Alex Garland to star in industry show

Civil War director Alex Garland and Train watching Producer Andrew Macdonald will deliver keynote speeches as part of the industry programme at this year’s Edinburgh Film Festival.

Garland and Macdonald will speak at Tollcross Central Hall on 18 August following a networking brunch organised by the festival at the city’s Summerhall Library Gallery. Macdonald, best known for producing titles such as Trainspotting, a life less ordinaryAND BeachHe is also the Chairman of the Edinburgh Film Festival.

The Scotland festival’s industry schedule will also include an on-stage conversation session with filmmaker Gaspar Noe on August 17, where Noe will discuss his work and career. Other key industry sessions include Sieve scrapera case study on the development and distribution of the 2023 hit JunkyardThe session will be hosted by Melanie Iredale (Reclaim the Frame) and panelists will include the film’s director Charlotte Regan, Eva Yates (Head of BBC Film) and Julia Trawinska (Acquisitions Manager at Picturehouse Entertainment).

Elsewhere at the festival there will be a panel entitled Stand in front of the screen centred around filmmakers who have made the transition from live performance and television to filmmaking, alongside Fringe producers and creators interested in working on screen. The event will be hosted by Rowan Woods (Edinburgh TV Festival) with panellists Alex Walton (WME), Afolabi Kuti (producer) and filmmakers from the programme’s selection.

On the penultimate industry day, BAFTA Scotland will hold an event to celebrate the career of film producer, curator, writer and former director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Lynda Myles, who will receive the BAFTA Scotland Outstanding Contribution to Film Award.

“I am thrilled that we have attracted so much talent from around the world to our Festival, not only as part of our Film Programme, but also as guests and delegates of our Industry Programme,” said Paul Ridd, President of EIFF, commenting on today’s announcement.

“Throughout three intense days of panels, career talks, networking sessions and events, global and local film talent will mingle, sparking conversations between professionals new to film and the performing arts, as well as seasoned individuals eager to share their knowledge and expertise. Having a filmmaker as internationally renowned and truly visionary as Alex Garland join us as our keynote speaker truly captures that vision. Let’s get to it.”

The Edinburgh International Film Festival will take place from Thursday 15 to Wednesday 21 August 2024.