By Rafa Sales Ross
Scottish producers welcome return of Edinburgh Industry Programme and call for more talent development
The 77th Edinburgh Intl. Film Festival sees the return of its industry programme after last year’s interim edition following the collapse of the festival’s parent company, the Centre of the Moving Image, in 2022. Edinburgh’s industry programme, spearheaded by conversations with Gaspar Noé and Alex Garland, runs from 16-18 August, nestled within the festival’s 15-21 August dates.
The industry weekend will feature a series of panels and networking opportunities for Scottish and international creatives, and will feature new collaborations and partnerships with Fringe organisations and venues. Panellists will include ‘Scrapper’ director Charlotte Regan, BBC Film director Eva Yates, WME Independent head Alex Walton, Picturehouse Entertainment acquisitions manager Julia Trawinska and producer, writer and curator Lynda Myles.
Speaking to Variety ahead of the festival, Scotland-based producers celebrated the return of EIFF’s industry programme, while highlighting the need for more networking and talent development opportunities in Scotland throughout the year. BAFTA Scotland-winning producer Nadira Murray, whose debut film “Winners” (directed by Hassan Nazer) screened at EIFF in 2022, is looking forward to meeting emerging talent at the festival. “As a producer, I go to Edinburgh to meet new voices,” she said.
