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| Kristy Matheson is to take up the position of BFI festivals director in London |
The festival's future had been in doubt since the collapse of the Centre for the Moving Image in October, which also saw the closure of Edinburgh Filmhouse and Aberdeen's Belmont cinemas with the loss of more than 100 jobs. Members of the 2022 EIFF programming team Kate Taylor and Kristy Matheson were tasked with assessing whether the festival had a viable future.
Taylor will take on the role of programme director as Matheson was today confirmed as the new BFI festivals director, overseeing London Film Festival and Flare.
Taylor said: “Attending first as audience member, then as film worker, my experience of Edinburgh International Film Festival has always been of a place that sparks inspiring conversations about film, and over the past few months it has been nourishing to hear the stories of many people – filmmakers, audience and industry who hold this festival dear. I’m excited to deliver the ideas that the team and I have been working on over the past few months and be a custodian for this year’s programme, ensuring the flame of EIFF burns bright, and I can’t wait to welcome audiences to enjoy the curated selection of films we’ll be presenting in August.”
Full programme details will be announced in June.
Screen Scotland remains in place as EIFF's primary public funder. A press statement said it "will work across the summer with a working group of industry experts to deliver a long-term future for a stand-alone Film Festival, which will be presented annually from August 2024".
Speaking about her new appointment, Matheson said: “Festivals provide filmmakers, artists and audiences with a moment to commune on a grand scale – to experience ideas, ask big questions and celebrate together. The BFI London Film Festival and BFI Flare represent the very best of this spirit, exploring the depth of UK and global cinema, nurturing new talents, profiling our screen industries and connecting audiences to innovations in the moving image. I’m honoured and excited to be joining this team, to work alongside colleagues who are leaders in their fields and bring a passion for connecting audiences to the full breadth of screen culture.”
