Film Fest in the City in St Andrew Square Gardens returns as part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) programme on the festival’s opening weekend from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th August. The free and non-ticketed outdoor screening programme of new and classic cinematic favourites reflect the wider EIFF 2022 themes, including a celebration of Scotland’s Stories on Screen for Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.
Links between EIFF and Edinburgh International Book Festival (EIBF) mean a day of films inspired by books that will also feature a selection of short films with a Scottish connection, screened before feature films and presented in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 as Scotland’s Stories on Screen.
The celebration of Scotland’s Stories on Screen continues in the City programme with a special live musical performance to accompany the 100 year anniversary screening of the 1922 classic Rob Roy, as well as Disney’s Brave, and beautiful animation The Illusionistthat is partly set in Edinburgh plus more short films with a Scottish connection.
In 1972, EIFF presented the first global film event entirely dedicated to the cinematic achievements of female directors. In the spirit of this original programme provocation, EIFF’s 2022 Theme will acknowledge the multiplicity and variety of feminisms in contemporary society across our entire programme. The EIFF Youth Programmers from Edinburgh and Aberdeen also bring a selection to celebrate big screen favourites all directed their favourite female directors.
This special open-air series of screenings coincides with the main programme of full in-person cinema screenings as part of the 75th anniversary of EIFF, giving it an East-to-West city centre presence and making cinema accessible to both film buffs and Edinburgh residents of all ages.
Audiences will enjoy the outdoor screenings with a range of food and drink produce available to purchase on site, including EIFF Official Beer Partner Innis & Gunn. Heritage gastropub The Voyage of Buck will have a bar on site which will be focusing on Lind and Lime Gin cocktails including Collins and Spritzes featuring summer flavours with London essence tonics and sodas.
Bring your favourite cinema snacks and picnic blankets or sit yourself down on one of the famous St Andrew Square deck chairs!
Creative Director of EIFF and Film Fest in the City Kristy Matheson said“We are delighted to be able to present such a fantastic programme of free events for Edinburgh residents and visitors alike to enjoy on our opening weekend. These great films correspond with our wider EIFF themes – our celebration of female directors and Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, among others – and we are sure everyone will find something in the programme that they will enjoy. See you in August in the beautiful surroundings of St Andrew Square for a weekend of pure cinematic entertainment!”
These events are free. Film times and details of accompanying activities can be found by visiting www.edfilmfest.org.uk.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 