multi-purpose space for a host of social events.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week. To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

SENIOR SELECTIONS at HOME launches on Filmhouse at Home

Edinburgh Filmhouse has announced exciting plans to expand its popular online programme of screenings for over 60s. 

Back in February, they began a pilot programme called Senior Selections at Home, where people were invited to get together on Zoom to discuss a film they had all watched on BBC iPlayer. 

Since then Filmhouse has developed its very own online movie platform, called Filmhouse at Home –  and this will let the team of senior volunteers handpick the films to show for future Senior Selections at Home events.

The first season includes Minari, Breathless, Bait and starts with a screening of The Rider, by Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao. As part of its ongoing commitment to access, all films chosen for Senior Selections at Home will have captions available and attendees will receive a discount code to access the film, making the whole event FREE to access.

The Filmhouse team will also be offering some simple digital training in how to participate in Senior Selections at Home, so that everyone who wants to join can have a chance to do so.

Yvonne Gordon, Head of Community Engagement and Learning at Filmhouse said: “I am really proud to launch Senior Selections at Home on Filmhouse at Home. We have all missed welcoming our older audience members to the cinema and were delighted to see so many of them engage with us when we trialled online events earlier in the year. 

“We also attracted newcomers, who hadn’t been to any of our cinema based sessions.  I am very keen to continue to offer a service to this online community and recognise that not everyone is able to come to us – so we can come to them! 

“Now we’ve all got used to Zoom, break out rooms, chat boxes and watching films from home, we hope to continue to build our online audience for Senior Selections at Home. 

“I am confident that using Filmhouse at Home will let us share films that are full of surprise and delight – and give us plenty to talk about after the movie, over our favourite beverage!

“I am grateful to our supporters and funders who allow us to offer this programme for free. Access is at the heart of all we do and Senior Selections is an excellent example of this.”

Senior Selections at Home is free to attend, but places are limited so booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

Sign up links will be released monthly on our website:

https://www.filmhousecinema.com/senior-selections-home. 

Details:

Upcoming online events will be held on:

Tuesday 13 July 2pm (The Rider)

Tuesday 10 August 2pm (Minari)

Tuesday 14 September 2pm (Breathless)

Tuesday 12 October 2pm (Bait)

You can already sign up for our event on Tuesday 13 July where we will be watching The Rider via the Eventbrite link below:

Register on Eventbrite

Training sessions will be held on Zoom on Wednesday 7 July and Thursday 8 July at 2pm. To join one of the sessions please email education@cmi-scotland.co.uk .

We will walk you through the process, from signing up on Eventbrite to creating an account and using Filmhouse at Home.

Thank you to our supporters who make Senior Selections possible: The Foyle Foundation, JTH Charitable Trust and all those who wish to remain anonymous.

Filmhouse at Home is supported by the Weston Culture Fund.

www.filmhousecinema.com  

Lights, camera, action: 74th Edinburgh International Film Festival goes ahead in August

  • A ‘new look’ innovative EIFF set to deliver in person events in Edinburgh and beyond with indoor and outdoor cinema experiences alongside online festival screenings celebrating film’s ability to bind us together
  • Festival focused on bringing communities together and championing Scottish and UK filmmaking talent in the heart of the August festival season
  • Filmhouse and a network of cinemas across Scotland set to collaborate in a joyous communal celebration of the return to cinema
  • Spectacular FREE outdoor screenings of films in St Andrew Square for ‘Film Fest in the City’ from 19-25 August will form the centre of the Festival’s invitation to audiences in this unique year
  • Innovative programme of new features, documentaries, animations, experimental and shorts programmed by a team of regular and guest programmers led by Nick Varley to address big issues, champion social change and invite new audiences to become involved
  • As a kick off for the return of Edinburgh’s festivals in August, EIFF will present ‘Film Fest on the Forth’, a fantastic aquatically themed programme of outdoor waterside screenings on 31 July and 1 August at Port Edgar Marina, South Queensferry
  • Filmhouse at Home widens access to the Festival programme and additional content online connecting global thought leaders with local and international audiences
  • EIFF Talent Lab returns online to give practical support to 24 writers, directors or producers working on their first feature film
  • EIFF Youth programme, inspiring and supporting the filmmakers and curators of tomorrow, to run in person and in an online programme 20 – 23 August.

Edinburgh International Film Festival is delighted to announce today that it will return in a new and innovative form this summer running 18- 25 August 2021.

