Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026

The 79th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival returns to Scotland's capital from August 13 to 19, 2026. Under the leadership of Festival Director Paul Ridd, the seven-day event emphasizes its role as a home for independent cinema. The 2026 program includes 38 new feature film presentations and 21 world premieres, with ten films competing for the prestigious Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence.

Notable highlights of the 2026 edition include the presentation of the inaugural Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award to Kenneth Branagh and the world premiere of the Irish film Skintown. The festival also features an extensive 'In Conversation' strand with talent such as Bruce Dern, Ewan McGregor, and Christine Vachon. Special screenings include a 30th-anniversary celebration of Trainspotting at Leith Theatre, featuring live commentary and DJ sets from Irvine Welsh and Darren Emerson.

Screenings and events are distributed across multiple locations, including Cineworld Fountainbridge, Filmhouse, Cameo Cinema, and Monkey Barrel Comedy. Central Hall serves as the festival hub, hosting industry talks and networking events. The program is rounded out by retrospective screenings, short film competitions for the Thelma Schoonmaker Prize, and midnight genre films.