The programme for Film Fest on the Forth, EIFF's weekend of free outdoor screenings at Port Edgar Marina on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2020, has been unveiled – and it includes everything from aquatic-themed family favourites, short film projects by local school pupils, archival gems and a range of classic Scottish movies, and exciting blockbusters.
Film Fest on the Forth will run at the Marina, which is located on the banks of the Firth of Forth overlooking the three iconic bridges, from 10.00am to 11.30pm each day.
Film Fest on the Forth is a key part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 where Scotland will celebrate its coasts and waters with a year-long programme of events and activities, shining a spotlight on these vital elements of the landscape.
The fantastic line-up will offer something for all audiences from family classics including The BFG, featuring landscapes inspired by the Isle of Skye, Finding Nemo, Brave and The Little Mermaid, New Zealand gem Whale Rider, much-loved Scottish classics, set on the coasts of Scotland, Whisky Galore!, Local Hero, Ring of Bright Water, The Illusionist and Dear Frankie, alongside main evening screenings of aquatic blockbusters The Abyss and Jaws, which sees its 45th anniversary this year.
In addition, there will be screenings of special archive material highlighting Scotland’s amazing coasts and waters, a short film made by Bankton Primary School pupils celebrating the new Queensferry Crossing, an EIFF Youth short film project made by Preston Lodge High School pupils inspired by the local coastline, and some very special screenings of much-loved Scottish travelogue, Weir’s Way. The programme will also include a special presentation of Sound from the Edge of the World, a rich collage of archival footage of the landscapes, traditions and rhythms of the Orkney islands accompanied by an experimental score, created by students at the University of Edinburgh inspired by EIFF’s 2020 retrospective: The Big Score – a celebration of musical innovation in cinema.
The full detailed programme will be published in April.
Film Fest on the Forth screenings will be staged in an outdoor area which can accommodate up to 1,000 film fans. You can get to Port Edgar Marina by train, bus, car, foot and boat. If you’re driving there is a £5 car parking charge which will be donated to one of Port Edgar Marina’s charity partners, RNLI – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. If you’re coming by boat contact the marina office by phone or VHF before arrival to be allocated a berth.
Food and drink will be available from Marina tenants Scott’s restaurant and Down the Hatch as well as additional food and drink vendors coming in especially for the weekend, including EIFF partners Johnnie Walker, Innis & Gunn, and Poco Prosecco.
Guests at Film Fest on the Forth will be able to come and go as they please throughout the weekend, with other attractions to enjoy on site such as activities on the water from Port Edgar Watersports and shopping at the Marina’s store, Beacon.
Russell Aitken, Managing Director of Port Edgar Marina said:
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with EIFF in hosting this special open-air screening as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts & Waters 2020. It’s an incredible initiative to be involved with and we look forward to welcoming families from across Scotland to showcase the stunning location of the marina.”
Rod White, Director of Programming at EIFF said:
“It’s a great pleasure to present an amazing programme of films that we believe will bring audiences together in celebrating Scotland’s magnificent coasts and waters. From well-loved classics to slightly lesser known treasures and rarely seen footage of Scotland, each one of these films is a joy to behold, and to see them on a big screen by the water with the three iconic bridges in the background will be a very special experience indeed. And all for free! We are delighted to be working with our friends at Port Edgar Marina to bring our special event to South Queensferry, and look forward to seeing everyone in June.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said:
“We are delighted to be supporting Film Fest on the Forth as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020. Scotland offers the perfect stage for audiences to enjoy unique experiences and this special cinematic event will showcase classic films in a memorable outdoor setting.”
Film Fest on the Forth, Port Edgar Marina, Shore Road, South Queensferry EH30 9SQ. Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, 2020
The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 17 – 28 June 2020. The full programme will be announced on 27 May 2020.