Championing Scottish and UK filmmaking, the Festival will include physical screenings and events indoors in Filmhouse Cinema and outdoors with Film Fest in the City in St Andrew Square, in a rich and diverse programme celebrating the return to cinemas and the collective cinema experience.

The festival will also be available to audiences across the UK through its online platform, Filmhouse at Home, where alongside the films viewers can access Q&As and hear first-hand the insights, experiences and passions of directors, filmmakers and actors.

In addition, the Festival is collaborating with partners to widen its reach through a programme of presentations across Scotland, opening up access and inspiring curiosity in many who may previously not have been able to experience the Festival programme. More will be announced in the coming weeks.

Film Fest in the City in St Andrew Square Gardens will deliver a free programme of cinematic favourites, delivered in partnership with Essential Edinburgh and supported by Johnnie Walker, EIFF’s Official Whisky Partner, Innis & Gunn, EIFF’s Official Beer Partner, and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

A watery themed, Film Fest on the Forth (31 July & 1 August) will show films the whole family can enjoy at a purpose built outdoor cinema space at Port Edgar Marina in the shadow of the Forth’s iconic bridges. Film Fest on the Forth is also supported EventScotland in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.

The Festival’s first priority at all its screenings and events will be the safety of its audiences and guests.

This year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival programme has been brought together by a team of regular and guest programmers led by Nick Varley, founder and former co-CEO of distributor Park Circus.

Alongside Nick, guest programmers Christophe Mercier, formerly Fox Searchlight and Warner Bros, who is working on the international selection and Nada Cirjanic formerly Great Point Media and Independent Film Sales, who is focused on UK titles who together will bring together a condensed programme of features which will join documentaries programmed by Rohan Crickmar, animations selected by Abigail Addison, shorts programmed by Jenny Clarke and experimental films selected by Lydia Beilby and Kim Knowles..

Selections will seek opportunities to both find new ways to bring people together around unique cultural experiences and address the huge social changes and climate issues that face the planet after more than a year in lockdown, bringing the insights of global thought leaders to Festival audiences and championing social change and action.

The full programme will be announced and tickets go on sale on Wednesday 28 July. Announcements on outdoor programmes, opening and closing films will be made in due course.

EIFF will open accreditation for press and industry screenings following the programme launch.

EIFF Talent Lab 2021 adopts a virtual format running across two weekends in August (13-15 & 20-21). The Lab will support writers, directors and producers from Scotland, the UK and internationally, with a programme designed to help them take next steps towards their first feature film.

This year EIFF Youth, supported by Baillie Gifford, will gather in Edinburgh over the middle weekend of the Festival, and online over an extended weekend, to take part in workshops, access career advice, look at environmental issues in cinema production, meet and interview filmmakers.

EIFF Youth and EIFF Talent Lab are funded through the PLACE programme, a partnership between the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals.

Edinburgh International Film Festival is also teaming up with Filmarket Hub to launch a new talent showcase, to be announced on 28 May.

Ken Hay, CEO of Edinburgh International Film Festival, said: “We all love film and we’re delighted that EIFF is back in 2021, focusing on bringing communities together and celebrating the communal cinema experience as widely and inclusively as possible.

“The Festival will play a leading role in hailing the return to cinema-going and champion Scottish and UK films to audiences and industry around the world. We also believe that in this year particularly, that EIFF has a strong role to play in highlighting key social issues and will seek to deliver a programme that inspires curiosity and action in our audiences.”

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “I am delighted that the Edinburgh International Film Festival is returning this summer with a programme that extends across Scotland. 

“As well as celebrating the collective cinema experience, the Festival will also help writers, directors and producers take next steps towards their first feature film through the Talent Lab 2021 programme supported by the Scottish Government.”

Isabel Davis, Executive Director at Screen Scotland said: “As people start to come back together over the summer it’s exciting that EIFF will offer audiences in Edinburgh, Scotland and across the UK a celebration of the communal experience of cinema.

“Filmhouse will once more play host but this year the festival will also animate the city, from its centre to its shore, as well as offer an accessible, digital programme will enable audiences unable to attend in person to experience the festival online.”

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “Events are a key part of the social and economic fabric of Scotland and following the challenges presented by the pandemic over the last year, it is wonderful to see Edinburgh International Film Festival has returned with a high-quality hybrid programme for film fans to enjoy in a way they feel most comfortable, whether that’s in person or online.

