Edinburgh' s a contender

Following several years of decline, the Edinburgh International Film Festival is making an effort to regain its status. The programme for the event, which begins on June 20th, was unveiled last week; though high- profile premieres remain worryingly scarce, Chris Fujiwara, the new director, has managed to put together an intriguing selection of screenings.

Events kick off with an unveiling of William Friedkin’s Killer Joe. Written by Tracy Letts, who penned the director’s fine Bug, the picture features a newly reconditioned Matthew McConaughey in a tale of Texas skulduggery. The festival closes with a gala premiere of Brave, the latest film from Pixar. Given that the animation concerns highland warriors, it always looked like a shoo-in for that slot.

“Our programme reflects the exceptionally vibrant state of current cinema,” Fujiwara puffed. “Our audiences will be able to explore a wide range of outstanding films from around the world, including work by established masters and films from new and emerging talents.”

Following severe criticism of the decision to shelve the Michael Powell Award for best British feature, the festival will, this year, reinstate the gong. The Irish end is kept up with slots for James Marsh’s fine Shadow Dancer, a tale of the Troubles; and Grabbers, a horror comedy starring Ruth Bradley and Bronagh Gallagher.