This year’s programme presents an impactful series of panels on access in filmmaking, animation, gaming and screenwriting, as well as networking opportunities for local and international creatives to engage with industry experts from around the world.
In addition to the wider industry programme, EIFF is also working in partnership with renowned producers Amy Jackson and Lauren Dark who have curated a Unified Series for EIFF this year – a series of insightful one on one discussions with major international and UK film industry executives.
Friday 15th August
The day begins with the first EIFF Networking Brunch delivered in association with WFTV. This will be followed by a Unified Series conversation with executive and producer Rose Garnett.
This will be followed by Ben Wheatley and Andy Starke as part of EIFF In Conversation that afternoon.
Later in the afternoon, an industry panel on Access in Filmmaking will take place, delivered in association with Code Collaboration and Oska Bright. This event will be followed directly by EIFF Networking Drinks. Legendary film producer Jeremy Thomas will take the stage for an EIFF In Conversation with filmmaker Mark Cousins later that evening.
Saturday 16th August
The day opens with an EIFF In Conversation event with Eva Victor (writer, director and star of EIFF Opening film Sorry, Baby) and film producer Adele Romanski (Sorry, Baby, Moonlight, Aftersun), followed by an EIFF Networking Brunch delivered in association with Screen Fringe. The afternoon features a Unified Series discussion with Eva Yates, Director of BBC Film, before an industry panel on The Outrun – From Development to Distribution, exploring the hit novel and film adaptation from early development through to its successful run in cinemas. This panel will be followed by EIFF Networking Drinks in association with BBC Film, before the evening kicks off in true Scottish style with the renowned EIFF Ceilidh.
Sunday 17th August
The day will start with the EIFF Networking Brunch in association with Screen Scotland, at Summerhall Library Gallery. Industry passholders will be invited to join Screen Scotland’s scripted team for the chance to hear more about Talent Builder, Scotland’s new scripted film talent programme. This will be followed by a Unified Series discussion with award winning feature film producer Adele Romanski. Filmmaker and documentarian Kevin Macdonald and his brother, producer Andrew Macdonald, will deliver the EIFF Keynote that afternoon, discussing their varied careers.
An industry panel Animation in Scotland will be delivered in the early evening, in association with Animation Scotland and Animated Women UK, exploring the funding landscape, creative highlights and new technology in animation.
The panel will be followed by EIFF Networking Drinks, before a Unified Series discussion with Oscar nominated US producer David Hinojosa (EIFF 2025 UK Premiere After this Death, Past Lives, Bodies Bodies Bodies).
Monday 18th August
The morning EIFF Networking Brunch will be hosted in association with Screen Academy Scotland, followed by a Unified Series discussion with Farhana Bhula, Interim Director of Film4.
In the afternoon, trailblazing filmmaker Nia DaCosta will be taking part in an EIFF In Conversation, followed by an industry panel on Crafting Fear through Games and Film, delving into survival horror, exploring how games and films create fear through mechanics like resource scarcity, vulnerability and pacing. This event will be followed by EIFF Networking Drinks.
Tuesday 19th August
The morning EIFF Networking Brunch will be hosted in association with Enterprise Ireland, Film in Limerick and Screen Scotland, followed by a special Unified Series panel event on international co-productions.
In the afternoon, writer and director Andrea Arnold will be joining an EIFF In Conversation event to discuss her stellar career. This will be followed by an industry panel on Screenwriting in Scotland, hosted in association with Writers Guild of Great Britain, before the evening EIFF Networking Drinks.
Wednesday 20th August
The Festival’s final day will begin with Ken Loach, Paul Laverty and Rebecca O’Brien as part of EIFF In Conversation, where they will discuss their far-reaching and illustrious careers and collaborations.
Industry Accreditation is priced at £150 (excluding VAT), and £135 (excluding VAT) concessions available to current students across any discipline (aged 18+) and people who may be in receipt of benefits.
Press and Industry accreditation for the Festival closes on 2 August 2025.
EIFF 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland.
