Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and newly formed production outfit UNIFIED have today announced they are partnering on a special strand of events as part of the industry programme at this year’s Festival.
UNIFIED was founded this year by award-winning producers Amy Jackson (Aftersun, The Nest), Vice Chair of the EIFF Board, and Lauren Dark (Beast, Night Always Comes) and is focused on developing its film and television slate as well as positioning themselves as go-to UK partners for international coproductions.
The strand will connect new filmmakers with established industry professionals, and explore successful international partnership models. UNIFIED will curate a series of panels and talks, hosting conversations between filmmakers and executives from across the industry. The strand aims to connect exciting new filmmaking talent with high level industry figures, working locally and internationally, in a meaningful way, creating long-term working relationships.
Building on EIFF’s reinvigorated vision under new leadership from CEO and festival director Paul Ridd and festival producer Emma Boa, this year’s Festival will continue to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.
UNIFIED founders Amy Jackson and Lauren Dark have said: ‘We’re delighted to partner with Paul, Emma and the team at EIFF on this exciting new strand and we’re looking forward to sharing an incredible line up and having some great conversations in our favourite city.’
CEO & festival director Paul Ridd has said ‘This new initiative is going to enrich and expand on our industry offering in a meaningful way. Amy and Lauren’s collective networks, passion and expertise is going to make for something really special and unmissable at the heart of our offering, taking our festival to a whole new level of industry relevance and clout. Bring it on.’
Further details on the 2025 Festival will be announced in the next few months. The 78th EIFF will run from 14 to 20 August 2025. Submissions for the Festival are now open via the Festival website. Helmed by CEO and festival director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. Ridd is supported by the EIFF Board, led by chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting; and vice chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun; as well as Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at No Code Studio.
EIFF 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland.
Header Photo: Pictured: Lauren Dark and Amy Jackson. Photo credit Patch Studio
