Edinburgh Cinemas Guide

Edinburgh International Film Festival makes a welcome permanent return to the August festival bonanza

Feature by Jamie Dunn | 18 Jul 2022
  • Raiders of the Lost Ark with RSNO

For the last decade or so, Edinburgh cinephiles have had a quiet August. The Edinburgh International Film Festival was first held in 1947, the same year as the International Festival, and both events ran concurrently until 2008, when EIFF spread its wings to a new June slot. But film fans no longer have to look on enviously at the various celebrations of theatre, comedy, dance, opera, literature and music that come to the Scottish capital every August. Last year, a mini-edition of EIFF was welcomed back into the fold, and it looks like film is here to stay.

Overseeing EIFF’s permanent move to August is Kristy Matheson, the festival's newly appointed Creative Director. “The whole point of moving the festival back to August is really about ensuring that film is central to that broader cultural conversation that happens here every summer,” she says. “Obviously the August festivals are very important to local audiences, but it's also hugely international. It's a global gathering of people and talent, and I think it's really important that film, as an art form, is in that mix.”

At the time of writing the full EIFF programme has yet to be announced, but some details are beginning to emerge. The theme of this year’s festival will look back to 1972, when EIFF presented the first global film event entirely dedicated to the cinematic achievements of women directors. ”Honouring that pioneering programme,” says EIFF, “this year’s theme will acknowledge the multiplicity and variety of feminisms in contemporary society across our entire programme.”

We know that EIFF will be split into five strands this year: The Conversation (cinema to get you talking), The Chamber (arthouse cinema for the culturally curious), Heartbreakers (films about friendship, family, lovers, and cheaters), Night Moves (cult, music, late-night thrills), and Postcards From the Edge (bold visions to expand horizons). The annual Michael Powell Award celebrating British cinema is also changing. This year it becomes the Powell & Pressburger Award, and will see five British films competing alongside five international titles.

The festival comes to a close on 20 August with the UK premiere of the gorgeous sci-fi film After Yang, the second feature from Korean-American director Kogonada. “As a huge fan of Kogonada’s previous film Columbus, I could not be happier to be closing the festival with the director’s latest offering,” says Matheson. “After Yang is an exquisite jewel of a film, boasting knockout performances from some of the finest acting talents from Ireland and the UK. I’m sure audiences will share my enthusiasm for this thought-provoking and deeply moving film.”

In addition to After Yang, Kogonada will present a programme of some of the films that have inspired him. There will also be a full retrospective of the films by Japanese director Tanaka Kinuyo. Having acted for celebrated filmmakers like Yasujirō Ozu and Kenji Mizoguchi throughout the 30s and 40s, Kinuyo stepped behind the camera in 1953 with the star-studded drama Love Letter. EIFF will screen Love Letter, plus Kinuyo’s five subsequent features.

A Quick Guide to Edinburgh Cinemas

Filmhouse
Edinburgh's premier arthouse cinema, Filmhouse boasts an expertly curated programme of contemporary and classic films from all over the world, with its three cinemas screening an enviable lineup of retrospectives, festivals and themed seasons each month. 88 Lothian Rd

Cameo
Edinburgh's most iconic cinema, Cameo offers a fine selection of arthouse-leaning films and often throws the odd classic in the mix. The bar is also lovely and well stocked. 38 Home St

Dominion
Edinburgh's prettiest cinema, this gorgeous family-run art-deco theatre offers the comfiest viewing experience in town, with lush sofas, ushers who escort you to your seat, and complimentary drinks. 18 Newbattle Ter

Everyman
Edinburgh's poshest cinema, the newly-opened Everyman screens a mix of mainstream and indie titles, but the main draw is its classy bar and restaurant. For added luxury, there's table service from the comfort of your cinema seat. St James Quarter

Vue
Edinburgh's cheapest cinema, Vue is a no-nonsense multiplex chain that screens a wide selection of mainstream and family fare at affordable prices, with tickets starting at £4.99. Omni Centre, Ocean Terminal

Cineworld
Edinburgh's biggest cinema, not just in terms of the number of screens, but size of screens too – it's home to Edinburgh's only IMAX. Fountain Park


EIFF takes place 12-20 Aug, with the full programme announced 20 Jul
edfilmfest.org.uk