One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh – marking a quarter of a century since audiences fell in love with the epic adventures of Frodo and the fellowship.
Based on the legendary book series by J.R.R. Tolkien, the extended editions of this epic saga will be shown at Vue, giving fans the chance to experience the trilogy as it was meant to be seen.
Directed by Peter Jackson, the trilogy received a combined total of 30 Academy Award nominations and won 17 Oscars upon its original release, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated achievements in cinematic history.
Set in the realm of Middle-earth, Frodo Baggins leads a group of hobbits, who find themselves tasked with a quest to destroy the One Ring, a perilous mission that could determine the fate of the world and stop the dark forces of Mordor, led by the Dark Lord Sauron.
Joined by the wizard Gandalf, the human ranger Aragorn and other unforgettable characters such as Legolas and Gimli, audiences are invited to follow this motley crew across treacherous terrain and epic cinematic battles in one of cinema’s most beloved and ambitious stories.
Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “The Lord of the Rings trilogy is simply made to be seen on the big screen so, to mark 25 years since its release, we’re thrilled to return to Middle-Earth at Vue.
“Whether you’ve simply walked to Mordor many times before or are venturing into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien for the first time, we’re excited to welcome audiences to enjoy this iconic trilogy at Vue.”
Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.
Every screen at the venue, which is located within the Edinburgh Omni Centre, is equipped with the cutting-edge upgrade, bringing sharper images, deeper contrast, and a more vibrant cinematic experience than ever before.
Vue’s investment in Laser by Barco technology forms part of its ongoing commitment to delivering the ultimate big screen experience and is the next generation in projection technology.
Unlike standard projection, Laser by Barco provides consistent picture quality from edge to edge, resulting in a more immersive and premium big-screen experience.
Film fans in and around Edinburgh can enjoy the sharpest image in each of Vue Edinburgh Omni’s 12 screens, with some hotly anticipated releases set to take place before the end of the year, including Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Laser by Barco technology to our venue. The difference in picture quality is incredible, and we cannot wait for everyone to experience it.
“The upgrade is part of our continued investment in ensuring we offer the best big screen experience and customers can immerse themselves in the film.”
Tickets for Vue Edinburgh Omni can be booked online at:
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue Edinburgh Ocean this month, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
Kicking things off on 5 December is Hindi film Dhurandhar, a star-studded saga inspired by incredible true events. From director and writer Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is set in the gritty criminal vein of the underworld and features gripping action, Shakespearean betrayals, and espionage – all set to the backdrop of Indian patriotism.
On Boxing Day, film fans can enjoy some light-hearted watching Hindi romantic comedy Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which tells the story of two people fall in love while finding themselves. However, when family pressures challenge their relationship, they reluctantly part – promising each other they’ll meet again.
For those seeking something a bit more supernatural on Boxing Day, Malayalam horror comedy film Sarvam Maya tells the story of a movie fanatic, who is the son of a famous musical instrument maker, and their decision to become a musician themselves after delivering an instrument to a famous player.
For fans of Telugu cinema, fantasy epic Akhanda 2 can be viewed from 5 December. Following the massive success of the first film, Akhanda 2 reunites audiences with another heartwarming journey explores the connection the natural world, and spiritual faith.
Meanwhile, fans of action and comedy can enjoy the Malayalam-language film Bha Bha Ba from 19 December. Directed by Dhanajay Shankar, this story follows a fraudulent astrologer who gains the magic ability to travel through time.
Other South Asian films heading to the big screen this December includes the Tamil language film L.I.K. on 19 December and Malayalam film Vrusshabha on 26 December.
Humberto Michelacci, Screen Content Manager (International Film) at Vue, said: “At Vue we pride ourselves on celebrating cinema from across the globe and we couldn’t be happier to be showing some of the most exciting South Asian films this December.We would encourage film lovers from all cultures to check out this fantastic selection of films.”
South Asian screenings at Vue
–Dhurandhar (Hindi) – 5 December
–Akhanda 2 (Telugu) – 5 December
–Bha Bha Ba (Malayalam) – 19 December
–L.I.K. (Tamil) – 19 December
–Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (Hindi) – 26 December
NORTH Edinburgh community activists are taking their message to town this afternoon with two events taking place at art galleries in the city centre.
