Edinburgh Film Festival has had a turbulent year in terms of press coverage regarding its shorn-back stance and reduced slate. But there was nothing minimalist about its closing afternoon as droves of families headed to the city's Festival Theatre for the UK premiere of The Lion King 3D.
Faces were painted and high-end balloon animals were constructed before everyone grabbed their posh 3D glasses (the additional, smaller nose pieces to help them fit children's faces were a particularly nice touch) and settled down for a treat.
Prior to the screening, there was a sneak peek at the trailer for upcoming, Scottish-set Pixar yarn Brave before actress Brown Lindiwe Mkhize gave a spell-binding solo performance of Circle of Life in character as Rafiki the baboon.
As for the film itself, you have to hand it to Disney, they have done an excellent job of adding depth to their African classic. From the opening scene, which tracks Zazu flying over the savanna to key moments such as the buffalo stampede, the effect is immersive and the colours have been enhanced accordingly so that the 3D doesn't give them a somber edge.
The festival wrapped up with kings of a very different sort, Talihina Sky: The Story Of The Kings Of Leon. The bandmate brothers Caleb, Nathan, Jared and cousin Matthew Followill were in the city for the screening, which was followed by a well-attended party at Teviot House.
All in all a good end to EIFF's 'transitional' year, although I'm not sure 'hakuna matata' is going to be their motto for a while.
