The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) revealed the first details of its 2011 program showcasing some of the best new British films . The program will include the world premiere of political thriller ‘Page Eight’ from twice Oscar-nominated David Hare (best known for the internationally acclaimed ‘The Hours’ and ‘The Reader’) – which stars Bill Nighy, Rachel Weisz, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes and Judy Davis.
Scottish director David Mackenzie (Young Adam, Hallam Foe) will also be bringing the UK premiere of his new sci-fi thriller ‘Perfect Sense’, which stars Ewan McGregor and Ewen Bremner, to the festival.
The full list of British films included in this year’s program will be announced at launch, however additional titles revealed at this stage include:
‘Albatross’: a coming of age drama directed by Niall MacCormick and starring Jessica Brown-Findlay (‘Downton Abbey’), Sebastian Koch (‘The Lives of Others’, ‘Black Book’), Julia Ormond and Felicity Jones (‘Northanger Abbey’, ‘The Tempest’, ‘Page Eight’).
‘Angel’s Crest’: a British-Canadian small town drama directed by British-born Gaby Dellal (‘On a Clear Day’), based on a book by American writer Leslie Schwartz, and starring Jeremy Piven (‘Entourage’), Elizabeth McGovern (‘Kick-Ass’, ‘Downton Abbey’), Mira Sorvino and Kate Walsh.
‘The Caller’: a thriller from Matthew Parkhill (‘Dot the I’), starring Stephen Moyer (‘True Blood’) and Rachelle Lefevre (‘Twilight’).
‘Stormhouse’: the second feature from Dan Turner, a high concept thriller depicting the military capture of a supernatural entity in a secret underground base. International premiere.
‘Weekender’: directed by Karl Golden (‘Pelican Blood’), a comedy drama depicts the 1990s Ibiza scene and stars Jack O’Connell (‘This is England’, ‘Skins’), Emily Barclay and Dean Andrews.
The 2011 EIFF will also support rising Scottish filmmakers, with the inclusion of two films from first-time directors. ‘Fast Romance’, the debut feature from Scottish director Carter Ferguson, is a Glasgow-set romantic comedy depicting seven very different singletons searching for love. And ‘Charlie Casanova’ is a darkly funny crime thriller from first-time writer and director Terry McMahon.
The 65th Edinburgh International Film Festival will take place at venues across the city from 15th-26th June, offering a ‘film for all’ remit and over 100 screenings for audiences to enjoy.