Paul Ridd, the director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), is gearing up for the festival’s first edition under his leadership, which will run from August 15-21. Ridd, who took on the role towards the end of 2023, describes the final weeks of preparation as a time of “healthy intensity.”
Despite the challenges faced by the festival in recent years, Ridd saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the event. With a board comprising industry heavyweights like Trainspotting producer Andrew Macdonald and former Disney exec Peter Rice, Ridd aims to honor the festival’s rich history while introducing fresh elements.
One of Ridd’s key objectives is to emphasize the international aspect of the festival, showcasing films from countries like Iran, Mexico, India, and Kazakhstan alongside local offerings. By breaking down barriers between different national cinemas and genres, Ridd hopes to create a diverse and inclusive program that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
In a bid to align EIFF with the broader arts scene in Edinburgh, Ridd has introduced cinema pop-ups in venues near other live performances, fostering collaboration and cross-pollination between different creative disciplines. This move is part of Ridd’s vision to position EIFF as a global launch platform for independent and emerging filmmakers.
Despite the logistical challenges of hosting the festival in August, Ridd remains optimistic about the advantages of this timing. By offering affordable industry and press accreditation, as well as adopting a “pay what you can” policy for screenings, Ridd aims to make the festival accessible to a wide range of participants.
Looking ahead, Ridd draws inspiration from North American festivals like Sundance, Toronto, and Telluride, envisioning a future for EIFF that mirrors their success and innovation. By focusing on quality over quantity and maintaining a consistent program size, Ridd hopes to foster meaningful conversations and connections within the film community.
As Edinburgh Filmhouse prepares to reopen, Ridd expresses his commitment to utilizing the venue for future festival screenings, expanding the footprint of EIFF and engaging with the local film community. With a robust industry program featuring top speakers and industry professionals, Ridd aims to establish EIFF as a premier destination for filmmakers and industry insiders.
With no time limit on his contract, Ridd looks forward to experimenting, learning, and growing with the festival, taking feedback and insights into account as he steers EIFF into the future. As the festival kicks off its first edition under his leadership, Ridd’s enthusiasm and vision promise an exciting and dynamic event for film lovers and industry professionals alike.
