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  1. Sir Sean Connery To Attend Edinburgh International Film Festival

    By Devin Zydel on 2008-05-08

    Sir Sean Connery is set to attend this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival in mid-June.

    Connery will be making an appearance along with co-patron Tilda Swinton at what is known as the longest continually-running film festival in the world. 142 feature-length films from 29 countries will make up this year’s event, scheduled from 18-29 June.

    The full press release follows:

    Veteran actor Sir Sean Connery and Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton are due to attend this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival, organisers revealed.

    The two stars are patrons of the event, which holds the honour of being the longest continually-running film festival in the world. The announcement came as final programme details for the event, which has now moved to a new slot in the calendar, were revealed.

    Festival chiefs said next month’s event will showcase 142 feature-length films from 29 countries, including 15 world premieres.

    Among the movies being shown for the first time anywhere are opening film The Edge Of Love, starring Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller, and Faintheart, which will close the festival. The decision was taken last year to move the festival from August to June.

    Organisers believe the new slot will give them room for the festival to expand.

    Artistic director Hannah McGill said: “We have a terrifically exciting programme this year, which is the happy result of a very enthusiastic response from distributors and filmmakers.

    “From powerful artistic and political statements to works of pure, escapist entertainment, I think this is a festival that reflects an active, vibrant world film culture – and suits the diverse and daring tastes of our audience.”

    Scottish culture minister Linda Fabiani said: “Scotland’s diverse and vibrant cultural life is one of our defining features.

    “It is the energy, commitment and creativity of Edinburgh’s festivals which together make Edinburgh the world’s pre-eminent festival city, attracting tourists and showcasing Scottish talent on the international stage.

    “As the world’s longest continuously-running film festival, the Edinburgh International Film Festival holds a very special place in the hearts of film enthusiasts and professionals. It undoubtedly deserves its excellent reputation and I am sure they will build on this with the 2008 programme and their move to a new position in the calendar.”

    For further details about the event, including the full line-up of films, visit the official website.

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