Film Festival gets new Director
Paul Ridd, a long-term acquisitions exec at Picturehouse Cinemas, has been named director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF).
As director, Ridd will be responsible for creating, developing, and running the business, implementing the fundraising strategy, and delivering a budget and a multi-year plan for the festival.
In addition, the fesival said he will work collaboratively with the board to lead the organisation’s overall strategic direction and sustainability, develop the strategy and vision and build the wider team.
“I am beyond thrilled to be joining EIFF at a crucial point in its history. I aim to lead the festival into a bright new future with world class films, world class filmmakers and engaged audiences at the heart of everything we do. In the coming months I look forward to assembling a team to deliver the festival, working closely with [EIFF chair] Andrew Macdonald and the new board to launch something fresh and different for the global scene. I am indebted to the unparalleled mentorship of Clare Binns [at Picturehouse] these past years and I aim to replicate her fierce dedication, passion, and true love for cinema as the driving principles of the festival. Watch this space, and bring it on.
Ridd started working at Picturehouse Entertainment in 2011 as a programmer for cinemas, moving into acquisitions and has been head of acquisitions since Janaury 2022. During his tenure, Picturehouse releases during Ridd’s time at the company included Francis Lee’s God’s Own Country, Audrey Diwan’s Happening, Charlotte Regan’s Scrapper, and most recently Justine Triet’s Palme D’Or winner Anatomy Of A Fall.
A Screen Future Leader 2021, Ridd has also acted as a programme advisor to the BFI London Film Festival since 2018 and an international consultant for Karlovy Vary International Film Festival from 2019.