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FILM HUB SCOTLAND are proud to support LOCAL RESISTANCE, a programme of local film screenings curated by – and for – communities in Wester Hailes, Muirhouse, Craigmillar and Leith.
With 194 screenings, 34 Industry and panel events, the Festival welcomed over 300 filmmakers, producers and distributors to present their films
A total in person attendance over 16500
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) 2025 draws to a close following a seven-day programme of sold-out premieres, illuminating talks, retrospectives and well-received industry events which continues to build on last year’s successful Festival reboot.
The Festival ran from 14 – 20 August with 43 new feature films, 18 of which were World Premieres including 10 World Premieres competing for TheSean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, this year won by Abdolreza Kahani’s Mortican, and 6 short film programmes including The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence competition, this year won by Joanna Vymeris’s Mother Goose.
The Festival presented special retrospectives including Sacred Bonds, the 6 original James Bond films starring Sean Connery, introduced by members of the Connery family and special guests, and Budd Boetticher’s The Ranown Cycle presented in partnership with Edinburgh Film Guild, alongside 6 special retrospective screenings with introductions from special guests including Andrea Arnold, Kevin Macdonald, Nia DaCosta and David Hayman.
In Conversation events with major film talent took place, with legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker discussing Michael Powell, Ken Loach, Paul Laverty and Rebecca O’Brien, Jeremy Thomas and Mark Cousins, Eva Victor and Adele Romanski, Nia DaCosta, Ben Wheatley and Andy Starke, Andrea Arnold, and Kevin Macdonald and Andrew Macdonald, in partnership with BAFTA Scotland. Hosts included Director of BFI Filmmaking Fund Mia Bays, Variety Film Critic Guy Lodge, Director of Edinburgh TV Festival Rowan Woods, Edinburgh Comedy Award Winning Comedian, Actor & Writer Rose Matafeo, 90 Minutes or Less Podcaster Sam Clements and We Are Parable Co-Founder and Creative Director Anthony Andrews.
The Festival kicked off on 14 August with the UK Premiere of Eva Victor’s acclaimed breakout hit Sorry, Baby and presented a selection of compelling new and established voices in cinema including 39 World Premieres and 48 UK Premieres across features and shorts.
The Festival platformed new talent in Scotland with World Premieres of new shortform work from the inaugural NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab and new Bridging the Gap documentary shorts in partnership with the Scottish Documentary Institute.
Closing the Festival was the World Premiere of Paul Sng’s brilliantly inventive Irvine Welsh documentary Reality Is Not Enough, rounding off a programme with a strong presence for Scotland-based filmmakers and Scottish talent.
The Festival programme showcased new work from filmmakers from 36 countries including Scotland, UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Spain, Greece, Denmark, Croatia, France, Turkey, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Iran, Argentina, South Africa and beyond.
EIFF also continued to thrill audiences with its Midnight Madness strand beginning with the World Premiere of Ben Wheatley’s visionary Bulk and ending with Macon Blair’s new take on The Toxic Avenger.
The Festival worked with venue partners including the newly reopened Filmhouse alongside Cameo Cinema, Vue Omni, Monkey Barrel Comedy and a new pop-up cinema at the National Galleries of Scotland’s Hawthornden Theatre in partnership with Assembly Festival, once again placing EIFF at the heart of the Fringe and August’s unparalleled Festival landscape.
Tollcross Central Hall served as the Festival Hub, open throughout the Festival to industry and press delegates for industry panels and networking events, alongside informal meeting and working spaces.
With 194 screenings and 34 Industry and panel events, the Festival saw a total in person admissions at public events of over 16,500. All of which added up to the seven-day celebration of world-class new cinema championing a new generation of UK and international talent and seeing audiences, press and industry engage with the best of Edinburgh’s other arts and cultural Festivals.
