Island Drama To Close Edinburgh International Film Festival

Published 11th May 2015

A drama featuring the island of Iona will close this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), where it will receive its world premiere.

The film - entitled Iona - is set against the backdrop of the Hebridean island and the title character returns to the island with her teenage son to seek refuge from a violent crime in Glasgow.

It stars Ruth Negga and Douglas Henshall, and is directed by Scott Graham. Mr Graham said: "Edinburgh was my home all through my twenties and it was in venues like the Filmhouse and the Cameo where I learned the value of the stories we tell and the emotions we share.

"I'm thrilled Iona will have its premiere here and doubly thrilled it will close the festival. What an honour.''

The film is set for release in the UK later this year after receiving its premiere during the EIFF - in its 69th year - on June 28 at the Festival Theatre.

Mark Adams, EIFF artistic director, said: "We are thrilled to be closing this year's festival with Scott Graham's lovely, moving and enthralling Iona.

"He is a striking cinematic talent and the film will wrap this year's festival in the perfect way.''

Last week, it was announced that actor Robert Carlyle's directorial debut will be the opening film.

The Legend Of Barney Thomson, in which Carlyle also stars, will be screened at the Festival Theatre on June 17, kicking off the 12-day event.