Scottish talent to take centre stage at Edinburgh International Film Festival
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has unveiled a line-up of Scottish productions and stars for this yearâs event, including a retelling of Robert the Bruceâs story by the actor who played him in Braveheart.
The 2019 event will open with the European premiere of Ninian Doffâs Boyz in the Wood, while organisers said the schedule will showcase some of the best films and exclusive events from across the country.
Scottish talent attending this year will include Shauna Macdonald, Jack Lowden, Peter Mullan and Angus Macfadyen.
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â Edinburgh Film Fest (@edfilmfest) May 20, 2019
Macfadyen will reprise the role he played in Braveheart as the warrior king Robert the Bruce in a retelling of the legendary story.
EIFF artistic director Mark Adams said: âEdinburgh International Film Festival has a long history of supporting and showcasing the very best Scotland has to offer and 2019 will be no exception.
âI am thrilled to be able to give this yearâs audiences the chance to enjoy a huge range of films, talks, events and talent that highlight the very best of Scottish craftsmanship and skill.â
The announcement comes ahead of the full programme being revealed on Wednesday May 29.
Features filmed and set in Scotland will take up part of the programme, including the previously announced Balance, Not Symmetry by Jamie Adams.
This cinematic tribute to art, music and Scotland â in particular Glasgow â was made in conjunction with Scottish band Biffy Clyro, who worked on the storyline and score.
The programme also includes Schemers by Dundee-born writer and director David McLean, which was filmed exclusively in his home city.
It is a semi-autobiographical look at the directorâs early years in the music business.
Mary Queen of Scots star Lowden will be taking part in Bafta Scotland Career Close-Up: Preparing for Screen Auditions alongside The Descentâs Macdonald.
They will discuss how they prepare for auditions as part of Bafta Scotland at EIFF Youth.
Isabel Davis, executive director at Screen Scotland, said: âThis yearâs EIFF shows that Scotland is brimming with talent, from the high octane cast in Ninian Doffâs Boyz in the Wood, to the phenomenal feature documentary Scheme Birds, bringing this TriBeCa award winner home to Scotland.
âThe new wave of Scottish writers and directors through the Scottish Film Talent Networkâs Scottish Shorts strand promise great things for the future.â
The 73rd edition of EIFF runs from June 19 to June 30.