“EventScotland is delighted to be supporting this year’s festival, including both Film Fest in the City and Film Fest on the Forth in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, and we look forward to hearing more of what’s on offer across the programme in the weeks to come.”

Cllr Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We’re proud to continue our support of the world’s oldest continuous film festival which explores new ideas in filmmaking and is known for heralding and debating the latest developments in cinema.

“It was much missed last year and I look forward to the return to the collective cinema experience with events and screenings planned for the Filmhouse and St Andrew Square as well as the online platform for audiences to enjoy from home. 

“Public safety will of course remain a priority, and we can all very much look forward to the full programme announcement in July.”

The UK’s most Googled Oscar-winning film: our hearts still go on for Titanic

  • Leo Di Caprio blockbuster tops list of people searching to watch the film online 
  • Forrest Gump is second, followed by Best Picture winner in 2017 Moonlight  
  • Globally the most popular film search is Parasite, with Titanic in second and Forrest Gump in third place 

The UK’s heart still goes on for Titanic as new research reveals it is the most searched Oscar-winning film that people try to access online.  

Ahead of this weekend’s Academy Awards, Search Intelligence investigated which Oscar winner for for Best Picture is the fans’ favourite.  

The study found that Titanic is the most searched film in the UK after analysing search terms that people typically use to watch a film online. 

Tom Hanks classic Forrest Gump, which won Best Picture in 1995, is Britain’s second most searched film, while 2017 winner Moonlight takes third place.  

The UK’s most searched Oscar-winning films – top 10 

UK rank Film Best Picture-winning year 
1 Titanic 1998 
2 Forrest Gump 1995 
3 Moonlight 2017 
4 The Godfather 1973 
5 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest 1976 
6 Braveheart 1996 
7 Parasite 2020 
8 The Departed 2007 
9 The Sound Of Music 1966 
10 12 Years A Slave 2014 

Globally, the most popular film search is 2020 Oscar-winner Parasite, followed by Titanic, with Forrest Gump in third place.  

Overall, global searches showed more more interest in recent winners, with the last four Best Pictures featuring in the top ten – Parasite, Green Book, The Shape of Water and Moonlight. 

The World’s most searched Oscar-winning films – top 10 

UK rank Film Best Picture-winning year 
1 Parasite 2020 
2 Titanic 1998 
3 Forrest Gump 1995 
4 Green Book 2019 
5 The Godfather 1973 
6 The Shape Of Water 2018 
7 Moonlight 2017 
8 Gladiator 2001 
9 Slumdog Millionaire 2009 
10 Braveheart 1996 

The study used data analytics platform Ahrefs to calculate the average annual search volume for 16 different terms film fans typically use when trying to watch movies online, such as “Titanic full move” or “watch Titanic online free”.  

All 92 Best Picture winners were included, from 1928/29 victor Wings, up to last year’s winner Parasite, as well as the eight nominees for the category this year. 

The analysis was carried out be leading SEO agency Search Intelligence. 

The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony takes place tonight.

Home cinema: Filmhouse at Home

The team at Filmhouse in Edinburgh and Belmont Filmhouse in Aberdeen is pleased to launch Filmhouse at Home, their new online streaming platform which allows audiences to enjoy some of the finest Filmhouse-curated cinema from the comfort of their own home.

Live from today (Friday 26 March), the platform’s first titles include the award-winning Stray, a captivating documentary about stray dogs on the streets of Istanbul that had its premiere at London Film Festival, Holocaust survival drama Persian Lessons from the director of House of Sand and Fog, Vadim Perelman, critically-acclaimed documentary Poly Styrene: I am a Cliché about counter-culture icon and punk pioneer Poly Styrene and first documentary entirely in Scots Gaelic, Iorram (Boat Song) which is a lyrical portrait of the fishing community in Outer Hebrides, past and present.

Initially offering 20+ titles starting from £3.50, the Filmhouse at Home programme will grow to present a similar selection of films to that which the cinemas’ audiences are accustomed to: independent, world cinema at its best. The future programme will include, among others, Sundance-winning and now Oscar-nominated Minari.

Rod White, Head of Programming at Filmhouse Cinemas said: “We’re excited to announce the launch of Filmhouse at Home. Our brand-new video on demand platform is another way for audiences to engage with the kind of cinema on which our reputation is built.