The Industry Programme ran across the whole of the Festival and was very well received by attending guests with praise for EIFF championing both the spirit of independent cinema globally and locally and cross-arts conversations. Press and industry delegates experienced a wealth of programming including talks and panels discussing disability inclusion and access within film projects with CODE, OSKA Bright and BFI; a case study on Development to Distribution of The Outrun with BBC Film, StudioCanal, Brock Media,Protagonist and Edinburgh International Book Festival; Crafting Fear Through Games and Film with Screen Burn Interactive and Nia DaCosta; an overview of the animation sector in Scotland with Animation Scotland and Animated Women UK; a Screenwriting in Scotland discussion event in association with Writers Guild of Great Britain with Andrea Gibb, Paul Laverty, Paul Sng and Kelly Macdonald; a panel on How Female Creators Are Using TikTok to Break Into the Exclusive World of Film.
A Scottish/Irish Co-Production Opportunities event was hosted with Enterprise Ireland, Filming in Limerick and Screen Scotland, and Screen Scotland delivered an informative session on the new Talent Builder development project.
Other Networking Brunches and Networking Drinks were delivered in partnership with WFTV, Production Guild of Great Britain, Screen Fringe, BBC Film, Screen Academy Scotland, Animation Scotland, Animated Women UK and Writers Guild of Great Britain.
As part of a new partnership with production company Unified led by BAFTA winning producer Amy Jackson (The Nest, Aftersun) and BAFTA winning producer Lauren Dark (TheFather, Enys Men), the Festival hosted industry talks from Interim Head of Creative at Film4 Farhana Bhula; Oscar-nominated producer David Hinojosa (Past Lives, The Brutalist, EIFF 2025 title After This Death); Oscar-winning producer Adele Romanski (Moonlight, Aftersun); Director of BBC Film Eva Yates; A24’s Rose Garnett, former Director of BBC Film and Film4; Oscar-nominated producer Finola Dwyer (An Education, Brooklyn), BFI Director of Video Games and Certification Anna Mansi and Executive Director of Screen Scotland Isabel Davis.
Every screening and event at the Festival was introduced by a member of the EIFF team, and BSL interpretation was offered at 33 screenings that were presented with HOH Descriptive Subtitles. Audio Description was provided where possible and live captioning was provided at In Conversation events and panels.
The Festival welcomed over 300 filmmakers, producers and distributors to present their films, over 250 industry delegates including buyers, sales agents, commissioners and festival programmers including Eugene Hernandez, Head of Sundance Film Festival & Public Programming, and Jacqueline Lyanga, Co-Director of Film Programming at Berlinale, and over 170 press delegates.
Filmmakers and actors attending the Festival included Thelma Schoonmaker, Ken Loach, Renée Zellweger, Andrea Arnold, Jeremy Thomas, Kevin Macdonald, Andrew Macdonald, Nia DaCosta, David Hayman, Kate Dickie, Paul Laverty, Rebecca O’Brien, Kelly Macdonald, Eva Victor, Ben Wheatley, Eddie Marsan, Burn Gorman, Rose Matafeo, Jane Horrocks, Golda Roshuevel, Paul Andrew Williams, Brenda Blethyn, John McPhail, Andrew Kötting, Simon Rumley, Stacy Martin, Sam Riley, Alexandra Maria Lara, Noah Taylor, Gerard Johnson, Polly Maberly, Julie Pacino, Nadia Fall, Reed Birney, Constantine Costi, Barry Ward, Lorne MacFadyen, Steve Oram, Steven Saltzman, Douglas Mackinnon, Abdolreza Kahani, Gola and many more.
EIFF Director, Paul Ridd has said: “We are extremely proud of all the exceptional films we launched, as well as all the filmmakers, cinematic legends and audiences we welcomed to Edinburgh this past week.
“Our competitions continue to thrive, with buzzy titles provoking, entertaining and moving audiences, and our wider programme of features, shorts, events and talks signal our place in a global film culture that is alive and exciting.
“Putting it all together has been the collaborative work of many organisations, teams and individuals, and we owe them all an immense debt of gratitude. We cannot wait for EIFF 2026.”
