June is officially movie month in Edinburgh, and it all begins this Sunday 8 June 2014.
In the build-up to the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2014 (18-29 June 2014), This is Edinburgh, in collaboration with the EIFF, is inviting locals of all ages to a number of free outdoor cinema screenings and movie related workshops across the city centre.
Kicking off Film in the City on 8 June, the Grassmarket will be transformed with family-friendly ‘dance-along’ screenings of musical favourites such as Grease and Top Hat. The following weekend will see outdoor screenings return to St Andrew Square (13-15 June) with a collection of cinematic gems. Film in the City will finish up with a packed weekend programme (20- 22 June) of movie inspired workshops, engaging Q&As and animation sessions at Festival Square. Highlights include special animation workshops celebrating the pioneering filmmaker Norman McLaren.
Speaking on behalf of the city centre campaign, This is Edinburgh, Andy Neal, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh said: “Edinburgh always has an incredible energy during the EIFF. Film in the City aims to build on that buzz and create some new exciting, free events that everyone can come along and enjoy. In previous years, outdoor screenings at St Andrew Square were extremely popular and we’re delighted to not only bring them back, but expand the offering to include these new terrific events at the West End and the Grassmarket.”
Ken Hay, Chief Executive of Edinburgh International Film Festival said: “EIFF is delighted to be working with This is Edinburgh in extending the celebration of film in June to include a range of outdoor screenings and events in fantastic city centre locations.”
Amy Noble, Community Dance Manager, Dance Base “Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ is the perfect pairing of film and dance, and absolutely everyone can join in. This dance-along extravaganza is part of Get Scotland Dancing – a nationwide project that does exactly what it says on the tin! Dance Base is delighted to be involved in Film in the City, and we whole-heartedly welcome the opportunity to work with our neighbours in the Grassmarket to create this special afternoon that celebrates dance at the movies.”
A brand new Edinburgh Movie Map has also been revealed, guiding film fans to city’s top film locations, immortalised in favourites such as Trainspotting, The 39 Steps, Filth, One Day and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Available to download on thisisedinburgh.com, printed versions of the map can be picked up in Edinburgh’s cinemas, VisitScotland Tourism offices and Transport Edinburgh travel shops.
Watch out for bars, restaurants and retailers across Edinburgh also supporting Film in the City month with a range of offers, special menus and movie-themed cocktails, along with special street food markets appearing across the three Film in the City locations.
For further details on all the Film in the City events or to download the Edinburgh Movie Map visit: www.thisisedinburgh.com#EdinFilm
Film in the City: Grassmarket – Let’s Face the Movies and Dance (Sunday 8 June)
A packed day of vibrant fun entertainment for the whole family, Dance Base and Get Scotland Dancing will be leading ‘dance-along’ performances throughout the four screenings of classic films and musicals including Top Hat, Strictly Ballroom and Grease. With the world famous Gumball 3000 race cars in Edinburgh’s city centre that weekend helping to inspire visitors ‘Grease Lightning’ dance moves, watch out for added extras at the Grassmarket including a ‘Let’s Go Fly A Kite’-making workshop bringing a whole new dimension to children’s favourite movie moments. Make sure to sample the special street food market appearing in the Grassmarket as part of the event.
Date: Sunday 8 June, from 11am – 11pm
Venue: Grassmarket (west end in front of Dance Base)
Cost: Free
Additional information: Families welcome, seating for up to 400 provided.
Film in the City: St Andrew Square (Friday 13 –Sunday 15 June)
Back with a bang, the magnificent setting of St Andrew Square will once again become a giant outdoor movie arena for the full weekend. Enjoy classic flicks and recent hits on a huge outdoor screen at the East End of George Street. Confirmed titles so far include Gregory’s Girl, family-favourite How To Train Your Dragon, Giorgio Moroder’s restoration of the iconic Metropolis (Saturday), Scottish classic Local Hero and 1980s classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, with plenty more to come. Visitors are invited to pack a picnic, grab a rug, sit back, relax and enjoy this special cinematic experience in Scotland’s capital.
Date: Friday 13 June, 5pm-11pm; Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June, 10:30am-11pm
Venue: St Andrew Square
Cost: Free
Additional information: Families welcome. Space for 1,000, but no seating provided. Please note, some of the films later in the day may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Film in the City: Festival Square (Friday 20- Sunday 22 June)
Celebrating the opening weekend of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Film in the City is organising a huge variety of fun and educational workshops and activities at Festival Square. Designed to inspire and excite the city’s next generation of movie-makers, the three-day programme will include events as part of the Festival’s youth activity, Q&As with visiting filmmakers and special animation workshops as part of McLaren 2014, marking 100 years since the birth of pioneering Scottish filmmaker, Norman McLaren.
Date: Friday 20 – Sunday 22 June 10am and 8pm
Venue: Special covered area within Festival Square
What: A mix of animation workshops, youth activity and filmmaker Q&As
Cost: Free, but some sessions may be ticketed
Additional information: Families welcome, workshops suitable for children aged 7+. Seating available.
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