Edinburgh International Film Festival

79th edition: 13 - 19 August 2026

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

Ahead of the 79th edition of EIFF, our CEO and Festival Director @PaulRidd spoke with @Variety about this year’s festival vision and EIFF’s mission to build a 'Home for Independent Cinema.'

You can read the full interview over on https://t.co/CvlNLQb5Kb - https://t.co/qBRyGA2e2N

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

With enormous thanks to @universaluk for supplying the film.

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

We are thrilled to announce Louis Paxton’s #TheIncomer as the Opening Night film of #EIFF2026!

After premiering at #Sundance The Incomer is coming back home to Scotland for its UK Premiere at EIFF in August!

Starring #DomhnallGleeson & #GayleRankin
EIFF2026 runs 13 - 19 Aug

[Variety @Variety]

Louis Paxton's Scottish Comedy 'The Incomer' Set to Open Edinburgh Film Festival, Lands at Focus Features for International https://t.co/E5do3PSZjw

[Deadline @DEADLINE]

The 2026 Edinburgh International Film Festival will open with 'The Incomer,' the debut feature from Edinburgh-born filmmaker Louis Paxton https://t.co/xHwxj49mgl

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

As submissions for the 79th Edition of EIFF have come to a close, we are grateful for all the films entrusted to us for consideration.

We are honoured to witness such a breadth of talent from across the globe.

Thank you for helping shape the future of cinema.

#EIFF2026

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

Previous recipients include Abdolreza Kahani (Mortician, 2025) and Jack King (The Ceremony, 2024).
Tomorrow is the last day to submit your work to Edinburgh International Film Festival!

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

Launched in 2024, The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence comes with a £50,000 cash prize, with the winner decided by an audience vote.

#EIFF2026 #FinalCall

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

Three more days to submit your work to Edinburgh International Film Festival!

With millions of people visiting Edinburgh over festival season, including some of the finest cinematic talent on the planet, screening at EIFF is an opportunity like no other.

#EIFF2026 #FinalCall

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

CEO & Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa represented Edinburgh International Film Festival at @picturehouses Create in London this weekend, taking part in a networking brunch, a festival panel and a pitching session with emerging filmmakers.

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

We’ve been thrilled by the incredible response and the high volume of submissions from filmmakers around the world. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their work, we’ve decided to extend our submissions deadline for one more week.

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

Filmmakers can now send us their films until 24 April 2026 through FilmFreeway. Make sure to review all submission requirements carefully before submitting your film. We’re excited to discover and celebrate these new projects and can’t wait to see the stories you’ve created.

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

We’ve been thrilled by the incredible response and the high volume of submissions from filmmakers around the world. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their work, we’ve decided to extend our submissions deadline for one more week.

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

Kahani’s ‘Mortician’ won the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence in 2025. Last day to submit your film! Be part of EIFF 2026, and discover the world’s best emerging filmmaking talent.

#EIFF2026 #FinalCall

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

“A place to discover new ideas. The best audience, in my opinion”

We can’t wait to welcome you all to the 2026 Edinburgh International Film Festival, where innovative voices like Abdolreza Kahani can showcase their work.

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

Don’t miss your chance to be part of EIFF, the home of independent cinema in the heart of the world’s leading festival city. Submit your film before the deadline.

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

Last few days to submit your film.

Your story deserves the spotlight! With just a few days left to submit, now is the moment to join the legacy of filmmakers who have shaped Edinburgh International Film Festival.

#EIFF2026

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

World Premiere films will be eligible for potential selection to compete for the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence worth £50,000 Both awards are decided by audience vote, putting the power directly in the hands of film lovers.

[Edinburgh International Film Festival @edfilmfest]

Trevor Neuhoff was the winner of The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence in 2024 which this year will award £15,000 to the winner.