Isabel Davis, Executive Director, Screen Scotland has said: “Filmmakers, audiences, and industry have been brought together thanks to a very strong proposition from Paul and the team at EIFF: the world premiere feature and short competitions, extraordinary insight from some of the most exciting filmmakers working today, and opportunities to network across the festival including with the Fringe being some of the highlights.
“With Cameo, the newly re-opened Filmhouse, Vue and the National Gallery all screening films and with Tollcross Central Hall now the recognized industry place to be and events venue, the festival has taken another confident step forward.”
EIFF 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, EventScotland part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, and the industry programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland.
Edinburgh International Film Festival ran from Thursday 14 to Wednesday 20 August 2025.
Helmed by Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the EIFF team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent.
Former Acquisitions Executive Ridd is supported by EIFF Board, including Chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting; Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; and Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of award-winning indie, Aftersun; Teresa Moneo, Former Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at Screen Burn Interactive.
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces winners of this year’s Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence and The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence Competition
The winner of the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence isAbdolreza Kahani’s Mortician
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced the winners of its prize for feature filmmaking and its prize for short filmmaking.
The awards were presented at a special ceremony at Cameo Cinema in Edinburgh by Jason Connery on behalf of The Connery Foundation and by legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker.
The winner of this year’s The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, decided on by an audience vote and funded by The Connery Foundation is Abdolreza Kahani’sMortician. Ten feature-length World Premieres were presented at EIFF as part of the competition with the winning filmmaker being awarded £50,000 to support their future projects.
In Mortician, a reclusive mortician faces an unusual request from a dissident singer in hiding, their bond providing the beating heart of this disarmingly elegant film. Combining a distinctive, lo-fi visual style, naturalistic performances and familiar wit and humanity, Director Abdolreza Kahani’s film is both utterly distinctive and affecting.
Mortician sees director Abdolreza Kahani return to EIFF following his film A Shrine screening as part of last year’s Festival. Mortician is presented as part of Spotlight Canada 2025, supported by The High Commission of Canada and The Beaverbrook Canadian Foundation.
The other films in competition films were:
Blue Film (Dir. Elliot Tuttle)
Powered by extraordinary performances, a tight script and an elegant visual style, this unusual thriller makes for a shocking and highly compelling cinematic experience.
Concessions (Dir. Mas Bouzidi)
Propelled by a witty and weirdly lyrical script, great performances and some unexpected cameos, this is a fresh, funny and robust ode to cinema in a time of uncertainty over its future.
In Transit (Dir. Jaclyn Bethany)
An elegant, subtle drama with a chilly edge, this is a restrained and emotionally intelligent exploration of selfish desires, hidden motivations and what it really takes to know yourself.
Low Rider (Dir. Campbell X)
Powered by finely drawn characters and a freewheeling narrative, this is a vivid and visually striking queer road movie that has a strong message of self-empowerment at its core
Best Boy (Dir. Jesse Noah Klein)
A bold, original and blackly comic satire that fearlessly skewers social constructs, the nuclear family and toxic masculinity.
Novak (Dir. Harry Lagoussis)
An offbeat, intriguing exploration of idol worship, consumerism and non-conformity in the modern world, this is dark, unpredictable and humorous in equal measure.
On The Sea (Dir. Helen Walsh)
The humdrum contentment and daily routine of a married mussel farmer are thrown into chaos by the arrival of a mysterious stranger in novellist and filmmaker Helen Walsh’s beautiful, erotic love story set on the Welsh coast.
Once You Shall Be One Of Those Who Lived Long Ago (Dirs. Alexander Rynéus and Per Bifrost)
An affecting, gorgeously crafted documentary about the remaining people in Malmberget in north Sweden, a small town slowly collapsing into the mines beneath it.
Two Neighbors (Dir. Ondine Viñao)
A wealthy socialite (Cherry) and a struggling writer (Chalotra) are thrown together at a debauched party in this remarkable satire of greed and excess with a supernatural twist in the tale.
The winner of The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence Competition is Joanna Vymeris’s Mother Goose. The short film competition winner was also decided on by an audience vote and is awarded £15,000 to support their future projects.
