Closing film revealed for Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026
The World Premiere of Louise Lockwood’s powerful debut documentary feature Bel will be the Closing Night Film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026.
Bel tells the story of Beldina Odenyo, the Kenyan-Scottish musician, singer and songwriter, who performed under the stage name, Heir of the Cursed as well as working across Scotland’s theatre and poetry communities. After her acclaimed performance at the Scottish Album of the Year Awards in 2021, Bel took her own life, leaving behind raw, intimate video diaries and a hard drive full of original songs of great beauty.
This stirring film documents the journey her sister and friends took to release her work posthumously, creating a heartfelt, insightful portrait of a complex, intelligent and profoundly talented young woman.
Bel is the first feature documentary for cinematic release from Louise Lockwood who has been making acclaimed multi-award-winning television documentaries for over 20 years.
Louise has said: “I never knew Bel but her sister, Leah, is my friend. We live in the same village outside Glasgow, our children go to school together and I witnessed the impact Bel’s death had on her family and friends. When she died Bel was still relatively unknown, I want to help Leah change that. The talent was and still is there – hopefully this film will help give Bel a platform to share it from.”
Produced by BAFTA-winning producer Sarah Howitt; executive producers John Archer (Hopscotch Films), Nancy Bornat, and Mark Thomas; and associate producer, the award-winning Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright Jackie Kay.
EIFF CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd has said: “From the moment we saw this profoundly moving film we knew it had to be at our Festival. Posthumously honouring a great lost Scottish artist with sensitivity, warmth and nuance, Louise Lockwood’s film, like Bel’s music, is humane, intimate and raw. I can think of no better way to close this year than with this wonderful film.”