Tag: film

Pomegranates Festival programme announced

FULL PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED – 25-30 April 2025

The Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland is delighted to announce full details of its fourth Pomegranates Festival which will run from Friday 25 to Wednesday 30 April 2025 at various venues across Edinburgh. 

The Pomegranates Festival in partnership with TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) and Moray House School of Education and Sport, at the University of Edinburgh celebrates Scottish traditional dance alongside world traditional dance practised by New Scots and cultural migrant communities across Scotland.

It is supported by Creative Scotland and includes exhibitions, ceilidhs, workshops, walking tours, and talks about traditional dance from Scotland and around the world. Every year the Pomegranates Festival explores the intrinsic links of traditional dance with live music, film, fashion, poetry, art and heritage craft. 

This year’s festival theme is masks invitingfestival-goers to experience the power of masks used in different traditions; and reflect on the significance, beauty and mystery of masks and mask-making in traditional dance from antiquity to modern days. 

The festival opens on Friday 25 April with a packed programme of short films of traditional dance followed by a Q&A with featured creatives, including the award-winning filmmakers Marlene Millar and Mare Tralla. Marlene’s films include To Begin the Dance Once More(2023) which tells the story of displacement and water crisis reimagined through the mythological world by three climate refugees from Scotland and Egypt; and Bhairava (2018) filmed on location in India which evokes Shiva, the Lord of Dance as both the destroyer of evil driving out terrible deeds, and the guardian of time.

Also screening is Mare Tralla’s new screen dance The Bright Fabric of Life (2024) which tenderly addresses the life-altering injuries sustained by women in labour, told using traditional African dance and music; Home (2023, Dir. Kes Tagney) which explores the deep connection people have for the place they call home featuring Scottish Step dancer Sophie Stephenson;Crowned by Flame (2024, Dir. Lyuxian Yu) about the Chinese Yi ethnic community’s Cigarette Box dance; Armea (2024. Dir. Letila Mitchell)which chronicles the homecoming of the dancers and musicians of the Pacific island of Rotuma; On Canada Day(2024, Dir. Gurdeep Pandher) reflecting on Canada’s past through a dance fusion of Punjabi and Celtic traditions; and Autocorrect (2022, Dir. Jonzi D) inspired by the COVID-19 face masks, set to the spoken word of Saul Williams and commissioned by Sadler’s Wells.

Hip-hop dance theatre artist, choreographer and dancer Jonzi D returns to the festival as this year’s choreographer-in-residence and will be working with traditional dance artists based in Scotland to create this year’s masked festival finale Hidden Faces which will premiere on the International Day of Dance (29 April 2025).

Other highlights include:

●     The premiere sharing of not for glory – a skirling new dance-theatre performance of bodies and bagpipes, and rebellious unravelling of traditional dance and music by Jack Anderson, Charlotte Mclean and in collaboration with musician Malin Lewis.

●     The premiere sharing of Sequins – a new hip hop dance theatre solo show by Kalubi Mukangela-Jacoby set to the Pomegranates Festival spoken word commission of Sequins of Poems to Dance To by Ian McMillan.

●     An evening of poetry, dance and discussion focusing on Intangible Cultural Heritage and its relationship with Scottish traditional dance.

●     A new exhibition of masks (3 Apr-12 May) by Pomegranates Festival artist-in-residence Lorraine Pritchard – anEdinburgh-based mask maker, costume-designer and fashion model, plus the only Scottish artist performing at the Venice Carnival 2025. Lorraine’s first solo exhibition, especially curated for the festival, zooms on the relationship between the heritage craft of mask-making and traditional dance and features masks, photographs, films and books, including Lorraine’s new Venetian Carnival masks which ahead of the exhibition will be premiered and modelled by the artist at this year’s Carnevale in Venice 21 February – 4 March. 

●     A day of walking tours led by dance historians Alena Shmakova and Agnes Ness about the role of women in traditional dance past and present, with focus on the role of Mary, Queen of Scots.