After the death of her husband, Janet decides to distract herself by rearing a goose, which is to be the centrepiece of her Christmas dinner. However, as she grows ever more isolated from her daughter, Janet’s need to nurture the goose becomes an obsession: one which will cost her dearly. A modern day Grimm’s fairy-tale about grief, isolation and a goose.
Forced into homelessness after her release from prison, Chrissie searches for love in the margins of society.
Stray (Dir. Morven Christie)
From nightclub to wilderness, a young girl seeks shelter from a world that feels hostile.
Blondi (Dir. Jack Salvadori)
Can a dog still be man’s best friend if that man is the Führer?
The Golden Squacco Heron (Dir. Edward Smyth)
Two childhood friends search for the fabled golden Squacco Heron.
Fowl Play (Dir. Anabelle LeMieux)
A mother’s quest for a Thanksgiving turkey spirals into chaos.
Backstroke (Sırtüstü) (Dir. Asya Günen)
Burdened by pressure and isolation, a young swimmer finds freedom by reclaiming the water for herself.
She Said So (Dir. Madeline Clayton)
A persuasive teenage girl orchestrates a sleepover that tests her best friend’s sexual boundaries.
Jodie (Dir. Seb Tabe)
Jodie faces a moral dilemma as she contends with the harmful male influences in her life.
Your body in my room (Tu cuerpo en mi habitación) (Dir. Axel Cheb Terrab)
Knowing they will never see each other again, two former lovers are acutely aware of the passing of time.
EIFF Director, Paul Ridd has said: “As the 2025 Edinburgh International Film Festival draws to a close I am once again moved and humbled by the hard work and astonishing effort that everyone has put into making this Festival stimulating, entertaining and fun.
“I am so grateful to all the organisations, teams and individuals who put their hearts and souls into this. These past seven days are testament to our collective belief in the power of film to provoke, to stimulate and to inspire empathy.
“Our two competition winners showcase outstanding work from their respective filmmakers and teams, proving that with formal dexterity, humanity and grace, cinema is alive and kicking.
“I am hugely inspired by all the filmmakers in Competition and beyond as well as all our special guests, who have worked so brilliantly with us to platform their work on the big screen and have been so generous with their time with audiences and with industry who we know very well are hungry for something fresh and exciting. I cannot wait for 2026!”
EIFF 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, EventScotland part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, and the industry programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland.
Edinburgh International Film Festival ran from Thursday 14 to Wednesday 20 August.
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now.
Racking up an incredible 158 million views on the streaming platform, with its leading single reaching number one in charts on both sides of the pond, K-Pop Demon Hunters has taken the world by storm this summer.
Now, for one weekend only, the global phenomenon hits the big screen in full high-definition glory for a sing-along event, taking place 23 – 24 August.
The sing-along event follows a world-renowned K-Pop girl group who find themselves balancing a life in the spotlight with their secret identities as ‘bad-ass demon hunters’. Set against a colourful backdrop of fashion, food, style – and the most popular music movement of the current generation – this special sing-along screening promises to be a summer highlight.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Ocean, said: “As the Korean Wave continues to capture hearts worldwide, this special event offers fans of K-Pop the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the beautiful animation and chart-topping score with our breathtaking screens and immersive surround sound.
“For younger audiences in particular, we know that visiting the cinema is a way to disconnect from the digital world and nurture real-life connections in a communal setting. With the added energy of a sing-along event, we’re confident this latest K-Pop celebration will attract dedicated fans as well as wider family audiences looking for exactly that.”
A wrenching and timely documentary composed of video calls with Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona, who documented the horrors unfolding in Gaza before she was killed in an Israeli airstrike. A haunting and deeply personal account of war, journalism, and the human cost of conflict.
Sanatorium | UK Premiere
Director: Gar O’Rourke. Documentary Feature. Ireland, Ukraine, France. 2025. 1hr 31min.
