The deadline for submissions for the 63rd Edinburgh International Film Festival has now passed, so if you wanted to enter your film for consideration unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until next year. However, that doesn't mean that you can't still get involved in the event albeit at a screening rather than as a star of the show. The Edinburgh International Film Festival showcases feature and short films from all over the world and is an increasingly important date in the film industry calendar that attracts an international melting pot of visitors plus of course, us locals.

Last Year
Some of the highlights from last year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival included the groundbreaking Pixar animation, Wall E, and fellow Oscar-nominated film, The Visitor which were UK premieres. There was also the superb documentary of Phillipe Petit’s tightrope walk between the Twin Towers, Man On The Wire, which won an Edinburgh International Film Festival award way before it went on to scoop a gong at the Oscars.

This Time Around
Two brand new awards have been added to the existing selection for 2009 - Best New International Feature Award and Best International Short Film. The UK Film Council already presents the award for best British Short Film so the new additions add to what is already a really comprehensive list.

Celebrity Patrons
As you might expect for a festival with the gravity of this one they have some heavyweight supporters. Last year, Sir Sean Connery and Tilda Swinton were in town to lend their support to proceedings and you can expect more starry supporters this year too.

Inspiring Others
Media days for students have been an integral part of the itinerary since 2001. This allows young people direct access to some of the best films at the festival as well as offering them the chance to speak to the directors. Tickets for the screenings cost only £3 per student and teachers get to accompany them for free. The full media days which run from 10am-4pm cost £6 per student. These offer the aforementioned screenings with the addition of panels featuring industry experts. So if you are already a firm film fanatic, these are the events for you.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival takes place 17th June - 28th June 2009 at venues across Edinburgh. Click on the link below for more information.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival Official Site