●     A dance theatre matinee which is the culmination of Pomegranates dance artists-in-residence at Edinburgh’s Abbeyhill and Royal Mile Primary Schools. Over 20 resident dancers – all postgraduate students in Dance Science and Education at the University of Edinburgh will perform alongside the Scot Polish musician-in-residence Aga Idczak. The choreography of the Scot Cypriot artist Sotirios Panagoulias and the costume design by the New York born Scot Polish designer Gerry Gapinski are co-created with over fifty pupils aged 10-11 years. The matinee is the outcome of an unique co-devising method of Socratic Circles, weaving in the children’s ideas, drawings and poems about the wee objects selected by each pupil to represent their diverse heritage.

In the lead up to the start of the festival there will also be a podcast released on 8 March to celebrate International Women’s Day, previewing the story of Mary, Queen of Scots in Edinburgh and her passion for dance, with New Scot Alena Shmakova.

Plus, there will be a Ceilidh Plus mixing Scottish, Bulgarian and Irish traditional dancing on 21 March to celebrate 10 years of the Bulgarian traditional dance school in Edinburgh and St Patrick’s Day on 17 March.

This popular event is part of the festival’s year-round programme of Ceilidh Plus evenings held at the Kings Hall that combine Scottish dancing with traditional dances from the migrant and diaspora communities in Scotland.

During the festival the Ceilidh Plus event will showcase a mix of Scottish, Polish and Hungarian dance styles. 

All festival events are presented on a free or affordable ‘pay what you can‘ basis.

Wendy Timmons and Iliyana Nedkova, Festival Co-curators said: “In 2025 when we celebrate Edinburgh’s 900 years journey from the 12th Century City of David to the 21st City of Diversity, we are very proud to present the fourth edition of Pomegranates – Edinburgh’s festival of diversity in traditional dance, the festival that has already made it to the #ListHot100 as one of the 100 most influential cultural events of the year.

“Expect a flair of mystery as this year our festival artists will don their dance masks and take on whole new personalities honouring their traditions and our global living heritage.”

John Ravenscroft, Head of the Centre for Research in Education, Inclusion and Diversity (CREID) at Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh said: “I am very pleased to continue to forge our strategic academic partnership with the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland which dates back to 2018. Great to see the return of the Pomegranates Festival choreographer-in-residence Jonzi D who delivered the seminal Decolonising the Curriculum keynote lecture at Moray House School of Education and Sport as part of last year’s festival.

“I am also excited about the opening matinee which is part of the wider campaign advocating for the diverse forms of world traditional dance becoming a primary ingredient of our children’s primary education.

“This campaign is run by the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland in conjunction with our Centre and our School while the matinee is funded by the University of Edinburgh through the Edinburgh Local Community Fund.” 

MC, Jonzi D, hip hop dance theatre artist and choreographer-in-residence at this year’s Festival, said: “Following my Pomegranates festival debut last year, I am really honoured to be invited back as this year’s choreographer-in-residence, plus I am particularly partial to the new festival theme of masks. 

“Traditional dance is important, including masked dance, because it represents living heritage while celebrating difference. I think we’ve reached a period in society where our differences are being used against us; our differences are being used to keep us separated; our differences are being used as judgmental tools. Manufactured polarisation. But our infinite differences define our identities, and still we have more in common than we have apart. Pomegranates festival celebrates our differences.”

Vanessa Boyd, Interim Head of Dance at Creative Scotland says: “Pomegranates Festival continues to be an important platform celebrating Scotland’s rich traditional dance heritage alongside the diverse influences that shape our communities today.

“This year’s focus on masks highlights a powerful symbol that has been used in dance for centuries, transforming performers and deepening storytelling across cultures.

“Audiences can look forward to experiencing new work and exploring the rich and diverse traditional dance forms that the Pomegranates Festival has to offer across a packed programme of live performance, screen, workshops and community gatherings.”  