Set in a crumbling Soviet-era health resort in war-torn Ukraine, this humane and quietly powerful documentary captures the surreal coexistence of everyday life and looming violence. A rare and intimate perspective on the psychological toll of war.
Sara Shahverdi, the first female councilwoman in an Iranian village, teaches girls to ride motorcycles and resist child marriage—until her activism is deemed suspicious. A timely and courageous portrait of resistance in the face of systemic patriarchy.
Case 137 (Dossier 137) | International Premiere
Director: Dominik Moll. Narrative Feature. France. 2025. 1hr 55min.
A gripping police thriller that delves into the aftermath of a civilian injury on the streets of Paris. As Internal Affairs investigates, they uncover a web of evasion and institutional cover-ups. A razor-sharp reflection of today’s global reckoning with police brutality and systemic injustice.
Brides | European Premiere
Director: Nadia Fall. Narrative Feature. United Kingdom. 2025. 1hr 33min.
Two disillusioned teenage girls from the UK embark on a dangerous journey to the Syrian border. A bold and emotionally charged exploration of radicalisation, girlhood, and the search for belonging in a fractured world.
About A Hero | UK Premiere
Director: Piotr Winiewicz. Documentary Feature. Denmark, Germany, United States. 2024. 1hr 25min.
An AI-generated version of Werner Herzog narrates a deepfake crime mystery in this eerie and provocative documentary. A surreal and satirical look at the rise of artificial intelligence, misinformation, and the blurring of truth in the digital age.
Anime fans are in for a treat this summer as a trio of visually stunning films head to the big screen ahead of tickets going on sale for the most anticipated anime movie of the year, Demon Slayer – The Movie: Infinity Castle.
Landing on 12 September, the eagerly awaited sequel sees demon slayer trio Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke return to face their most harrowing trials yet, in a film that blends heart-pounding action, emotional intensity, and breathtaking animation.
For fans that can’t wait until September for their anime fix, Vue Edinburgh Omni is showing two titles from visionary director Mamoru Hosoda: Summer Wars and Wolf Children. Both films have been newly remastered in 4K, offering both longtime fans and new viewers the chance to witness these classics as never seen before.
Arriving on 3 August, Summer Wars tells the story of a shy math genius who unwittingly unleashes a rogue AI threatening the world’s digital infrastructure.
As he races to fix the chaos, he’s drawn into the turbulent but loving world of his friend’s extended family. Hosoda’s dazzling animation, pulse pounding virtual sequences, and timely message about connection and technology make this re-release a must see on the big screen.
Returning on 17 August is the emotional tale of love, loss, and growing up, Wolf Children. It follows the journey of a young woman raising two children who are half–human, half–wolf. Spanning over a decade, the story captures the challenges of motherhood, identity, and acceptance.
The remastered edition enhances every frame of Hosoda’s heartfelt masterpiece, bringing new depth to its themes and visuals.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing will hit screens on 31 August. In this bold new chapter of the Hatsune Miku phenomenon, fans are introduced to a version of the iconic virtual idol who has lost her ability to sing.
Set in a world where music shapes reality, Miku must rediscover her voice through friendship, creativity, and emotional resilience. Blending vibrant musical performances with a moving narrative, this is an unforgettable cinematic experience for both longtime Miku fans and newcomers alike.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “The anime fandom continues to grow here in the UK, and we’re proud to be part of that community.
Studios put their heart into every frame – from the breathtaking animation to the thoughtful scripts, musical scores, and emotional depth – and we recognise that watching anime isn’t just about the visuals on screen; it’s about the atmosphere, the sound, and the feeling of being completely immersed in a story.
“That’s why we’re so excited to be screening these films as they were meant to be seen – on the big screen.”
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is pleased to welcome legendary British filmmaker Ken Loach and his longtime creative collaborators, writer Paul Laverty and producer Rebecca O’Brien, for a special In Conversation event at this year’s Festival.
The trio will discuss the acclaimed films they have created together over the years including Palme D’Or Winners The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2006) and I, Daniel Blake (2016). The event takes place on Wednesday 20 August at 11am at Tollcross Central Hall.
