As part of its 74th edition in June 2020, Edinburgh International Film Festival is thrilled to present a uniquely cinematic celebration of Scotland’s Coasts and Waters.
Film Fest on the Forth will be a weekend of free outdoor screenings, taking place on 6 and 7 June 2020, at Port Edgar Marina, South Queensferry; a spectacular location on the banks of the Firth of Forth overlooking Edinburgh’s three iconic bridges. EIFF will present an eclectic and entertaining programme featuring much-loved films with aquatic themes, archival gems and classic Scottish cinema, including lots of exciting activities for all ages. The Coasts & Waters theme will continue through the festival’s programme to take place at various Edinburgh venues 17th – 28th June.
Film Fest on the Forth will feature as a prominent part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters in 2020 where Scotland will celebrate its coasts and waters with a year-long programme of events and activities which will shine a spotlight on these vital elements of the landscape. Film Fest on the Forth is supported by the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 events fund, managed by EventScotland.
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland:
“EventScotland is delighted to be continuing its support of the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2020. Recognised for bringing rich, diverse and ambitious cinema from across the world to Scotland, the festival’s exciting plans for Film Fest on the Forth at Port Edgar in celebration of Scotland’s forthcoming Year of Coasts and Waters, further reinforces Scotland as the perfect stage for events and looks set to offer both visitors and locals with a memorable experience, set against a world renowned backdrop.”
Russell Aitken, managing director of Port Edgar Marina:
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with EIFF in hosting this special open-air screening as part of Scotland’s forthcoming Year of Coasts & Waters 2020 and look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from across Scotland and beyond. The location of the marina provides the most stunning views of the three Forth Bridges and the event will be open to all ages … dogs are also welcome!”
EIFF Youth, Edinburgh International Film Festival’s strand for young people, will be running a filmmaking project on the coast with pupils from Preston Lodge High School, Prestonpans – with the short film to be screened at the Festival in 2020. This project is funded through the PLACE Programme, a partnership between the Scottish Government (through Creative Scotland), the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals.
EIFF’s Industry programme will also be hosting events focusing on shooting on location in Scotland and showcasing some of the fantastic waterside locations that are on offer across the country. This will be part of an environmental focus for 2020, looking at how the screen sector can take action on environmental sustainability and adopt best practice to help address the global climate emergency.