08/06/2015 - Bob Last resigns days before the festival, hunt on for successor

Bob Last, chair of Centre for the Moving Image (CMI), the umbrella organisation that oversees the running of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), has resigned with immediate effect. The festival begins June 17 and concludes on June 28. Last is a producer whose credits include Sunset Song [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Terence Davies
film profile], The Illusionist [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Sylvain Chomet
film profile], The Three Musketeers [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and The House of Mirth. The CMI is looking for Last’s successor now. During Last’s time, the EIFF saw a steady growth in audience numbers. 

The festival has seen a fair bit of churn in recent years. In 2011, after an indifferent year under the tenure of James Mullighan, Chris Fujiwara took over as Artistic Director. In September 2014, Fujiwara tendered his resignation shortly after renewing his contrast. No reason was proffered. Mark Adams took over as Artistic Director three months ago. Last had joined as CMI chair in November 2012. 

Last said, “It’s been an honour and a pleasure to chair the CMI. We have made huge strides in developing the business, including raising the profile and standing of EIFF, investing in the future of the Filmhouse Cinema, and taking on the Belmont Filmhouse in Aberdeen.” 

CMI CEO Ken Hay said, “Bob has been a fantastic chair, bringing focus, energy and passion to the role, as the organisation has continued to transform itself. He has been a huge personal support to me. Replacing him will be a challenge, but made much easier by his hard work over the last three years.”