The Pomegranates Festival (25 – 30 Apr) is the annual platform for the diverse 250+ individual and organisational members of the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland to teach, learn and perform in new dance theatre and screen dance shows, as well as new productions and residencies.

This is the fourth edition of Scotland’s annual festival of international traditional dance, initiated, curated and produced by the Traditional DanceForum of Scotland.

It is presented in partnership with TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Central Library, Dance Base and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

In 2025 the Pomegranates Festival is funded by Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding through TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland); the City of Edinburgh Council and University of Edinburgh through the Edinburgh Local Community Fund. 

For tickets and more information visit https://www.tdfs.org/pomegranates/

Film fans invited to channel their inner Bridget Jones at Vue venues this Valentine’s Day Weekend

As the iconic character sets out on the next chapter of her story in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Vue venues in Edinburgh are welcoming film fans to get dressed all cosy in their pyjamas for the opening weekend of the film.

In addition to having the fun of channelling their inner Bridget, any guest who attends a screening of the film between February 14 – February 16 in their pyjamas will receive a complimentary sweet or savoury treat (in the form of a packet of Minstrels or Popworks) to share with their date, their friends – or all to themselves.

Heading to Vue on February 14, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy sees two-time Academy Award winner Renée Zellweger back in the titular role as the loveable British singleton – her first romantic adventure since 2016. After the loss of her husband Mark, Bridget, now a single mother, is stuck in a state of emotional limbo, raising her children with help from her loyal friends, including her former lover, Daniel Cleaver…

Also arriving at Vue this Valentine’s Day is Captain America: Brave New World, debuting Sam Wilson’s role as the new Captain America. Using his abilities, skill and new gear to help protect the president from a shadowy threat, expect edge of your seat adventures when this superhero epic explodes onto the screens.

In addition, two romantic re-releases are heading to Vue, the 35th anniversary of Julia Robert’s Pretty Woman and what is often described as one of the best films of the 21st century, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “A trip to Vue has always been a hugely popular choice for Valentine’s and we’re excited to welcome couples, friends and film fans to enjoy the very best in big screen drama and romance this weekend – as well as chance to gain bag themselves some free sweet or savoury treats.”

Tickets cost from £7.99 when booked online. To find out more, visit www.myvue.com

North Edinburgh Film Festival

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY from 11 – 5 at WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

🎬 2025 North Edinburgh Film Festival – don’t miss this family-friendly celebration of film and community stories!

Presented by Screen Education Edinburgh and North Edinburgh Arts, this year’s NEFF brings a diverse programme of over 30 films – from powerful local stories to short animations and global perspectives.

📅 Saturday 22 February 2025, 11am-5pm

📍 West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

🎫Free event

Highlights include:

📽️Films from North Edinburgh – stories made by the community, for the community

🌍 Global shorts & animations, from near and far

🎭 Special performance by Curious Seed, featuring films by local artists and Craigroyston Community High School pupils

🎥 Workshops for aspiring filmmakers of all ages

The day also includes film installations and free food for attendees and wraps up with a screening of eight new locally made films. There’s plenty to explore so come and join us!

ClimateFlix at the Cameo

EDINBURGH COMMUNITIES CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK

We are excited to announce📣📣 the screening of “When Fish Begin To Crawl” the Cameo Picturehouse in Tollcross on Tuesday 18th February followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers!

This is an award-winning film🎬, co-directed by composer Jim Sutherland and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Morag McKinnon.

Created during the COVID-19 lockdowns, “When Fish Begin To Crawl” showcases the ecological importance of The Flow Country, the world’s most intact blanket bog ecosystem. Spanning Caithness and Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, this ancient landscape plays a critical role in combating climate change.

Secure your tickets🎫 at: https://shorturl.at/NuM2u (discount code in our newsletter…)

#WhenFishBeginToCrawl

#EcoFilm

#ClimateAction

#SustainableScotland

#CommunityClimateAction

#ECCAN

Shortlists revealed in Gaelic Short Film Competition

“Strongest FilmG Ever”

The long-running Gaelic short film competition, FilmG, has released the shortlists ahead of the FilmG Awards in March, marking the biggest shake-up in categories in the competition’s 17-year history.

