Edinburgh International Film Festival postponed due to coronavirus outbreak

Actress Kelly Macdonald on the red carpet at the Edinburgh International Film Festival

The Edinburgh Film Festival, due to take place in June, has been postponed.

Organisers said they were taking the move to safeguard the health of staff, guests and audiences amid the coronavirus outbreak.

They are currently working on having some elements of the festival run at a future date.

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In line with the UK Government and Scottish Government’s public health advice we are sad to announce that we are postponing the 74th EIFF due to take place in June. pic.twitter.com/4mMoiWCG5t

— Edinburgh Film Fest (@edfilmfest) March 18, 2020

A statement from festival organisers said: “We are looking at which elements of the Festival can be delivered later in the year and hope to share news on that in due course.

“Our first priority is the health and wellbeing of our staff, filmmaker guests and audiences, and we wish you all health and strength through this difficult time.

“We look forward to a brighter time when EIFF can bring us all back together in a shared celebration of film, and its role in giving us a window on the best and most diverse stories and story tellers from across the world.

“In the meantime please consider making a donation or supporting the Festival by becoming an EIFF Friend.”

CEO of Edinburgh International Film Festival, Ken Hay added: “It is with huge regret that we have taken the necessary decision to postpone the 74th Edinburgh International Film Festival. Film festivals are critical platforms for films and filmmakers to reach and engage with audiences, and EIFF has done this uninterrupted for 74 years. However the health and wellbeing of our staff, filmmaker guests and audiences has to be the first consideration.

“We are looking at which elements of the Festival may be delivered later in the year and we will keep you informed as plans develop. For now, we would like to thank our funders, sponsors, partners, staff, donors, patrons, filmmakers, sales agents, distributors and audiences for their loyalty, support and understanding in these unprecedented times.”