STARS including Ewan McGregor, Kenneth Branagh and Ken Burns have been announced for the Edinburgh International Film Festival’s (EIFF) 2026 Industry Programme.
The event, running from 13 to 19 August at Central Hall, features industry talks, networking opportunities, and the inaugural UK Film Conference.
Other notable figures participating include Christine Vachon, Bruce Dern, Max Minghella, and Prano Bailey-Bond.
The wide-ranging schedule focuses on independent film in the UK, cross-arts conversations, and new talent support.
The programme begins on Friday 14 August with talks from independent film producer Christine Vachon and legendary documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.
Scottish actor Ewan McGregor will participate in an afternoon conversation event in partnership with BAFTA Scotland, followed by an evening session on the business of film featuring Mia Bays, Director of the BFI Filmmaking Fund.
On Saturday 15 August, the UK Film Conference will launch with a keynote address from British Film Institute CEO Ben Roberts in conversation with Clare Binns.
Further Saturday sessions will cover low-budget filmmaking and project development. A panel titled New Nightmares will discuss genre cinema, featuring actor and filmmaker Max Minghella alongside directors Prano Bailey-Bond, Chee Keong Cheung, and Joby Stephens.
Actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh will appear on Sunday 16 August as the recipient of the inaugural EIFF Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award.
A session for the BIFA Springboard programme, supporting writers, directors, and producers on their second feature, will follow.
Monday 17 August includes a panel on literary adaptation with speakers Sarah Brocklehurst, Miriam Battye, Jay Parini, and Marc Turtletaub. A conversation event with actor Bruce Dern will also take place.
The programme concludes on Tuesday 18 August with discussions on angel investors and the colonial gaze in cinema, the latter led by filmmaker Paul Sng.
EIFF CEO Paul Ridd said the schedule offers discussions and networking opportunities for creatives to hear from experts, adding that the UK Film Conference supports their mission to be a centre for independent cinema.
Industry accreditation is available for £150, with concessions at £135.
The festival opens with Louis Paxton’s debut feature The Incomer and closes with Louise Lockwood’s documentary Bel.
