It’s right around this time of year that Scottish fans of cinema are normally licking their lips in anticipation of the Edinburgh International Film Festival… but pesky old coronavirus has put paid to the institution’s 2020 edition. Fortunately, those good souls at EIFF have teamed up with Curzon Home Cinema to bring us an armchair-shaped solution: the Ed Film Fest At Home.

Between 24th June and 5th July, would-be festival goers can enjoy all of the excitement of an array of new cinema releases from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Each day, the festival organisers will be unveiling a new title to watch online for a fee of £9.99 a pop. The films themselves will be available for between two and 12 days and represent the cream of the crop in British and international filmmaking, with some titles also featuring a Q and  A session with those involved.

Some of the goodies on offer include:

  • Rebuilding Paradise – Ron Howard’s moving documentary chronicles how the residents of Paradise, California have struggled to rebuild their lives in the wake of the 2018 wildfire which displaced over 10,000 people, killed 86 more and destroyed 95% of the town’s buildings.
  • Fanny Lye Deliver’d – With Thomas Clay in the director’s chair and Maxine Peak and Charles Dance working their magic in front of the camera, this folk thriller from a 1600s rural setting is guaranteed to be as compelling as it is disconcerting.
  • Young Ahmed – The Dardenne brothers tell this harrowing story of a Belgian student intent on assassinating his schoolteacher after interpreting the Qu’ran in a radical manner.
  • A White, White Day – Helmed by Hlynur Palmason, this Icelandic drama tells the tale of a recently-retired police officer who can’t help but become consumed with suspicions that his late wife was unfaithful.

And that’s just the merest scratch of the surface for what’s in store! The full line-up is due to be announced on Wednesday 17th June, while more information on how to register your interest and reserve your seat can be found at www.edfilmfest.org.uk. While we can’t enjoy EIFF in all its habitual glory, the Ed Film Fest At Home promises to be a welcome stopgap solution in these trying times.