Chris Fujiwara is staying on at EIFF

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) today announced the continuation of Artistic Director Chris Fujiwara’s tenure, initially for a further three years. The appointment was announced following 2012’s successful EIFF that saw admissions of just over 40,000 across the 12-day event.

The 66th EIFF, Fujiwara’s first Festival as Artistic Director, hosted an international programme with 120 diverse new feature films, alongside two retrospectives, shorts programmes, a full industry programme, talent development labs, education initiatives and special events. Fujiwara also oversaw the return of the Michael Powell and International Awards to the Festival, as well as high-profile red carpet premieres at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre.

Commenting on his future at EIFF, Chris Fujiwara said: “Working on this year’s EIFF has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling experiences of my career. The interest and enthusiasm of the Festival audience and the dedication and professionalism of the Festival staff and volunteers have transformed my view of the importance cinema can hold in people’s lives. I’m deeply grateful to the Board for their confidence in me, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our relationships with our audiences and with international filmmakers, distributors and sales agents. I’m very excited about working to shape the future of EIFF.”

On behalf of the EIFF Board which confirmed the appointment, Chair, Leslie Hills said: “EIFF is an institution with a reputation for reinvention over decades. Chris Fujiwara gave us a superb reinvention in EIFF 2012. Chris, along with the excellent support of staff and volunteers delivered, with his signature intelligence, knowledge and humour, a multi-faceted programme which engaged filmgoers and professionals, students and critics alike. We are utterly delighted that he has accepted our offer to build on this very promising first edition. “