Stars tread the red carpet for launch of Edinburgh Film Festival

By Oliver Farrimond

THE 63rd Edinburgh Film Festival officially launched yesterday with the star-studded premiere of Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes’ new film.

Stars of the movie “Away We Go” were joined by Sir Alan Cumming and festival patron Sir Sean Connery on the red carpet as the internationally-renowned festival had its gala opening night.

John Krasinski, already famous for his role in the American Office, plays the lead part in the film and said that he was delighted to be in Scotland for the launch of the festival.

He said: “Scotland is gorgeous – I’m definitely not in Kansas anymore.

“It’s a completely different place to the United States, it’s so beautiful and I’ve always wanted to come here.

Edinburgh International Film Festival programme launched

By Oliver Farrimond

A STAR-STUDDED programme for the Edinburgh International Film Festival was officially unveiled yesterday at the Capital’s Filmhouse cinema.

Festival patrons Tilda Swinton, Seamus McGarvey and Sir Sean Connery will also return for the event, which runs from 17-28 June.

No fewer than 23 films will have their world premieres at the renowned festival, which will include a special showcase on the work of celebrated Scottish film-makers Peter MacDougall and John Mackenzie.

Scots audiences can look forward to a number of Scottish feature films being screened, including a new film from “Hallam Foe” director David Mackenzie, titled “Spread”.