11/05/2015 - Closing film is veteran Scottish actor Robert Carlyle’s directorial debut

The 69^th Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF, June 17-28) will open with the world premiere of Scottish actor Robert Carlyle’s directorial debut The Legend of Barney Thompson [+see also:
trailer
film profile]. Carlyle also stars alongside Emma Thompson and Ray Winstone in the dark comedy that tells the story of an awkward barber who inadvertently stumbles into serial murder. John G Lenic, Kaleena Kiff, Brian Coffey, Holly Brydson and Richard Cowan produce the film and will be released in late summer by Icon Film Distribution.

Carlyle said, “It really is such an honour for me to have my first feature as director premiered here in Edinburgh at the Festival that has played such a huge part in my life.”

The festival will close with the world premiere of Scott Graham’s Iona [+see also:
trailer
film profile]. Shot entirely on location in Scotland, the film follows a family as they return to the island of Iona to seek refuge from a violent crime in Glasgow. Ruth Negga, Douglas Henshall, Tom Brooke and Michelle Duncan star alongside debutants Ben Gallagher and Sorcha Groundsell. The film is produced by Margaret Matheson, co-produced by Gunter Hanfgarn and is set for release in the UK later this year.

Graham said, “I discovered many films and filmmakers at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Edinburgh was my home all through my twenties, and it was in venues like Filmhouse and the Cameo where I learned the value of the stories we tell and the emotions we share. I’m thrilled Iona will have its premiere here and doubly thrilled it will close the Festival. What an honour.”