'Giving more breathing space to Film Festival paid dividends'

THE head of the Edinburgh International Film Festival says the success of the event has vindicated the decision to move it to June.

Artistic director Hannah McGill faced criticism after pulling the event out of the main Edinburgh Festival to "give it more breathing space."

Figures such as Richard Mowe, of the Edinburgh-based French and Italian film festivals, said the move would have a damaging effect on all the city's festivals.

But with the 62nd EIFF coming to a close last week, Ms McGill said the shift had proved a great success.

She said: "It's been amazing. I think we've really proven that having it in June gets it more attention, gets it more status, and gives it more of a definition. We had so many sold-out films and we had lovely filmmakers.

"Most importantly, Everyone enjoyed the festival."