For the first time, there will be no Best Film category in either the -18 or 18+ competitions. Instead, the major prizes will now be awarded for Best Drama, Best Documentary, and Best Comedy—highlighting the breadth of Gaelic storytelling talent.

This year also saw another historic change: filmmakers were not given a set theme for the first time, allowing for complete creative freedom. The 127 entries across both competitions reflected the focus behind the scenes on development and progress.

Independent judges selected nominees across 15 categories, while the public will decide the final two awards through an online vote.

18+ Shortlists

All four films nominated for Best Drama are previous FilmG winners, including last year’s Best Film winner, Kayleigh Bell.

Three films stand out with three nominations each: Mhàiri Gillies from Skye and the duo of Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver for their respective documentaries, along with last year’s winner Luca Kerr for his drama ‘Geama’.

-18 Shortlists

Last year’s Best Film winner, Parker Dawes, picks up another two nominations, including Best Drama.

Only four other films collect multiple nominations – Gairloch High School, Sgoil an Taobh Siar, and Portree Secondary School each received two nominations, while the Comunn na Gàidhlig group from Harris received three nominations for their comedic take on the hit TV show The Voice.

Dingwall schools also had a strong showing, with two films nominated from Dingwall Primary and one from Dingwall Academy.

Murdo MacSween, FilmG’s Project Director, said, “It’s the strongest FilmG we’ve ever seen in terms of quality, and we have very competitive shortlists.

“The public vote has also been strong, so it’ll be exciting to see which two films come out as Scotland’s favourites!”

Alongside the competition, FilmG’s workshops, clubs, and activities continue to nurture the next generation of Gaelic storytellers, providing a pathway for aspiring filmmakers to enter the world of Gaelic media.

Maggie Taylor, Head of Publishing at MG ALBA, added: “FilmG is invaluable for Gaelic media, as it showcases all the new talent coming through.

“The judges have had a tough job this year, but we’re proud of all the filmmakers who have been busy across Scotland sharing their stories in Gaelic.”

The winners will be revealed at the FilmG Awards Ceremony at the SEC in Glasgow on Friday, 7 March 2025. You can watch all the films at www.filmg.co.uk. 

Complete list of nominations:

-18

Best Drama

Cus – Gairloch High School 
Air Choire – Parker Dawes
Spògan Buidhe – Portree High School FilmG Club

Seachad – Ullapool High School 

Best Documentary

An Treasamh Sùil – Tomas Dimbleby Weber
Òran na Cloiche – ‘Dà Bhogsa agus Bogha’ & Finlay Morrison
Na Fònaichean Tha Sin..! Tràilleachd na Fònaichean – Sgoil Lìonacleit 
FORSAN – Rosa O’Halloran

Best Comedy

An Seachnadh – Dingwall Academy
Na Mèirlich – Dingwall Primary School

Dè Nì Sinn? – Sgoil an Taobh Siar
An Guth – CnaG Na Hearadh

Best Youth Group

Na Fuadaichean – Dingwall Primary School
Pantar Phàislig – West Primary School, Paisley
Muncaidh Bhreascleit – Sgoil Bhreascleit
An Guth – CnaG Na Hearadh

Power of Gaelic Award

Nuair a bha mi Òg – Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath
Seanchas na Fairge – Staffin School and CnaG
Am Plana Gaoideach – Castlebay Community School 
Dè Nì Sinn? – Sgoil an Taobh Siar

The Creativity Award

Drogh Paitchyn / Clann Dona – Bun-scoil Ghaelgagh, Isle of Man
A-mach ‘s A-steach – Oban High School

An Cluba Saidheans aig a Bh.Uas. Nic an Ceàrdaich – Calderglen High School, East Kilbride
Faigh A-mach à Seo Mi! – Dunoon Grammar School

