Event Details
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026: The 79th Edition of the World's Oldest Film Festival
The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) returns for its 79th edition from 13 to 19 August 2026. Established as the home of independent cinema in the UK, the festival presents seven days of world premieres, international debuts, retrospectives and short film showcases from Scotland and across the globe. The festival opens with Louis Paxton's debut feature "The Incomer" and closes with the world premiere of Louise Lockwood's documentary "Bel".
Highlights 2026
- 21 world premieres of feature films, including 10 competing for the Sean Connery Prize
- Opening night with "The Incomer" by Louis Paxton (International Premiere)
- Closing night world premiere of "Bel", documentary by Louise Lockwood
- Inaugural EIFF Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award presented to Kenneth Branagh
- In Conversation events with Ewan McGregor, Bruce Dern, Christine Vachon and Ken Burns
- Special 30th anniversary screening of Trainspotting
- Retrospectives: 20 years of "Little Miss Sunshine", 25 years of "Sexy Beast", 30 years of Kenneth Branagh's "Hamlet"
- New venue Cineworld Fountainbridge and festival debut of Leith Theatre
- Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence: £50,000 prize, decided by audience vote
- Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence: £15,000 prize
Programme and Venues
The 2026 programme features 38 new feature film presentations from countries including Scotland, Ireland, the USA, Italy, Greece, Japan, France, Denmark, Lithuania, Canada and Portugal. The Sean Connery Prize competition showcases ten feature-length world premieres, with the winner selected by audience vote and awarded £50,000 to support future projects.
The festival is spread across several city-centre venues: Filmhouse (Lothian Road), Cameo Picturehouse (Home Street), new partner venue Cineworld Fountainbridge (Dundee Street), Monkey Barrel Comedy (Blair Street) and first-time festival venue Leith Theatre (Ferry Road). The Festival Hub is based at Tollcross Central Hall, hosting industry talks, networking events and the popular In Conversation series.
The In Conversation strand brings together major filmmaking talent: Hollywood veteran Bruce Dern personally introduces a screening of his classic "Coming Home"; documentary filmmaker Ken Burns presents a special episode from his new work on the American Revolution; producer Christine Vachon reflects on a career at the heart of independent cinema; and Scottish global star Ewan McGregor discusses his creative journey to date.
Tickets and Prices
Tickets for EIFF 2026 are available through the official festival website edfilmfest.org and through the Edinburgh Fringe Box Office at edfringe.com. All prices listed include a £1.25 booking fee per ticket, capped at a maximum of £5.00 per transaction.
- Standard ticket: £13.25 (Concession: £11.25)
- Spotlight ticket (Opening Night, Closing Night, In Conversation events): £16.25 (Concession: £14.25)
- Retrospective screenings: £11.25 (Concession: £9.25)
- Pay What You Can: £4.25 / £7.25 / £10.25 for selected screenings
- Choose Cinema Pass: 10 films for £80 with no booking fees
- Essential Companion Tickets: free of charge
Concessions are available for residents in the EH postcode area, students, under 18s, arts workers, accredited press and industry passholders, D/deaf and disabled people, and those in receipt of benefits. The EdFringe Community Ticketing Initiative (CTI) also provides free tickets to selected community groups across Edinburgh.
Visitor Tips
- Book early: tickets went on sale on 2 July 2026 and popular screenings sell out quickly.
- Most venues are within walking distance of each other, but Edinburgh is extremely busy in August; allow extra travel time.
- Doors open 15 minutes before the advertised start time; the festival does not show trailers before screenings.
- Seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis; arrive early for preferred seats.
- EIFF runs concurrently with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; book accommodation several months in advance.
- August weather in Edinburgh is unpredictable; always carry a light rain jacket.
- Book accommodation in Edinburgh as early as possible.
