Mark Adams named as new chief of Film Festival

Film critic Mark Adams has been unveiled as the new artistic Director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF).

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) today announced the appointment of Mark Adams to the position of Artistic Director.

Adams has been Chief Film Critic for respected film trade magazine Screen International for four years and has written for Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Moving Pictures International, as well as many national newspapers in the UK.

He was Head of Programming at the National Film Theatre in London, was Director of Cinema at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London, and has programmed for numerous film festivals around the world.

He will start the job in March next year, taking over from Chris Fujiwara, whi announced earlier this year he was stepping down after taking charge in 2012.

Adams said; “I’m thrilled to be helping the Edinburgh International Film Festival develop and grow and am looking forward to bringing new, challenging, entertaining and exciting cinema to the city. This is a great festival that deserves its recognition and can only get better and better.”

Ken Hay, CEO of EIFF commented; “We are delighted to have Mark joining the team. His passion for film, his fantastic experience as a programmer, journalist and critic, along with his reputation in the UK and internationally, make him the ideal choice to drive the future success of the Festival.”

Natalie Usher, Director of Film and Media at Creative Scotland, said: “We are delighted by the news of Mark’s appointment. EIFF is a key event in Scotland’s cultural calendar, delivering inspirational, world-class cinema experiences to audiences and providing an excellent platform for emerging and established filmmakers. Mark has the commitment, vision and drive to build on the festival’s strengths and ensure its continuing success.”

Ben Roberts, Director, BFI Film Fund said: “Congratulations to both Mark and the Festival on this appointment. He has the experience, the charm and the passion for film festivals to make a big impact at EIFF. I’m excited to see his first edition in 2015”