The events have been built around artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen’s RESISTANCE photo exhibition, which runs at the Modern 2 gallery on Belford Road until 4th January.
First up, community stalwarts Anna Hutchison and Willie Black will reflect on campaigns past and present in a panel discussion in the National Gallery at 12.45.
With so many years of campaigning experience Anna and Willie have a host of stories to share and, having known the pair for the best part of thirty years, I’ll be there to try to keep the event running to time!
The free event is sold out, but you can still register to watch online.
Later in the afternoon, two North Edinburgh groups have been working together on an ambitious project that encapsulates North Edinburgh’s spirit of resistance.
The result of the collaboration is the Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh exhibition, which opens at The Portrait Gallery on Queen Street from 2pm today (details below).
It promises to be very good and it’s free – don’t miss it!
PICTURE: Craig McLean, Outside Drylaw Police station, community campaign GRASP protesting against Police harassment and violence, 2001
The Resistance exhibition chronicles 100 years of protest across Britain from 1903–2003. Using the exhibition as a starting point, activists Willie Black and Anna Hutchison alongside chair Dave Pickering, editor of the North Edinburgh News and Information Worker at Granton Information Centre, discuss North Edinburgh community activism, campaigns and actions, and their relationship and solidarity with local, national and international protests and change.
All tickets for the live event have been snapped up, but you can watch the discussion online in a streamed version of the live event.
Ticketholders will be sent a joining link before the event to either watch live or view the recording later.
SOLIDARITY WINS: CREATIVE RESISTANCE in NORTH EDINBURGH
Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh Exhibition Launch
2pm – 4pm
National Galleries of Scotland, The Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, EH2 1J
Celebration with food, song and creative activities in the Contemporary Space of the Portrait Gallery. Art works, archive films and research material gathered by Art for Grown Ups and Royston Wardieburn Arts & Culture Group.
Join us for an afternoon of creativity, community and conversation celebrating North Edinburgh’s spirit of resistance.
As part of the Resistance exhibition, the National Galleries of Scotland’s Community Development programme has been working with North Edinburgh groups to create responsive work inspired by the area’s long history of community resistance.
Workshops have included song writing, poetry, photo-montage and exploring photographer Craig MacLean’s back catalogue of North Edinburgh activism, all of which will result in an riso-graph exhibition at the Portrait gallery in November.
As well as this North Edinburgh Arts worked with Local Cinema to programme films as part of their ‘Local Resistance’ programme.
Each screening event included a creative element, one of which included the Resistance choir performing their collaboratively penned song ‘Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton‘, along with some well known songs on power of solidarity and friendship.
Thanks to song writing facilitator and choir leader Penny Stone and Tinderbox Jed Milroy and artists Sam Rutherford, Jj Fadaka and Megan Rudden, and all those involved so far!
The programme is a partnership with North Edinburgh Arts Art 4 Grown Ups and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group.
IMAGE (above): Collaborative piece by Art 4 Grown Ups members, framed by Muirhouse anti-racism campaign image, 1991.
If anyone is free 2 – 4pm today, it’s the launch of ‘Solidarity Wins: Creative Resistance in North Edinburgh‘ exhibition at the Portrait Gallery, which has been a collaboration between North Edinburgh Arts’ Art 4 Grown Ups project and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre’s Arts and Culture Group (writes HOLLY YEOMAN).
Together they have reflected and responded to North Edinburgh activism and campaigns over the years. There is a community lunch catered by Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts and we will be singing our anthem ‘Solidarity Wins: A Song for Greater Pilton‘ at around 3pm-ish(!)
The exhibition will run till April, and we welcome community groups who might want to visit. If interested please email hyeoman@nationalgalleries.org
Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s signature Ultra Lux seat at its Ocean Terminal venue.
The Ultra Lux is the best seat in the screen and is available for Ocean Terminal customers to experience from 7 November.
To mark its arrival, Vue has worked with The Flash Pack to create a bespoke video booth for customers, to give a taster of the immersive experience they can expect from watching a film in an Ultra Lux seat.
Customers visiting Ocean Terminal on 7 and 8 November tried out the special 360 video booth which was located within the foyer, and took a 360 video of customers sitting in the luxurious seat.
