Dig the new breed

By Laura Peebles

The Edinburgh International Film Festival finally kicks off today with a markedly different feel to that of previous years. New EIFF director James Mulligan recruited Mark Cousins and Lynda Myles (both former festival directors) and actress Tilda Swinton to devise a “creative blueprint”, which has completely transformed the festival, and despite a skeptical reaction from the mainstream press, looks both brave and inspiring.

Farewell to the glitz and glamour of the red carpet and award ceremonies. Instead the glitterati of the film world will find themselves shaking hands with the common people as 63 of the festival’s events will be open to the public. As well as a new headquarters - Festivalhouse@Teviot - there are a bunch of great new initiatives and events.

The programme is rightly extensive and varied but Product recommends:

Reel Science

This strand contemplates film through the filter of science.  “The Terminator “ and “Memento” will be screened with discussions afterwards by professionals in related fields, such as informatics and neuroscience, exploring the themes raised by the films. For ”The Terminator” event, discussions will centre on the possibility of rational, mechanical thought. Leonard’s condition in “Memento” will come under close examination. Also included, are events involving science, music and film. Improvising Live Music For Film, which takes place on Thursday (16 June) investigates the role music plays in film to manipulate the emotions of the viewer and its subsequent neurological impact.

Conflict | Reportage

Delves deep into the realm of modern day conflict reportage. Check out The “Bang Bang Club”, directed by Steven Silver and starring Ryan Phillippe. The film is based on the memoirs of photojournalists Joao Silva and Greg Marinovich, whose work - as well as that of others – will be on display throughout the festival. Debut documentary feature from Danfung Dennis, “Hell and Back Again” , about the madness of the Afghan military adventure, won two awards at Sundance and there’s some credibility to its boast of being documentary like you’ve never seen before.  The Future Of War Reporting event will demonstrate the use of technology which will change the way news is reported.

World Premieres

Page Eight. Director David Hare’s first film in twenty years is a spy thriller with a cast comprising the cream of British acting talent (Rachel Weisz, Bill Nighy and Micheal Gambon amongst them)

Perfect Sense. Fans of Scottish cinema will be delighted by the reunion of Directer David MacKenzie with Ewan McGregor, here paired with Eva Green in an intriguing movie.

Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure sounds as though it could be a right laugh. Cult phenomenon turned documentary, recordings of neighbours arguments are used to explore some of the issues surrounding privacy, voyeurism and copyright in modern times.

Nokia Shorts Weekender

Again a new initiative, this will be three days dedicated entirely to the art of the short film. Take your pick, explore and enjoy.