Story perspectives

Edinburgh Film Festival to Screen 38 Features, 21 Premieres

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Edinburgh International Film Festival runs Aug 13-19 2026, showcasing 38 new features and 21 world premieres.
The opening gala will screen The Incomer starring Domhnall Gleeson, a Sundance NEXT Innovator Award winner.
Isabel Davis, Screen Scotland executive, will head the BFI’s £20 million film-making fund from October.
Kenneth Branagh receives the inaugural EIFF Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award during Trainspotting’s 30th-anniversary screening, featuring a DJ set by Irvine Welsh and Darren Emerson.

History

Historical Context

The Edinburgh International Film Festival began in 1947 under documentary pioneer John Grierson and the Edinburgh Film Guild, later expanding in the 1950s with John Huston’s involvement. After the 2022 Filmhouse collapse, Creative Scotland revived the brand in 2024, launching the £50,000 Sean Connery and £15,000 Thelma Schoonmaker prizes; the 2025 edition presented 194 screenings to over 16,500 attendees.

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Story summary

The Edinburgh International Film Festival runs Aug 13-19 2026, showcasing 38 new features and 21 world premieres.
The opening gala will screen The Incomer starring Domhnall Gleeson, a Sundance NEXT Innovator Award winner.
Isabel Davis, Screen Scotland executive, will head the BFI’s £20 million film-making fund from October.
Kenneth Branagh receives the inaugural EIFF Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award during Trainspotting’s 30th-anniversary screening, featuring a DJ set by Irvine Welsh and Darren Emerson.

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