The Skinny's Guide to Edinburgh's Cinemas and Film Festival

Edinburgh in August is an invigorating and life-affirming place to be, what with some of the best theatre, comedy, dance, opera and literature squeezed into every nook and cranny of this modest-sized city. You might have missed, though, that cinema is also part of this melee. Edinburgh International Film Festival moved back to August in 2022 – it previously took place in June – and it’ll once again be offering up a snapshot of contemporary world cinema along with a smattering of classics to tempt audiences away from the chaos of the Fringe and into the relative calm of the cinema screen.  

The film festival takes place across six days this year, running 13 to 19 August. As ever, its programme is one of the last to be announced among Edinburgh festivals, so we won't know the full lineup until 1 July, but the gala screenings that will open and close the festival have been announced. Events kick off in a whimsical fashion with the Scottish comedy The Incomer, the debut feature from Edinburgh-born director Louis Paxton. Set on a remote island off the Scottish coast, it follows 30-something siblings Isla and Sandy, played by Gayle Rankin and Grant O'Rourke, who live an isolated life as the only two residents on their windswept isle, where they have created their own strange mythology. Their way of life comes under threat when Daniel, an awkward council worker played by Domhnall Gleeson, arrives on shore. Closing the festival, meanwhile, is the sure-to-be-moving Bel, a new documentary telling the story of Beldina Odenyo, the award-winning Scottish-Kenyan musician, singer, songwriter and playwright who performed under the stage name Heir of the Cursed, and who died in 2021, aged just 31.

In between these bookends, expect ten new films to be competing in the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, the festival’s annual competition. Audiences should also expect plenty of eye-opening on-stage discussions from the world of cinema. Last year Ken Loach, Andrea Arnold and Nia DaCosta were among the filmmakers taking part in EIFF's In Conversation events. Expect a similar calibre this year. 

Filmhouse. Image: Kat Gollock.

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 four cinemas screening an enviable lineup of retrospectives and themed seasons each month. It’s also a venue for EIFF.
88 Lothian Rd

Cameo
Edinburgh's most iconic cinema, Cameo offers a fine selection of arthouse-leaning films, but in recent years it has really leant into its tradition of screening classics, offering up a pleasing eclectic lineup of repertory screenings each month. The bar is also lovely and well-stocked, and it’s another key EIFF venue.
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 bougiest cinema, the 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

The Scotsman Picturehouse
Edinburgh's fanciest (and priciest) cinema, The Scotsman, a cute single-screener situated at the base of the Scotsman Hotel, really leans into luxury and exclusivity, with date-night packages, Flick & Fizz brunches and private hire on offer.
20 North Bridge

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 from around £7.99.
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

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EIFF takes place 13-19 Aug, with the full programme announced 1 Jul