I will soon be starting my role as ‘web editor’ for the 2015 Edinburgh International Film Festival, besides being insanely excited to be involved in such a event – I am now doubly frothing at the mouth to get started.
WHY? The opening night film has just been confirmed as ‘The Legend of Barney Thomson‘. This is a world premiere and the small number of people who have already seen it have told me I’m going to LOVE it!
The film, based on ‘The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson‘ by author Douglas Lindsay is a pitch black comedy that tells the story of Barney (Carlyle), an awkward barber who inadvertently stumbles into serial murder. The book has been reworked into a screenplay by Colin McLaren and Richard Cowan.
Starring alongside Carlyle are Emma Thompson, Ray Winstone and Tom Courtenay.
Why premiere at Edinburgh?
It’s the directorial debut of one of Scotland’s favourite sons, based on a book by a Scottish author. Filming took place in Scotland, with a largely Scottish cast – Where else could have pulled it off but Scotland’s capital city? OK, maybe Glasgow. But congrats to Edinburgh for this prestigious premiere.
“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.”
Robert Carlyle
The supporting cast includes a full on Scottish ARMY of talent:
Release Dates
After the world premiere at the festival on 17 June, the film will be released nationwide late summer 2015 through Icon Film Distribution.
Tickets for the opening Gala go on sale tomorrow (6 MAY 2015) from 10am – get yours here – but be quick.