Technical Excellence Award

Parker Dawes – Air Choire
Alasdair MacDonald – Baile Mhoire
Uilleam MacDonald –  Am Fiùran
Alex Padarowski – Duine-èisg

Best Performance

Emily King – An Guth
Eloise McNay – Geama
Lexy Campbell – Cus
Jonathan MacDonald – Spògan Buidhe

18+

Best Drama
Air a’ Bheing – Kayleigh Bell & Adam Stewart
Geama – Luca Kerr
Falach-Fead – AllanWith1Eils
Sinne, Nas Sine – Cara Turner & Kirsty McBain

Best Documentary
Coinneach MacThòmais – Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver
Orient – David O’Brien
Anne Againne – Mhairi Gillies
A’ Bheàrn – Jessica Deigan

Best Comedy
Falach-Fead – AllanWith1Eils
A’ Cluich – Rambling Celt Productions
Ar Eilean Breagha – Eilidh Johnston
Cunnart bho na Meanbh-chuileagan – An Clas Camelon

Best Cultural Film
A’ Tilleadh Dhachaigh – Galson Trust Estate
Coinneach MacThòmais – Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver
Orient – David O’Brien
Anne Againne – Mhairi Gillies

Best Music Video
Cailleach Mhòr Stadhlaigh – Evie Waddell
Tha Smeòrach sa Mhadainn Chiùin – Cashlin MacKenzie
Mhic Iain ‘ic Sheumais – Dlù
Chan Eil – Evie Waddell

Technical Excellence Award
Rob MacNeacail – A’ Cluich
Mhari Gillies – Anne Againne
Cashlin MacKenzie – Tha Smeòrach sa Mhadainn Chiùin
Rae MacIver – Coinneach MacThòmais

Best Performance
Ró Ó hEadhra – Uisge-Bàis
Evie Waddell – Cailleach Mhòr Stadhlaigh
Kirsty MacArthur – Air a’ Bheing
Rachel Kate MacLeod – Geama

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian film to enjoy this month at Vue Edinburgh Ocean

As the appetite for South Asian content continues to grow across the UK, Vue Edinburgh Ocean is proud to be showcasing films from across the region throughout the year.

This month alone, Vue is screening four titles, kickstarting with Sky Force, a gripping story inspired by extraordinary true events surrounding one of the deadliest air strikes between India and Pakistan, and Deva (from 31 January) which follows a brilliant yet rebellious police officer who uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal while investigating a high-profile case.

Malayalam movie Praavinkoodu Shappu will be arriving at Vue next week (24 January). Set after hours at a toddy shop, it follows 11 people who have stayed inside, playing cards and drinking all night. When the owner of the shop is found hanging dead in the middle of the shop, SI Santhosh finds himself caught up in a web of mysterious and strange suspects.

Also arriving this month is the Tamil crime drama Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 (from 31 January), following a loving husband and father drawn into a dangerous crime network.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “The appetite for South Asian films continues to soar and Vue is proud to champion this brilliant content.

“Dedicated film festivals and cultural events celebrating South Asia’s vibrant storytelling, coupled with increasing global recognition and growing audience demand, have helped shine a spotlight on this incredible industry.

“We’re proud to call ourselves home to so many brilliant South Asian titles this year.”

Submissions open for Edinburgh International Film Festival

The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced that its 78th edition will run from 14 to 20 August 2025. Submissions for the 2025 edition of the Festival open today (6 January 2025) via the Festival website.

Building on EIFF’s invigorated 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.

Further details on the 2025 Festival will be announced in the next few months.

Helmed by CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd, the Festival team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. Ridd is supported by an expanding Board, including Teresa Moneo, Director of UK Film, Netflix; Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at No Code Studio; 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.

EIFF CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd said: “Our reborn Film Festival is now a major part of the excitement of August in Edinburgh when the city hosts the biggest and best Arts Festival in the world.