This event will then be followed by a special retrospective screening of the filmmakers’ 2006 Palme D’Or winning film The Wind That Shakes The Barley. Starring Cillian Murphy, the film is a heartfelt and stirring epic exploring the rift that emerges between two brothers who find themselves fighting against one another in the conflict over Irish independence in the early 1920s.
Presented from a 35mm print, this screening will be preceded by a special introduction by the filmmakers. The event takes place on Wednesday 20 August at 1.30pm in Filmhouse Screen 1.
Tickets are now on sale for both events via the EIFF website.
EIFF’s In Conversation strand also features a range of other major filmmaking talent who will discuss their creative careers to date including director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, Touching the Void, One to One: John & Yoko) speaking with his brother, producerAndrew Macdonald (Trainspotting, Civil War, 28 Years Later), in a wide ranging conversation about filmmaking and their respective careers. Kevin will also present a screening of The Cranes are Flying (1957), a film which has heavily influenced his work.
Trailblazing filmmaker Nia Da Costa will discuss her acclaimed work which spans independent film, horror sequels and major studio comic book adaptations including The Marvels, Candyman and upcoming film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Nia will also present a special 4K restoration of Doug Liman’s 90s black comedy Go, a film that was a source of early inspiration for her.
From breakout horror thriller Kill List to EIFF Midnight Madness Opening Film Bulk, via hilarious black comedy Sightseers and many more, filmmaker Ben Wheatley and long time producing partner Andy Starke will discuss their collaborations and their working dynamic.
Award-winning writer and director Andrea Arnold is one of the UK’s most outstanding filmmakers. She will discuss her searing debut feature Red Road (2006), also screening at EIFF this year, which won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut, along with her critically acclaimed work such as Fish Tank, American Honey, Cow and, most recently, Bird.
Legendary producer Jeremy Thomas (Eureka, 13 Assassins, Sexy Beast) will discuss his long and varied career, which includes collaborations with Nicolas Roeg, Takeshi Miike and Jonathan Glazer, in a conversation with filmmaker Mark Cousins (A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things, The Story of Film, The Storms of Jeremy Thomas). Jeremy Thomas will also introduce a special 35mm screening of Nicolas Roeg’s Bad Timing (1980), one of his earliest films.
Edinburgh International Film Festival will run from 14-20 August 2025. Building on EIFF’s reinvigorated vision under new leadership from CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival will continue to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.
The Festival team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. Ridd is supported by the EIFF Board, led by Chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting; and Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun; as well as Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, Former Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at No Code Studio.
Paul Ridd, CEO & Festival Director, said: “It is a great honour for us to welcome Ken Loach, Paul Laverty and Rebecca O’Brien for what promises to be a lively and fascinating discussion of their work together, with two Palme D’Ors to their names and a body of work that includes ferociously powerful films produced across decades.
“We are also delighted to be presenting one of their major films THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY from a 35mm print. It is a genuine thrill to be able to add this formidable trio to a roster of speakers at EIFF in a programme of In Conversation events which already includes Jeremy Thomas, Nia Da Costa, Andrew and Kevin Macdonald, Andrea Arnold and Ben Wheatley.”
Amazon launches the Regional Creatives Fund, offering multiple grants of up to £30,000 for charities in Edinburgh and around the UK which focus on upskilling people for careers in creative industries.
Grants are available for charities in Edinburgh which run programmes aimed at boosting skills and increasing access to creative industry careers in gaming, publishing, fashion, film, advertising, TV, and music.
The fund is open for applications today from single charitable organisations and consortiums in Edinburgh and across the UK. Applications close on 31st August 2025.
Amazon today launches the Regional Creatives Fund, offering grants of up to £30,000 to UK charities that develop creative industry career pathways.
The Regional Creatives Fund is open to organisations in Edinburgh and across the UK that help underserved communities access careers in publishing, music, gaming, film, TV, fashion, advertising, and more.
