06/07/2011

After being widely derided by press, public and industry for putting on a show that is regarded as amongst the least successful in its history, the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is ringing in the changes.

First up is the reinstatement of the Michael Powell award for best British film that EIFF controversially dropped for this year’s edition.

A statement on behalf of the Board, CEO and staff of the Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) that runs the festival said, “In advance of a full review of this year’s event, the CMI team wishes to confirm the following: The Edinburgh International Film Festival is a major cinephile festival; the programme of EIFF 2012 will reflect the Festival's 65 year-long commitment to celebrating the art of film making. The Michael Powell Award is a major asset of the EIFF and, after our unique 65th birthday celebrations we will continue our tradition of recognising and rewarding excellence with this award. Feedback on EIFF 2011 will be taken into consideration in our planning for future Festivals. Industry views regarding the dates of the festival are being taken into consideration and a decision will be made in due course. No further comment will be made on these points at this stage.”

It is widely thought that EIFF will move back to its original August date from its current June and be part of the hugely popular larger Edinburgh Festival as in the past.

EIFF has also advertised the position of Artistic Director, a post it failed to fill after Hannah McGill quit last year. The CMI is hedging its bets with the initial appointment for the post being only for one year, with it coming up for review after the 2012 festival.