Director John Maybury’s Dylan Thomas biopic The Edge of Love [trailer] has been announced as the Opening Gala of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) that runs June 18-29.

The film deals with the tempestuous relationship of the enigmatic and lauded Welsh poet Thomas (Matthew Rhys) with the two feisty women in his life - childhood sweetheart Vera Phillips (Keira Knightley) and wife Caitlin MacNamara (Sienna Miller). The film’s cast and crew are expected to turn out in force for the red carpet event.
EIFF Artistic Director Hannah McGill said, “I couldn’t be happier to be opening this most auspicious festival with this utterly seductive and fascinating film, which stars some of the most charismatic young performers in the business, and affirms John Maybury as one of our most important directors. It’s a film that I personally adore, and opening with it is the perfect expression of our commitment to intelligent, impassioned, exciting new filmmaking.”

Maybury added, “I am thrilled and honoured to have the film at the Edinburgh Film Festival. I have a deep affection for the festival since they were so good to award Love is the Devil the Michael Powell Award and Derek Jacobi and Daniel Craig, joint Best Actor awards ten years ago”.

The Edge of Love opens in London on June 20, prior to a nationwide release on June 27 through Lionsgate UK. Independent Films are handling Netherlands theatrical while Prorom Media-Trade will distribute in Romania.