Robert Carlyle's Directorial Debut To Open Edinburgh International Film Festival

Published 5th May 2015

Actor Robert Carlyle's "marvellously macabre'' directorial debut is to open the Edinburgh International Film Festival, where it will receive its world premiere.

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 festival.

The "darkly humorous Glasgow-set thriller'' also stars Emma Thompson, Ray Winstone, Tom Courtenay, Ashley Jensen and Martin Compston, with some of the cast expected on the red carpet at the opening gala.

Carlyle said he feels honoured his film has been chosen to open the festival.

He said: "After a career-long association with EIFF, it gives me enormous pleasure to have The Legend Of Barney Thomson chosen as opening-night film.

"It really is such an honour for me to have my first feature as director premiered here in Edinburgh at the festival that has played such a huge part in my life.''