The first details of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) have been revealed with the announcement of its opening film, the comedy-drama Sorry, Baby produced by Barry Jenkins (Moonlight). 

The film follows a woman called Agnes as she attempts to move forward with her life following a life-altering tragedy. Written, directed and starring Eva Victor, it's already won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance and is set to appear at this year's Cannes Film Festival Director’s Fortnight, and will be released later this year by A24 in the US and Picturehouse Entertainment in the UK. 

Paul Ridd, CEO and festival director of EIFF, said: ‘This is a film that completely floored us. Its witty and moving script and formal confidence is married to heartbreaking performances from a wonderful cast, and it signals Eva Victor as a major talent on screen and behind the camera. The film’s fierce, uncompromising spirit and independence perfectly aligns with EIFF, and we are honoured to open this year’s Festival with such a wonderful film.’

This first glimpse of the programme finds EIFF continuing to regain its strength after it was plunged into financial uncertainty two-and-a-half years ago when the Centre For Moving Image (CMI) fell into administration (which also led to the closure of Edinburgh’s Filmhouse and Aberdeen’s Belmont Filmhouse). It has since been led by chairman Andrew Macdonald, with Ridd appointed incoming festival director in December 2023.

Further details of the festival, taking place Thursday 14 – Wednesday 20 August are expected in coming weeks. 

Last year’s opening film was The Outrun, an adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling novel about a woman (Saoirse Ronan) coming to terms with her troubled past. ‘There are some optimistic depictions of rural internet connection, but otherwise this feels bracingly authentic,’ wrote Emma Simmonds in our four-star review of the film. ‘The Outrun might be stunningly shot and alive to the healing power of home, but it’s also beautifully unsentimental on Rona’s relationships with her family and the local area. It captures the fierceness of the wind, waves and rain, with the ferocious Scottish weather turning out to be a powerful ally in Rona’s battle against her demons.’ Read the full review.  

In related news, the Filmhouse has announced that it remains on track for a June reopening after a £1.7 million refurbishment and will begin its programming with a strand of films ‘missed’ during its closure. The first week of screenings will include Brady Corbet’s Oscar-winning The Brutalist on 70mm from the cinema’s pre-digital days. 

Edinburgh International Film Festival, various venues, Thursday 14 – Wednesday 20 August.