Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023: Celebrating Cinema with Ken Loach and Industry Legends
This year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) will be a remarkable celebration of cinema, featuring renowned British filmmaker Ken Loach along with his long-time collaborators, writer Paul Laverty and producer Rebecca O’Brien. On August 20, they will engage in an insightful discussion about their acclaimed body of work, including the iconic Palme d’Or winners The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) and I, Daniel Blake (2016). Following this conversation, the trio will introduce a special retrospective screening of The Wind That Shakes the Barley, showcasing a stunning 35mm print of the film starring Cillian Murphy.
The EIFF’s In Conversation series will also spotlight a diverse array of filmmaking talent. Notable speakers include acclaimed director Kevin Macdonald, known for his films like The Last King of Scotland and Touching the Void, who will share the stage with his brother, producer Andrew Macdonald, famous for Trainspotting and 28 Years Later. Kevin will also present a screening of the classic film The Cranes are Flying (1957).
Additionally, rising star Nia DaCosta will discuss her impressive filmography, which includes hits like Candyman and the upcoming The Marvels. She will introduce a special 4K restoration of Doug Liman’s 90s cult classic Go.
The festival will also feature the dynamic director-producer duo Ben Wheatley and Andy Starke, alongside Andrea Arnold, whose latest film Bird made waves at Cannes 2024. Celebrated producer Jeremy Thomas, known for his collaborations with talented directors like Nicolas Roeg and Jonathan Glazer, will engage in a conversation with filmmaker Mark Cousins. Thomas will introduce a special 35mm screening of Roeg’s provocative film Bad Timing (1980).
The Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from August 14 to 20, 2023. Festival director Paul Ridd expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to welcome Ken Loach, Paul Laverty, and Rebecca O’Brien for what promises to be an engaging discussion about their collaborative journey, which has produced two Palme d’Or awards and powerful films over the years. Presenting The Wind That Shakes the Barley from a 35mm print is an exceptional opportunity for our audience. We are delighted to feature this formidable trio among other illustrious speakers, including Jeremy Thomas, Nia Da Costa, Andrew and Kevin Macdonald, Andrea Arnold, and Ben Wheatley.”
Join us at EIFF 2023 to celebrate the art of filmmaking and engage in meaningful conversations with some of the industry’s best!
