Edinburgh Film Festival Moves to June for 2008

It is unfortunate that Cinematical can't be present at all the world's film festivals. For instance, none of us will be covering this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival, which starts next Wednesday and runs through August 26. Sure, it isn't as well known as Sundance, Cannes, Toronto, Telluride, or Venice, but Edinburgh is the longest continually running film festival in the world (Venice and Cannes are both technically older). And it does have its share of prestigious premieres and otherwise excellent programming. This year opens with the premiere of David Mackenzie's Hallam Foe, and the schedule includes Anton Corbijn's Control, Park Chan-wook's I'm a Cyborg, but That's Okay, Julie Delpy's 2 Days in Paris and André Téchiné's The Witnesses. For more of what's in store, check out our spotlight on the schedule, or check out the festival's website.

I would love to attend the EIFF, not just to check out the films but also to visit Scotland and see some of my heritage. Of course, I know from previous film festival experience that I probably wouldn't actually get in any sightseeing. It's too bad I have a scheduling conflict this year, but maybe next --even if I'm busy in August. Starting in 2008 the festival will take place June 18-29. I don't quite understand the reasons for the move --just that it is said to make "artistic and commercial sense" -- but the change will remove the festival from being part of the city's month-long arts festival. It also gets the fest away from being squeezed in right before Venice and Toronto. Apparently the programming will end up a little different as the new time frame will allow the EIFF access to other films. The most important thing I can think of about the move, though is that I may actually be free next June.