“We are delighted to announce our next edition in August 2025 and cannot wait to see the submissions that will come our way for potential selection in the new year.

“For my team there is no feeling greater than discovering something truly great for audiences, and knowing so many of our 2024 films have had lives well beyond our Festival is truly invigorating. Bring it on again!” 

Criteria for submitting films to the Festival can be found via the Festival website at https://www.edfilmfest.org/submissions/ with submissions to open on 6 January 2025. More information will be released on the shape of the 2025 Festival, venues and key strategic partners in the coming months.

EIFF 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland.

Cineworld Edinburgh Celebrates 25 Years

·         CINEWORLD EDINBURGH MARKS ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY THIS NOVEMBER, ALONGSIDE CELEBRATIONS OF NEW BLOCKBUSTER WICKED

·         A DAY OF CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD AT FOUNTAIN PARK CINEMA ON SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER

·         MOVIEGOERS CAN ALSO WATCH A RANGE OF CLASSIC BLOCKBUSTERS FOR £5* A TICKET

Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will host an exciting day of celebrations on Saturday 23rd November at Fountain Park Cinema in Edinburgh to mark the cinema’s milestone 25th birthday. It comes as highly-anticipated blockbuster, Wicked, arrives in cinemas that same weekend and Cineworld will go all out to celebrate. 

Fans can catch the dazzling spectacle, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and adapted from the hit musical, in IMAX, 4DX and ScreenX at Cineworld Edinburgh. Cinema-goers will have the chance to win Wickedmerchandise throughout the day including sweatshirts, notebooks, tumblers and t-shirts so they too can dance through life!  

For those who book to see Wickedin 4DX or ScreenX during opening week, they’ll receive one free regular ICEE to match the iconic Wicked colours: Elphaba’s Emerald Green (Sour Apple) or Glinda’s Perfect Pink (Strawberry). While stocks last, guests will be able to purchase Cineworld-exclusive Wickedpopcorn buckets, cups and toppers as well as a Witch-hat drink container to enjoy their treats in style – the items are sure to be popular! 

As Cineworld Edinburgh prepares for the arrival of Wicked, they’ll be looking back at past blockbusters and an incredible 25 year’s worth of highlights including: 

  • Launching Cineworld’s first IMAX screen in 2011
  • Supporting EIFF as a major partner for 18 years
  • Hosting the Toy Story 3 premiere in 2012 with Sir Sean Connery in attendance
  • Launching our popular 4DX screen in 2017
  • Hosting the T2 World Premier in 2017 and completing our multi-million pound refurbishment in 2019 which included Scotland’s first Screen X!

Cineworld Edinburgh will also be celebrating the milestone birthday with a selection of popular films from 1999 available to book for the following week such as The Mummy, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, James Bond: The World Is Not Enough and Sixth Sense – all available for £5* per ticket.

Jamie Wiles, General Manager at Cineworld Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, especially in such a competitive market place, and are really happy to be able to celebrate with our valued partners, customers and employees.

“The past 25 years have been a hugely successful time for us; During this time, we have operated as Virgin Cinemas, UGC Cinemas and Cineworld Cinemas with our loyal customer base watching us grow and invest in the customer experience.

“We’re delighted to have become a part of the local community and have had the pleasure of striving to be the best place to watch a movie for our Edinburgh customers.”  

Terms & Conditions

*95p online booking fee applies.

Wicked ICEE Promotion Terms & Conditions available HERE.

Into Film Festival 2024 launched at Edinburgh Zoo

The Into Film festival opened yesterday across the UK and launched in Scotland at Edinburgh Zoo with a special screening of the critically acclaimed animated film Kensuke’s Kingdom, based on Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling book. 

The event was hosted by young, Scottish actor, Aaron MacGregor who voices the main character, Michael, in the film. Kensuke’s Kingdom opened the Festival throughout the UK.

