Film Festival Celebrates The Young & the Wild

Edinburgh International Film Festival’s youth strand highlights work by, for, and about young people in an exciting line-up of screenings, events, talks and masterclasses.

The Young & The Wild is supported by Year of Young People 2018, a year-long celebration of Scotland’s 8-26 year olds. The programme has been co-designed by the Film Festival’s Youth Programmers, a group of 15-19 year olds who have delivered a line-up which celebrates and nurtures young film talent.

Young Programmer Madeleine Reay said:

I know this Festival is going to be a great one! There are some amazing films in the programme that I cannot wait for everyone to see.

Among the events taking place between 22-30 June are Masterclasses from Pixar’s Character Tailoring Lead, Fran Kalal, cinematographer Urszula Pontikos and Film Festival Screenwriter in Residence Nicole Taylor (above). Screenings will include Moving Music with Tinderbox Orchestra, in which live musicians will accompany silent films, and a showcase of the 2018 New Visions short film competition winners.

The programme also includes opportunities for aspiring and working filmmakers alike to receive feedback and mentorship through hands-on workshops exploring everything from screen make-up to cinematography and film journalism.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs said:

It’s an outstanding line-up created by young people for this year’s The Young & the Wild programme. The Scottish Government’s Year of Young People is all about creating new opportunities for young people’s skills and talents to flourish.

This project is a unique chance for them to learn directly from world-renowned industry experts and gain hands-on experience to develop their passions and make their CVs stand out.

The newly expanded strand is championed by Inverness-born actress and director Karen Gillan who takes on the role of Patron. Best known for roles in Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy and Jumanji, Gillan embodies the spirit of The Young & the Wild whilst serving as a strong role model for the Festival’s young talent and audiences.

Of this year’s programme, Gillan said:

I am delighted that EventScotland is supporting EIFF’s The Young & the Wild programme for the Year of Young People 2018. This builds on the great work EIFF has been doing for the past four years in developing and inspiring young people who have a passion for cinema.

Through this programme young people will be able to access great international cinema, but more importantly learn from filmmakers from around the world who will visit EIFF in June.

In keeping with its inclusive and encouraging spirit, the Festival will offer an expanded range of free school workshops including the opportunity to participate in the What Scotland Means To Me filmmaking competition. Bursaries are also available to encourage young people from across Scotland to travel to Edinburgh for the Festival.

The Young & the Wild takes place at the Edinburgh International Film Festival between 22-30 June 2018.

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