The aim of the Regional Creatives Fund, which aligns with the Government’s recently announced Creative Places Growth Fund, is to increase access to careers in the creative industries for people from underserved communities.
The fund is open for applications from single charitable organisations and consortiums based in the same region that are currently running impactful skills projects and are seeking additional funding to scale, sustain, or innovate their efforts.
Applications for up to £30,000 can be made by individual organisations that meet eligibility criteria, while consortium applications for up to £100,000 are also available. Regional Creatives Fund grants will give charities with existing creative upskilling programmes the flexibility to address their most pressing needs.
Applications are open for small to mid-size organisations who are registered charities in the UK[2]. Applicants must currently be running a programme that focuses on upskilling people from underserved communities for careers in creative industries.
Increasing access to creative industries
Creative Access, the UK’s leading inclusivity organisation in the creative industries, defines underserved communities as a population proven to be under-represented in the sector.
A study from The Sutton Trust, the UK’s leading social mobility charity, shows that many people, particularly those who identify as ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, continue to face significant barriers to entering and progressing in the UK’s creative industries.
Research released by The Sutton Trust found that younger adults from working-class backgrounds are four times less likely to work in the creative industries compared to their middle-class peers. Data from Arts Council England shows only 9% of the creative workforce identifies as disabled, compared to 22% of the general working-age population.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the fund will be used to expand or continue an existing, impactful programme. Examples of programmes that a Regional Creatives Fund grant can be used for include funding for placements in game development studios, music production training, and portfolio development for future advertising creatives.
Grants will be awarded by an independent judging panel. The panel includes senior leaders from Amazon, The National Theatre, the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, Help Musicians, and Music Minds Matter.
Funding applications will be assessed across five key areas. Strong proposals will reflect the fund’s spirit with energy, optimism, and a clear creative purpose; deliver real impact through skills, access, and industry links; show a smart, achievable plan with confident delivery; centre inclusion by amplifying underrepresented voices; and build on existing programmes to grow what’s already working.
More information on the judging criteria is available here.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I want every young person to have the opportunity to build a successful career within the creative industries, which is one of this country’s greatest assets.
“Whether it’s in film, TV, gaming, fashion or music, we have so much homegrown talent and I am delighted that the Regional Creatives Fund will help shine a spotlight on that right across the country helping people contribute to our national story.
“Alongside our Creative Industries Sector Plan this new fund will help to support growth in these fast-growing sectors by preparing the next generation of creatives to tell our national story on the world stage.”
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee and RCF Board Member added: “The creative industries are one of the UK’s greatest success stories, but for too long access to careers in this sector have been limited by social and economic barriers.
“Amazon’s Regional Creatives Fund is exactly the kind of initiative we need – offering substantial grants and practical support to help level the playing field.
“By supporting local charities with both funding and industry expertise, this programme will help unlock creative talent across our communities and ensure the UK’s creative sectors truly reflect the diversity of our society.”
“Amazon has been a passionate supporter of creative industries in the UK for many years and the Regional Creatives Fund will supercharge that support in Edinburgh and across the country,” added Paul Firth, Director, Global Music Industry, Amazon Music.
“The aim of the Regional Creatives Fund is to help charities amplify the reach of existing programmes that support pathways to careers in the creative industries. We understand talent is everywhere, but access isn’t, and we’re working to change that. Through the Regional Creatives Fund, we want to help create a future where creativity belongs to everyone.”
Amazon has invested over £4.2 billion in the UK’s creative industries since 2010, with over 2,000 people permanently working across our Film and TV, music and audio, books and publishing, fashion, and gaming businesses, and supporting 16,000 additional jobs.
Amazon’s creative industries footprint extends across the entire UK: from acquiring the historic Bray Film Studios in Berkshire last year, which will house the production of the next season of Citadel; to the long-term contract with Shepperton Studios for exclusive use of new state-of-the-art production facilities at the Surrey studios where The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is currently filming; Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock in Wales; Harlan Coben’s Lazarus in Manchester; productions at First Stage Studios and Leigh Studios in Edinburgh; and multiple productions on location in and around London such as the live action movie Masters of the Universe.
