Please be advised that Edinburgh city centre is becoming a low emissions zone (LEZ). All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must now meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. To check if your car meets LEZ emissions standards, please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lez
Edinburgh International Film Festival
The Edinburgh International Film Festival celebrates the best UK and international cinema. With a programme of movie screenings, events and talks over a 2-week festival every summer.
This is one of Edinburgh’s oldest festivals. Established in 1947, along with the International Festival and Fringe Festival, it is renowned around the world. Showcasing new and innovative talent across all forms of film. Such as feature films, short films, animations, documentaries and experimental cinema.
History of the Edinburgh International Film Festival
The festival started out in 1947 as the International Festival of Documentary Films. But over the years, the programme expanded to include fiction and experimental cinema. It eventually became the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF).
The EIFF has welcomed many stars over the years, such as Gene Kelly, Clint Eastwood, Sean Connery, Jennifer Lawrence, Tilda Swinton, Ewan McGregor and Cate Blanchett. It has also hosted huge UK premieres, like Blade Runner, Back to the Future, Taxi Driver, Annie Hall, The Usual Suspects, Amelie, The Hurt Locker and Disney’s Brave.
Today, the film festival takes place every June. It continues to celebrate the most exciting new films, both in the UK and around the world. Furthermore, the inspiring programme includes spectacular opening and closing night galas. And also, a wide variety of film categories, including country focus and retrospective strands. Based at The Filmhouse on Lothian Road, but using various other cinemas and theatres across Edinburgh.
‘It was such a nice couple of days in Edinburgh! Great festival, great organization and people of course! Thank you!’
– Edinburgh Film Festival Facebook Review
Come to the EIFF
The film festival programme is announced online before the festival and tickets for events and screenings are available in advance. For this year’s dates and programme, please see the EIFF website.
Our city centre hotel is certainly well located for the Edinburgh festivals. So take a look at our special offers and book your Edinburgh International Film Festival accommodation with us.