Education charity, Into Film Scotland, has launched the 11th Into Film Festival programme and bookings are now live for this year’s exciting edition in November (8-29) with over hundreds of free screenings and events in cinemas and extraordinary venues across Scotland.

The Into Film Festival is the largest of its kind in the world hosting up to half a million pupils and their teachers each year to the free event which showcases previews and classic film screenings hosted by special guests from the world of film.

As ever, the Festival offers students a magical, big screen experience and provides insight into the film industry with the talent that brought the films to life. All film titles are accompanied by film guides and resources that align with the curriculum.

The annual, ever-popular Festival Review Writing competition compliments the Festival programme and is designed to help learners gain clear educational value out of the cinema experience.

About Aaron MacGregor

Now aged 15, rising star Aaron MacGregor voices the character of Michael in Kensuke’s Kingdom, and has already starred in Netflix series SuperPupZ as the voice of Scottie dog Haggis, in animated feature Puffin Rock and the New Friends (West End Films/Cartoon Saloon/Dog Ears) as the voice of Marvin, as Finn in CBBC’s popular show based on acclaimed writer Julia Donaldson’s book series Princess Mirror-Belle and in hit historical drama series Outlander. He toured as Gavroche in the UK and Ireland No 1 Tour of Les Miserables (Cameron Mackintosh Ltd).

About Into Film

Into Film is the UK’s leading charity for film in education and the community. We provide screen industry careers information and advice via school careers leads and direct to young people; support and inspire young filmmakers; and bring the power of moving image storytelling into classroom teaching by providing training and resources.

We also run the annual Into Film Festival, which enables more than 400,000 pupils to visit the cinema for free, and the Into Film Awards – the UK’s leading showcase for young filmmaking talent.

The core Into Film programme is free for UK state schools, colleges and other youth settings, thanks to support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery good cause funding, and through other key funders including Cinema First and Northern Ireland Screen. www.intofilm.org 

PICTURED (TOP): L to R: Santiago Otero Ferandez (St Mary’s Music School), Liana Ghotra (St Mary’s Music School), Aaron Macgregor, Abigail McQueen (Bruntsfield School), Kody Lam ((Bruntsfield School). Photo credit: Ian Georgeson

Something Wicked this way comes 

Vue venues in Edinburgh to celebrate all things Oz as popular adaptation hits the big screen

To celebrate the arrival of Wicked this month (22 November) Vue has announced a selection of spectacular treats for Ozians – including a special screening, a precious keepsake and the return of a classic. 

Based on the award-winning musical by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked tells the untold story of the wonderful land of Oz, exploring the unlikely friendship forged between green witch Elphaba and the popular Glinda.   

Starring Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda, fans can expect favourite tunes such as Popular and Defying Gravity in all their splendour from the comfort of Vue’s luxury seating.  

To add to the spectacle, Vue is inviting fans to an extra colourful screening of Wicked across sites on Saturday 23 November, where audiences are encouraged to wear an outfit or accessories that pay homage to the two iconic colours of the stage show, pink and green.

Those attending this special pink & green screening will be able to get their hands on a limited and unique LEGO piece which features a green potion bottle and pink rose, representing Elphaba and Glinda. This precious memento will only be available at Vue for this specific screening. 

Vue will also be providing some wickedly fantastic merch to mark the release of the film, not to mention two exclusive Tango Ice Blasts – Defying Raspberry and Cherry Goodness only available at Vue.  

Finally, ahead of the release of Wicked, Vue will be returning to Oz with a Back On The Big Screen release of the 1939 cinematic classic The Wizard Of Oz from the 15 November, offering Ozians an opportunity to adventure down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion once more.  

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “Wicked was an absolute sensation when it launched on the stage and we’re confident that the magic will translate onto the big screen. 

“With tickets now on sale, we’re thrilled to invite Ozians and film fans alike to enjoy every musical note and magical moment of this spell-binding release on the big screen, all from the luxury of our comfortable leather seating and incredible surround sound.”    

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com