02/06/2010

The 64th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF, June 16-27) will close with the world premiere of Hattie Dalton’s British film Third Star and open with the previously announced The Illusionist [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Sylvain Chomet
film profile].

In all, the festival boasts of 22 world premieres, 12 international premieres, nine European premieres and 63 UK premieres from amongst 133 features from 34 countries.

Highlights include: Ryan Piers Williams’ The Dry Land; Werner Herzog’s My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done? ; Floria Sigismondi’s The Runaways and Chris D’Arienzo’s Barry Munday in the Gala section; Rafi Pitts’ The Hunter [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Koji Wakamatsu’s Caterpillar and Oscar-winning The Secret in Their Eyes [+see also:
trailer
making of
Interview Juan José Campanella [IT]
Interview Ricardo Darín [IT]
Interview Soledad Villemin [IT]
film profile] by Juan José Campanella in the Directors’ Showcase.

Films competing for the UK Film Council-sponsored Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature include seven world premieres: Paul Andrew Williams’ Cherry Tree Lane [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Ben Miller’s Huge [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Jackboots on Whitehall [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Edward McHenry and Rory McHenry, Nick Moran’s The Kid [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Viv Fongenie’s Ollie Kepler’s Expanding Purple World, Pelican Blood by Karl Golden and Soulboy by Shimmy Marcus. British films also compete for the PPG Award for Best Performance in a British Feature Film, which also includes: Ashley Horner’s brilliantlove, Mr Nice by Bernard Rose and Nick Whitfield’s Skeletons.

EIFF Artistic Director Hannah McGill said, “We’re tremendously excited about the programme this year and especially about how many of our titles are brand new to the world festival circuit and the international industry. We’re looking forward to welcoming an amazing array of guests, and to celebrating EIFF’s 64th year by spreading our excitement about current and classic cinema to our loyal attendees and to new audiences alike.”