112 Ultra Lux seats have been installed across Vue Ocean Terminal’s 12 screens.
Each seat provides the very best view of the screen and comes with a host of premium features including an extra-wide armrest and personal table for snacks and beverages, and a back and legs which recline independently, allowing customers to find the most relaxing viewing position possible.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Ocean Terminal, said: “We have invested in bringing Vue’s best seating option to Ocean Terminal and look forward to unveiling it to customers from 7 November. It is truly the best way to immerse yourself in a film and to have the most comfortable experience.
“The interactive video booth is a fantastic opportunity to test out the Ultra Lux and have a fun video to keep and share on social media, which will be emailed to each customer who visits the booth.”
Tickets for Ocean Terminal can be booked online by visiting myvue.com.
IRON LADIES is a new documentary about the inspirational women who were the backbone of the 84/85 Miners’ Strike, as told by them.
From Scotland down to Kent, women from the coalfields shed light on their experiences of the year long struggle trying to save their communities. The film features Carol Ross from Cowdenbeath and Linda Erskine from Lochgelly, and they will both be appearing at the Edinburgh screening for a Q&A.
Shut Out The Light Filmsis thrilled to announce that their upcoming documentary Iron Ladies will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 10th October.
The inspiring story of working-class women who, during the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike, found themselves at the forefront of a battle against the British state.
From Scotland down to Kent, women from the coalfields shed light on their experiences of the year long struggle, and how they became the backbone of the Strike. With many still active today, their actions reshaped the landscape of political activism for working-class women.
Directed by Daniel Draper(Nature of the Beast), Iron Ladies is a celebration of the iron willed women who maintained the 1984/85 Miners’ Strike as they fought for the future of their communities.
Iron Ladies shines a spotlight on the previously overlooked narratives of women, who still fight for their communities today. Heather Wood, Lorraine Stansbie, Rose Hunter, Kate Alvey, Betty Cook, and Aggie Currie are amongst the 20 unsung working-class heroes to share their stories.
Speaking on the film being released in UK and Irish cinemas producer Christie Allanson said “Working-class narratives by working-class filmmakers are a rarity.
“The communal viewing of this film on the big screen is important to spark those conversations about the political landscape past and present.
“The funding, the approach to filmmaking and the contributors all have one thing in common – passion. As the producer, I feel inspired and empowered by these women, and I hope audiences will feel that way too.”
Iron Ladies will be in UK and Irish Cinemas from 10th October
Edinburgh screening with Q & A is on Friday 21st November at 6.15pm
Magic is in the air at Vue as Wicked: For Good, the follow-up to last year’s global big screen sensation, returns to venues on 21 November.
Fans wanting to catch Wicked: For Good before anyone else – spreading a little magic in the process – can attend a special MediCinema screening at 11am on Thursday 20 November. All proceeds from this special screening will go directly to MediCinema, which offers therapeutic cinema sessions across NHS hospital in the UK.
There’s also a chance for filmgoers to see a special double-feature screening of both titles later the same day, allowing audiences to experience the epic saga in one sitting.
The excitement doesn’t start there, with Vue’s in Scotland hosting special Magic Seat Screenings for two consecutive weekends (22 and 28 November), which will see two lucky fans from each screening being chosen at random to win a magical treat – all depending on which seats they’re in.
Prizes up for grabs include Ozian-themed LUSH body sprays, signed and framed Wicked posters, Wicked-themed LEGO sets and a Westfield shopping experience for two, including one night in a four-star hotel plus £500 to spend at the mall.
And for those wanting to bring home a piece of the magic, limited-edition merchandise will also be on offer – including emerald green and blush pink reusable cups, topped with either mini Glinda or Elphaba figurines, as well as a light-up popcorn bucket in the shape of a hot air balloon.
Rob Lea, Head of Screen Content of Vue UK and Ireland, said: “After the spellbinding success of last year’s Wicked, we have high expectations for this star-studded conclusion.
“To mark the occasion, we’re treating audiences to an extra special experience at Vue with our exclusive merch, double bill feature and extra special Magic Seat Screenings.
“We welcome fans to enjoy every musical note and magical moment of this highly anticipated release, the way it was meant to be seen – on the big screen”.
