The Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced today that this year's country focus will be Finland. Working in association with the Finnish Film Foundation, EIFF will present a programme of new Finnish documentary and fiction features, a programme of Finnish shorts and other special screenings. The Finnish focus will also include territory-specific industry activity and special guests.
EIFF Deputy Artistic Director, Diane Henderson said: “With its rich film heritage, Finland is a country that features often at EIFF and this year we’re very excited to present this appreciation of films from this fascinating country. We are delighted to be working with the Finnish Film Foundation and are looking forward to welcoming our special guests from Finland to Edinburgh in June.”
Jaana Puskala, Head of the International Department at The Finnish Film Foundation added: “Finland has the joy and honour of being the focus country at the 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival. We are gathering an interesting showcase of different Finnish films and we hope our films and filmmakers will offer a chance to glimpse the landscape of this Northern nation’s soul. Our filmmakers and producers who will be in attendance in Edinburgh are looking forward to meeting and greeting their Scottish and UK colleagues".
EIFF have also announced a new Works in Progress section, as part of the Festival’s industry offering. This industry-facing event will offer up to seven UK narrative feature titles to an invited audience of sales agents, financiers, festival programmers and distributors.
EIFF Works in Progress will join the existing industry events programme, talent development programmes and networking events, alongside a dedicated programme of events with Finnish-UK producers.
Filmmakers interested in submitting projects for consideration should visit the official site to find out more.
The 70th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival will run from June 15 to 26.