The Amazon Literary Partnership has been awarding grants to inspiring non-profit literary organisations, writing centres and community engagement programmes groups since it was first launched in the UK six years ago.
While each has a different focus, all have a shared goal of uplifting and offering opportunities to aspiring writers at any stage of their creative journey, and empowering those from underrepresented communities to experience and contribute to the magic of storytelling through the written word.
Amazon Music is committed to expanding access to UK music talent through a series of targeted initiatives. Partnerships with organizations including the BRIT Trust, Amplify, and the Association for Independent Music support new creative professionals entering the industry.
The Step-Up Fund, a collaboration with the Featured Artists Coalition, will launch its fourth year in 2025. This fund provides financial support to emerging independent artists by offering development grants.
Since its inception, Step-Up has distributed £250,000 to more than 30 UK musicians, including both bands and solo artists across multiple genres. These grants enable artists to fund new recordings, touring costs, marketing campaigns, PR activities, video production, and content creation.
As part of its global strategy to shape a more inclusive audio-storytelling industry, Audible is partnering with multiple institutions in the UK to support creative development programmes, from funding scholarships and classes at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), to sponsoring the Barbican Young Poets Program and Women’s Prize for Fiction Discoveries Programme.
To find out more about the Regional Creatives Fund, visit:
A brand-new musical outing starring everyone’s favourite CBeebies characters is arriving at cinemas this summer.
Featuring a star-studded cast – including Justin Fletcher, Maddie Moate, and Andy Day – CBeebies Musical: The Great Ice Cream Hunt promises to add a sprinkling of joy to the holidays.
Showing in 300 cinemas nationwide, the film is arriving from July 11. The musical is an original piece that includes song performances that are exclusive to the cinema and the big screen. The hour-long special won’t be appearing on the small screens until later this year.
The musical tale follows Lolly the cow and Pinecone the hedgehog as they investigate the disappearance of ice cream across the land.
During their adventure, the pair befriend Storyland Rangers at Coconut Cove, learn magical moves at Mermaid Falls and help a stressed-out caterpillar find his voice at the Summer Fruits Festival. But when they finally catch up with their prime suspect – the rain-loving Professor Raindrop – things aren’t quite what they seem…
Eve Gabereau, Director of Distribution at Vue Lumiere, said: “After bringing two bumper collections of Bluey to cinemas up and down the country, we can’t wait to showcase this original musical treat from CBeebies to young fans.
“It’s a great continuation of our work with the BBC and their Children & Family content on the big screen.”
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K-Pop documentary heading to Vue venues in Edinburgh
It’s been a big week for BTS fans around the globe, as the K-Pop sensation announced they will return next spring with a new studio album (their first since 2020’s Be) and an accompanying world tour.
For those itching for new content from the band, arriving somewhat sooner than the reunion is BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom.
Screening at Vue venues in Edinburgh from Wednesday 30 July to Sunday 3 August, tickets for the screenings are on sale now. Not only that, fans will also be able to buy limited edition merch for the film – a themed reusable drinks cup and popcorn tin.
The film travels the globe, showcasing fans at a BTS-focused ReactorCon in Lewisville, Texas; a dance instructor in Seoul who only teaches BTS choreography; and fans who’ve been organising since 2013 to help BTS dominate the charts.
Defying stereotypes of the typical K-Pop fan, BTS Army: Forever We Are Young explores the intergenerational, culturally savvy, and socially active world of the band’s fans.
Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “Without fail, our BTS screenings have captured the hearts of audiences, with thousands of fans up and down the country coming to Vue to celebrate the K-Pop mega-band.
“This documentary will spin the camera, focusing on the amazing fan base that has made BTS the global sensation they are today – we can’t wait to share it with our customers.”
Get tickets: whalearts.co.uk/local-cinema/
Read our interview with Local Resistance coordinator, Morvern Cunningham: http://filmhubscotland.com/…/the-local-cinema-network…/
