Hermione Corfield as Kirsty Macleod in EIFF Audience Award winner The Road Dance Photo: Courtesy of EIFF |
The Scottish island melodrama, which is set against the backdrop of the start of the first World War had its world premiere at the festival, which screened 86 in person films to a total audience of 12,000.
Richie Adams, director of The Road Dance said: “When I first learned of our acceptance to the festival, I was ecstatic. EIFF is such a prestigious festival, and where better to launch a Scottish film than Edinburgh. It was wonderful to be with some of our cast and crew at the world premiere and getting the chance to see everyone’s hard work pay off on the big screen. It’s a huge honour to win the audience award - I’m over the moon. As filmmakers, we make movies for audiences, so what better award could we receive.”
EIFF chief executive Ken Hay added: “We are absolutely delighted that audiences came together with us in cinemas across Scotland, outdoors and online to enjoy an exciting, diverse and accessible Edinburgh International Film Festival this year.
“Huge thanks to everyone who made this year’s festival possible, and in particular, Nick Varley and our team of guest programmers, the filmmakers, sales agents and distributors for allowing us to screen their films, the funders, sponsors and donors, and of course, the audiences for making it a festival to remember.”