Tickets for Wicked: For Good, including Vue’s exclusive Magic Seat Screenings, are on sale now. To book your tickets, visit www.myvue.com
A new film highlighting the significant impact of violence and disorder involving fireworks on communities, services and emergency workers has been shared by Police Scotland.
The film features interviews with a mother, whose son was injured, a bus driver whose bus was struck by a brick, a police officer who underlines the impact of blue light-personnel and a community representative who calls on people to take pride in their local area.
Police Scotland, Lothian Buses, and Places for People, a social enterprise organisation, contributed to the package as part of work to reduce disorder and criminality over the Bonfire Night period.
In 2024, despite a positive reduction in serious disorder offences, police officers, firefighters, bus drivers, and local communities were subject to unacceptable levels of violence between 31 October and 5 November.
As a result of the criminal investigations that followed, 61 people were charged with fireworks-related criminality across Scotland.
Inspector Scott Casey, an experienced Public Order Officer, discusses how he and his colleagues came under attack during the disorder that took place in 2023 and the feeling of being struck with fireworks, as well as seeing members of his team sustain injury.
Tony Beecher from Lothian Buses recounts a terrifying experience where his bus, which had several passengers onboard, was targeted with a brick and warned of the serious consequences that could arise if a bus was to crash after being struck.
Over the last few years, the Niddrie area has experienced significant and unacceptable levels of disorder, resulting in damage to public property and causing fear and alarm to local residents and businesses.
Cheryl Neil, Places For People’s Community Safety Area Manager for Scotland gives an overview of how those living within this region have suffered greatly and urged people to take pride in their community and help prevent it being the scene of mass disorder this year.
The video also includes a harrowing interview with Catherine, whose 11-year-old son sustained third-degree burns to his legs after he and some friends started a fire for a social media stunt.
Catherine recalls the anguish of seeing her child in extreme pain after sustaining the injuries and calls on all parents to talk to their own kids about the dangers associated with starting fires.
To celebrate Black History Month, Vue venues in Edinburgh have curated a collection of biographic movies that champion Black representation.
Screening across the entire month of October, the season kicks off today (8 October) with biographical drama Ray, which focuses on the life and career of musical legend Ray Charles.
Written by the late James L White, and directed by Academy Award winning director Taylor Hackford, the icon comes alive beautifully through music, drama and stellar performances from Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King and more.
Also screening as part of Black History Month on 15 October is Straight Outta Compton.
The film tells the true story of how cultural rebels NWA – armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent – stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down. As they spoke the truth, their voice ignited a social revolution that is still reverberating today.
From 22 October, movie fans will also be able to watch the life of one of the most awarded performers of all time in Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
The biographical musical creatively depicts the life and career of Whitney Houston with Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci and Ashton Sanders bringing their roles to life.
To conclude the season, on 29 October Vue will be welcoming breakout stars, Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch as they star in biographical drama musical, Bob Marley: One Love.
The movie depicts the life and musical career of the reggae singer in a unique and engrossing story from the perspectives of those closest to the music legend.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Omni, said: “We’re proud to be showing a variety of content on the big screen this Black History Month and we encourage film fans from all walks of life to immerse themselves in these incredible, true stories.”
Jali Collective is proud to reveal the full programme for the first ever Jali Film Weekender, taking place at Filmhouse, Edinburgh from 30 October – 2 November 2025, with tickets now on sale.
Following the earlier announcement of the festival’s opening and closing films and its Extended Realities exhibition, the complete line-up now brings together a dynamic mix of award-winning features, Scottish and UK premieres, discussions, workshops and short films under the festival’s inaugural theme, Dreams and Apparitions.
Spanning more than a dozen countries across Africa, the diaspora and beyond, the programme presents stories that move between the intimate and the cosmic, the past and the future. With premieres direct from major festivals including Berlin, Sundance and Locarno, and films representing their countries at the Academy Awards, Jali Film Weekender positions Edinburgh as a new gathering place for Black, African and diasporic cinema.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
In addition to opening film Memory of Princess Mumbi and closing film Promised Sky, among the headline feature film titles is the Scottish Premiere of Imran Hamdulay’s The Heart is a Muscle, fresh from its award-winning premiere at Berlinale in February and selection as South Africa’s official Oscar submission.
