Game of Thrones star, James Cosmo, 'worried' for future of Scottish film festival

The actor spoke on the red carpet of Glasgow Film Festival last night

Author: Alice FaulknerPublished 4th Mar 2023

Games of Thrones and Trainspotting star, James Cosmo, is "very worried" about the future of film festivals in Scotland.

The actor was premiering his new movie, My Sailor My Love, at the Glasgow Film Festival last night.

However, he explained that the Edinburgh counterpart is lesser attended.

Speaking to our reporter on the red carpet, he said: "Glasgow is doing great, but I'm very worried that the Edinburgh Film Festival isn't doing so well.

"People must get behind that because you can't imagine the resonance it brings to communities."

Cultural cuts

It comes as cultural venues across Scotland take funding cuts as councils look to try and balance the books amid the cost of living crisis.

READ MORE: Glasgow theatre group 'saddened' by cut to Tramway opening hours

James added: "I think it's vitally important that the government of whatever stamp supports the cultural enterprise in a community, because that's the face that we present to the world.

"If that funding is cut, that cuts us off in so many ways.

"Arts bring Scotland to the world, and we must to everything to support that."

Unlike previous casting

James is best known for his roles as Campbell in Braveheart, Mr Renton in Trainspotting, and Jeor Mormont in Game of Thrones.

But the star is taking on a different type of character by playing, Howard, in My Sailor My Heart.

He said the romantic film is somewhat unlike his previous castings: "It's only taken six decades to get me here, but I'm just a romcom actor now!"

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