July Film Events: 2009

June was such a busy month that it seems the cinemas across Scotland are largely on their summer holidays. Perhaps July is the month to relax, take a break and succumb to the mindless bliss of the blockbuster. However there are a few events to be found, if one is willing to hunt for them.

The always reliable Filmhouse in Edinburgh has a selection worth visiting. There the Made In Edinburgh season draws to a close, completing its celebration of the city's connections with the film industry with a selection of animated films from Ko Lik Animation on 29 July. Three short films are included to give viewers a sample of the company's work – from the Bafta selected The Tree Officer to Haunted Hogmanay, previously seen on the BBC. The night finishes with a Q&A session with some of the filmmakers.

In Aberdeen the very first Aberdeen City and Shire Film Festival will be taking place from the 27 July to the 2 August. Keep an eye on www.aberdeenfilmfestival.com for forthcoming programme and venue details.

Those people at the Filmhouse, after hosting the highly successful Edinburgh International Film Festival in June, remain busy. From 27 July until 2 August the Irish Film Festival lands in the city, with a selection of contemporary Irish films. Included are Once, telling the story of a Dublin busker and a Czech immigrant's encounter, and the black comedy In Bruges, with a special retrospective screening of the John Ford classic The Rising of the Moon.

The Irish theme is continued with Waveriders showing at the Dundee Contemporary Arts centre from 3-9 July. Narrated by Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins) it traces the history of Ireland's connection with surfing. So for those unable (or unwilling) to experience the real thing, it is a much safer and calmer way to see people take on mother nature. Included is footage of surfers attempting to ride the biggest swell ever captured in Ireland, with waves up to fifty feet.

Finally, unleash your inner drag queen on 13 July and take advantage of the Monday Classic at Cineworld. Yes, it's a rare chance to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert back on the big screen, so get the size 10 high heels and the sequinned dress on and make a day of it! [Becky Bartlett]