Other highlights include a special preview of Sofia Alaoui’s Sundance prize-winning sci-fi thriller Animalia, ahead of its highly anticipated UK and Ireland theatrical release later in the year and the Scottish Premiere of Denise Fernandes’ award-winning Hanami, which offers a dreamlike coming-of-age story set on the volcanic islands of Cape Verde.
Acknowledging the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, Jali Film Weekender will also present the Scottish Premiere of Berlinale stand-out Khartoum, in partnership with Scottish Documentary Institute, which offers a moving portrait of life amidst revolution and war. The screening will be followed by an in-conversation with Talal Afifi, producer and founder of Sudan Film Factory.
“We are honoured to be partners of the Jali Film Weekender as it launches in Edinburgh’s cultural landscape,”says Flore Cosquer, Director of Scottish Documentary Institute.
She continues: “The festival’s dedication to building authentic community connections through exceptional cinema resonates deeply with our own values, reflecting our shared belief that communities across Scotland deserve access to storytelling that speaks to the richness of our collective experiences.
“The Jali Collective has poured their passion into this project and created something truly special: a layered, magical programme that goes beyond traditional screenings to foster meaningful conversations.
“This is cinema as community-building at its finest. We are proud to be part of its first chapter, and to get the opportunity to bring to Edinburgh audiences the genre-defying, bold and poetic documentary Khartoum.”
Another documentary work featured in the programme is the Scottish Premiere of Celia Boussebaa‘s Amakki, presented in partnership with maona art, a lyrical meditation on womanhood and motherhood in Ethiopia. The festival also proudly honours cinematic legacy of the late Souleymane Cissé who passed away earlier this year, with a screening of his seminal work Yeelen, now restored in 2K by Les Films Cissé, the production company of Souleymane Cissé.
Finally, the festival’s short film programme spans multiple continents, with new works from across Africa, the Caribbean, North America and Europe, demonstrating the depth and range of diasporic storytelling today.
The programme includes the European premiere of Jard Lerebours’ LESPRI, the UK premiere of Justice Rutikara’s Ibuka, Justice, and Scottish premieres of Yasmine Djedje-Fisher-Azoume’s Dédé (Ancestor), Barbara Minishi’s Inheritance, Samuel Suffren’s Blue Heart (Coeur Bleu), Tomisin Adepeju’s Journey Mercies and many more.
TALKS, WORKSHOPS & GATHERINGS
The Weekender is as much about conversation and participation as it is about film. A central highlight is a public discussion on how to centre Black, African and diaspora audiences in Scotland. Rooted in Jali Collective values of representation and co-creation, the session will bring together creative practitioners, programmers, and community organisers to explore challenges and best practices in making Scotland’s cultural landscape more inclusive, and to share approaches such as community-centred outreach, intentional partnerships and co-programming.
Workshops and interactive experiences also offer audiences ways to connect beyond the cinema screen. The festival will host hands-on creative activities and the previously announced Extended Realities (XR) Exhibition, which will runevery day of the festival and is free to attend.
This includes ARGO, an augmented reality experience designed with children in mind, offering fun and engaging activities for younger audiences, alongside Enkang’ Ang’, an immersive VR journey into Maasai heritage.
Together, these elements ensure that the Weekender is a space for gathering, dialogue and play, welcoming audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
“From films and extended realities to conversations and workshops, our first programme brings together stories that are as urgent as they are visionary” say Jali Collective membersTomiwa Folorunso, Isabel Moura Mendes and Carmen Thompson.
“We are proud to have curated an intentional programme which we hope will resonate with both Edinburgh’s Black, African and diaspora communities as well as the city’s wider filmgoing community. We cannot wait to share it with our audiences!”.
All events will take place at Filmhouse, Edinburgh, which reopened earlier this year as a renewed hub for independent and international cinema.
Jali Film Weekender 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland and Film Hub Scotland (part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funding on behalf of Screen Scotland and the BFI National Lottery), alongside the British Council and The Africa Centre, programme partners Scottish Documentary Institute, maona art, and additional support from Jack Arts, Premiere Scotland.
Jali Film Weekender 2025 artwork and branding by 080 Studio, based in Lagos, Nigeria.