“Given a percentage of the online ticket price comes directly to us, it also offers another way in which you can support us across everything we do.

“We hope that not only will this allow fellow cinephiles a new way to enjoy our carefully-curated films before we are able to welcome them back into our cinemas, but that Filmhouse at Home will also ensure that those who are less able to venture out, or make it to our cinemas in Aberdeen and Edinburgh have a new way to access the best of independent, world cinema.”

Audiences will have 30 days to watch a film once purchased and 48 hours to watch a title once they click ‘play’ (exceptions apply). In the 48 hours, the film can be watched multiple times. Wherever possible films are audio described, closed-captioned or subtitled.

Some films hosted by Filmhouse at Home are only available to rent a limited number of times so audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. 

Filmhouse at Home is generously supported by the Weston Cultural Fund.

8 best films to watch this Halloween

Pete Appleyard, a tutor at Ealing’s world famous MetFilm School, has a massive interest in the genre of Horror. He’s taken time out to pull together this haunting selection of spooky films from the last 100 years!

It’s a mixture of classics, blockbusters and unusual but worthy finds.

Pete’s final choice – Host – was written, shot, edited and released during the Covid-19 lockdown … it will make you think again when accepting an unexpected Zoom call invitation …

Nosferatu – 1922

This early, unofficial adaptation of Dracula by F.W Murnau still holds every bit of its gothic power almost 100 years after it was made. Its filled with iconic gothic imagery and features an amazing central performance by stage actor Max Schreck as the terrifying Count Orlock (who’s name translates as Max Fear). It also works as a wonderful introduction to silent film for those new to early cinema.

Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LOOhc2eML4

Frankenstein– 1931

The first Horror blockbuster and the film that made a star of Boris Karloff. Few films can claim to be as iconic as this classic from universal pictures. From the gothic production design to the incredible Jack Peirce make-up for the Monster, Frankenstein feels like the definitive version of Mary Shelley’s morality tale of man playing god.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN8K-4osNb0

Dead of Night – 1945

One of the few Horror films produced at Ealing Studios during its golden era, Dead of Night is one of the earliest examples of the Horror Anthology film. Essentially a collection of short films linked together by a wraparound story, the anthology format became a staple of British horror films through to the 70’s and 80’s but rarely was it done as well as here. The scenes of Michael Redgrave being menaced by an evil ventriloquist dummy remain terrifying to this day.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UCJz617E8s

Night of the Living Dead – 1968

With his debut feature George A Romero managed to do some incredible things. First and foremost he re-invented the Zombie film moving away from the voodoo stories of old to the flesh eating ghouls we know and love today. Secondly, he cast the genre’s first black lead actor, the amazing Duane Jones. And finally, Romero managed to hide biting social commentary on the civil rights movement and the US’s role in Vietnam amongst the gore and mayhem. Political horror at its best.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob8vZhSjES8

Nightmare on Elm Street – 1984

The horror boom of the 80’s gave birth to a number of new horror icons but king amongst them has to be Wes Craven’s ultimate boogie man Freddy Kruger. A killer who stalks you in your dreams, Kruger was brought to life by the classically trained Robert Englund. Whilst the sequels are imaginative and fun it’s the original film that has all the scares, including a very gory encounter with a young Jonny Depp.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCVh4lBfW-c

The Ring – 1999

The late 90’s saw and explosion in new Japanese horror cinema and the most terrifying of all has to be The Ring. The set up is simple, once you have watched the cursed VHS tape you have 7 days to live unless you pass the curse onto another. Blending MR James with Japanese folk law, The Ring is a slow burn of a film with an explosive and horrifying final. Forget the watered down American remake and numerous sequels, the original is the real deal.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Z-MOqAvtY

Raw – 2016

Julia Ducournau’s Raw starts as a coming of age drama about a young woman joining her older sister in a French veterinary school but soon morphs into something more sinister. A strange mix of John Hughes and David Cronenberg, it’s one of the most effective body horror films in recent years and represents a new wave of female directed horror.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFlXVX2af_Y

Host – 2020

The haunted Zoom call film! A great example of what you can do with very limited recourses, Host was written, shot, edited and released during the Covid-19 lockdown. Drawing its influence from other format bending films such as The Blair Witch Project and Ghostwatch, it has more atmosphere, jokes & scares packed into its lean running time than most horror films made for 10 times its budget.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNlKbqHqGcY