EIFF backs Chris Fujiwara to extend stay as Artistic Director

ORGANISERS of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) have backed Chris Fujiwara to remain in the post of Artistic Director for at least three years.

The appointment was announced following the huge success of the 2012 event, which saw admissions of just over 40,000 across the 12-day event.

The Film Festival was Fujiwara’s first as Artistic Director, and featured an international programme with 120 new feature films, two retrospectives, shorts programmes, a full industry programme,and special events.

Fujiwara also oversaw the return of the Michael Powell and International Awards to the Festival, as well as high-profile red carpet premieres at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre.

Following the announcement he said: “Working on this year’s EIFF has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling experiences of my career. The interest and enthusiasm of the Festival audience and the dedication and professionalism of the Festival staff and volunteers have transformed my view of the importance cinema can hold in people’s lives. I’m deeply grateful to the Board for their confidence in me, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our relationships with our audiences and with international filmmakers, distributors and sales agents. I’m very excited about working to shape the future of EIFF.”

On behalf of the EIFF Board which confirmed the appointment, Chair, Leslie Hills said: “EIFF is an institution with a reputation for reinvention over decades. Chris Fujiwara gave us a superb reinvention in EIFF 2012.

“Chris, along with the excellent support of staff and volunteers delivered, with his signature intelligence, knowledge and humour, a multi-faceted programme which engaged filmgoers and professionals, students and critics alike.

“We are utterly delighted that he has accepted our offer to build on this very promising first edition.”