Critic Named Film Festival Director

The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has appointed a new artistic director.

Film critic Mark Adams will replace Chris Fujiwara, who stepped down from the role this year.

Mr Adams, who writes reviews for the Sunday Mirror and trade magazine Screen International, said he would help the annual festival develop and grow''.

He was previously head of programming at the National Film Theatre in London and director of cinema at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), also in London.

Next year marks the 69th Edinburgh Film Festival. The celebration of UK and world cinema has seen admissions increase by about a third in recent years.

Mr Adams, who will take up the role in March, 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.''

EIFF chief executive Ken Hay said: 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.''